2 Crônicas 35

2 Crônicas 35

Meyer - Chronicles 35:4, 6, 10, 14, 15, 16 Prepare. No great court function can be carried through successfully, without careful preparation. And Josiah’s passover was so vast and rare a success because of the large amount of previous preparation, as is described in this chapter. The priests and Levites were prepared by careful washings and ceremonial rites. The course of the sacrifices was ordered according to the law of Moses. The routine of sacred song and praise was also provided for. Nothing was left to haphazard or chance. We are taught to rely on the promptings and inspirations of the Holy Spirit; and it is certain that He would use us more on special errands, if we were to trust and obey Him better. But these extraordinary ministries should not lead us to a life of haphazard. We should prepare ourselves for service so far as we may, laying our plans, anticipating the calls and exigencies of coming days, and preparing for the demand which almost certainly will be made on us. We may have to give our special words and addresses and arrangements to the winds; but we shall always need that preparedness of heart which is necessary for those who are to be used of God. Remember what is said of the vessels that were purged from uncleanness, sanctified, meet for the Master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. Be always in your own place, clean so far as you can be, filled with the Holy Ghost, with the handle of your life turned toward the Master’s hand, that at any moment He may take hold of you, and use you for His holy service. By the diligent study of His Word, as well as by earnest prayer and waiting upon God, you will be prepared to do His will. 2 Chronicles 35:5 “Moreover, stand in the holy place according to the sections of the fathers’ households of your brethren the lay people, and according to the Levites, by division of a father’s household. stand: Ps 134:1 135:2 LEVITES CENTRAL ROLE IN THE PASSOVER Moreover, stand in the holy place Stand is a command to the Levites to take their assigned position and be ready to serve. Holy place refers broadly to the sanctified areas of temple service (not just the inner sanctuary) and according to the Levites, by division of a father’s household. The Levites were divided into family units, creating a two-level structure of people (Israel) by households and Levites by divisions of households of your brethren the lay people, Distinguishes the Levites (ministers) from the pPeople of Israel (worshipers). The idea is that the Levites were to position themselves in relation to the people so that each group of Israelites would be served by assigned Levites Payne - “Josiah’s goal was to prevent the sort of confusion that had arisen during the more precipitous reform and Passover of his godly great-grandfather, some 103 years earlier (cf. 30:16-18)” (See The Expositor's Bible Commentary - Abridged Edition: Page 50) 2 Chronicles 35:6 “Now slaughter the Passover animals, sanctify yourselves and prepare for your brethren to do according to the word of the LORD by Moses.” slaughter: 2Ch 30:15-17 Ex 12:6,21,22 Ezr 6:20,21 sanctify: 2Ch 29:5,15,34 30:3,15-19 Ge 35:2 Ex 19:10,15 Nu 19:11-20 Job 1:5 Ps 51:7 Joe 2:16 Heb 9:13,14 PRIESTS TO SLAUGHT, SANCTIFY & PREPARE Now slaughter the Passover animals This refers to the Passover lambs prescribed in Exodus 12. Normally each household brought a lamb. The Levites assisted in the slaughter, especially for those who were ceremonially unclean (cf. 2Ch 30:17) This is the central act of Passover—the sacrifice that commemorated deliverance from Egypt. Spiritually the lamb represents substitutionary sacrifice and ultimately pointed to Christ (1 Corinthians 5:7) Sanctify yourselves - Josiah commands the Levites to set themselves apart, cleanse yourselves, including ritual purification, roral readiness and spiritual focus. Prepare for your brethren to do according to the word of the LORD by Moses - The Levites were not just preparing sacrifices but were preparing on behalf of others, assisting families and ensuring everyone could participate. The lesson to remember is that genuine ministry is other-centered, not self-centered. Do according to the word of the LORD by Moses indicates that Josiah was doing all thing according to God's instructions. Walter Gustafson Their service was to kill the Passover lamb and prepare it for the people while the priests took care of the blood. Although the heads of family households ordinarily killed the Passover animals (Ex 12:3-6, 21), yet the practice of killing by the Levites begun at Hezekiah's Passover is now continued. In 2Ch 30:17 the Levites killed the Passover lambs because some of the people were ritually unclean. The practice seems to have been normalized by the time of Josiah. (What the Bible teaches – 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles) Raymond Dillard adds that "Though the Passover animal was ordinarily slaughtered by the lay offerer (Dt 16:5–6; Exod 12:3–6, 21), the Chronicler understands that Josiah continued the practice of slaughter by the Levites as begun under Hezekiah (see 2Ch 30:13–20). Under Hezekiah this practice was explained as exigency due to the ritual impurity of some participants; the practice has either become normalized by the time of Josiah (Rudolph, 325; C-M, 513; Myers, 212), or we are invited to infer a further exigency, perhaps the sheer number of participants (35:14, 18). (See 2 Chronicles, Volume 15 - Page 290) 2 Chronicles 35:7 Josiah contributed to the lay people, to all who were present, flocks of lambs and young goats, all for the Passover offerings, numbering 30,000 plus 3,000 bulls; these were from the king’s possessions. Josiah: 2Ch 7:8-10 30:24 Isa 32:8 Eze 45:17 gave: 1Ki 8:63 the king's possessions: 1Ki 8:63 1Ch 29:3 Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 30:24 For Hezekiah king of Judah had contributed to the assembly 1,000 bulls and 7,000 sheep, and the princes had contributed to the assembly 1,000 bulls and 10,000 sheep; and a large number of priests consecrated themselves. 2 Chronicles 31:3 He (Hezekiah) also appointed the king’s portion of his goods for the burnt offerings, namely, for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the sabbaths and for the new moons and for the fixed festivals, as it is written in the law of the LORD. JOSIAH'S EXAMPLE OF GENEROUS GIVING Josiah contributed to the lay people, to all who were present, flocks of lambs and young goats, all for the Passover offerings - Josiah personally gave from his own resources to the lay people, the common people of Israel. The point is that Josiah did not merely command worship, but actively enabled the people to participate by removing financial and practical barriers so that everyone can worship. Numbering 30,000 plus 3,000 bulls; these were from the king’s possessions - According to the calculation, that not fewer than ten, nor more than twenty persons, were to join for one kid or lamb, the numbers given on this occasion would suffice for above 400,000 persons. When God's Word got Josiah's heart, it also got his "wallet" for this is a staggering number of sacrificial animals. Josiah's offering was not from taxes, not from temple treasury and not from forced contributions but from his personal wealth. This is surely an example of sacrificial giving and reminds us of the Corinthians whose giving was "not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord (LIKE JOSIAH) and to us by the will of God." (2Co 8:5+) O, who how we need to remember the words of Asaph quoting Jehovah "For every beast of the forest is Mine, The cattle on a thousand hills." (Ps 50:10) Josiah understand this principle! Frederick Mabie: The “voluntary’ contributions of Passover offerings and more made by the king, royal officials, the high priest, temple administrators, and Levitical leaders reflect both the imagery of generosity as well as that of unity and fellowship enjoyed through the sharing of sacrificial meals and communion offerings. The massive amount of offerings and the efforts to account for a large number of those in Judah as well as Israel no doubt play into the summary remark that the Passover had not been celebrated like this before (v. 18). These numbers are about double the offerings noted in conjunction with Hezekiah’s Passover celebration (cf. 30:24), but they pale in comparison to Solomon’s temple-dedication offerings (cf. 7:5). (SEE 1 and 2 Chronicles) 2 Chronicles 35:8 His officers also contributed a freewill offering to the people, the priests and the Levites. Hilkiah and Zechariah and Jehiel, the officials of the house of God, gave to the priests for the Passover offerings 2,600 from the flocks and 300 bulls. his princes: 2Ch 29:31-33 1Ch 29:6-9,17 Ezr 1:6 2:68,69 7:16 8:25-35 Ne 7:70-72 Ps 45:12 Ac 2:44,45 4:34,35 freewill offering: 2Co 8:12 9:7 Hilkiah: 2Ch 34:14-20 rulers: 1Ch 9:20 24:4,5 Jer 29:25,26 Ac 4:1 5:26 His officers also contributed a freewill offering (nedabah) to the people, the priests and the Levites - Officers refers to leaders, officials, princes under Josiah. Freewill offering was a voluntary gift, given willingly, not by command or compulsionThis was not forced giving but was overflowing generosity from the heart but Josiah's officers. Hilkiah and Zechariah and Jehiel, the officials of the house of God, gave to the priests for the Passover offerings 2,600 from the flocks and 300 bulls - These were high-ranking temple leaders. Hilkiah was the high priest who found the Book of the Law (2Ch 34:14). Zechariah and Jehiel were administrators of temple operations. These are not minor figures but represent spiritual leadership at the highest level. 🙏THOUGHT- Here is an important takeaway. When spiritual leaders give generously, it sets a powerful example. Dear pastor/teacher/church leader what does your checkbook look like? Remember the two most important books for worship (other than the Bible of course) are the hymn book and the check book! Raymond Dillard: The same names occur in 2Ch 31:12–13 for Levites who were active during Hezekiah’s reign; these individuals having those names during Josiah’s reign (2Ch 35:9) were probably the grandsons of those mentioned earlier, a fact providing evidence for the practice of papponymy in monarchic Israel. (SEE 2 Chronicles, Volume 15 - Page 290) Andrew Hill: The royal “officials” are probably members of Josiah’s “cabinet,” including princes and appointees to posts such as the recorder, secretary, chief of staff over the army, and advisers (cf. the list of David’s officials, 2 Sam. 8:15-18). The temple administrators are senior priests in charge of the Levitical divisions and the musical and service guilds. (See First and Second Chronicles - Page 215) Peter Wallace: In the Law, it appears that each family was supposed to bring its own lamb, but by Josiah’s day, it is clear that the king and his officials are providing the sacrifices. The bulls would be for burnt offerings and peace offerings The lambs, of course, would be for the Passover itself – one lamb per household (although small households could share). If Josiah contributed 30,000 lambs and young goats, and the officers and chiefs contributed 7,600, that would suggest that around 37,600 households were present for the Passover. Since “best guess” estimates for the whole population of Judah at this time would be around 300,000 – these numbers may well be exactly on target, since not everyone from the whole country would be there – and they would have some extras from around Israel. Freewill offering (05071) nedabah from verb nadab = to incite willingly = the free, voluntary desire of the heart to give of oneself or of one’s resources to the service of the Lord - Ex 25:2, 35:21, 1Chr 29:6, Ezra 1:6) is a feminine noun meaning willingness, a freewill offering, a voluntary gift and is from the root ndb which describes "an uncompelled and free movement of the will unto divine service or sacrifice." (TWOT) A freewill offering is one that is voluntary and not compulsory, prompted only by the impulse of the donor. The psalmist uses nedabah figuratively praying "O accept the freewill offerings (Lxx = ekousia = voluntary, done without compulsion, of one's own free will) of my mouth." (Ps119:108) In Ps 68:9 nedabah describes a "plentiful (Lxx = ekousia - voluntary, spontaneous) rain." EXCURSUS ON FREEWILL OFFERING - The freewill offering was a voluntary gift given to the LORD from a willing and stirred heart, not out of obligation, vow, or compulsion, though still regulated by God’s law. Its defining feature was inner motivation—“everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought the LORD’s contribution” (Exodus 35:21; cf. 35:29). It could take several forms. Most commonly it was a sacrifice—a burnt or peace offering (Leviticus 22:18, 21; Ezekiel 46:12)—offered from the herd or flock, generally without blemish (Leviticus 22:21), often accompanied by grain and drink offerings (Numbers 15:1–10). As part of the peace offering system, the freewill offering could be eaten on the day of sacrifice or the next (Leviticus 7:16–18). In addition to animal sacrifices, it also included material gifts and resources for God’s work, such as the offerings for the tabernacle (Exodus 35:21–29; 36:3–7), the temple in David’s day (1 Chronicles 29:5–9, 14), support for temple service under Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 31:14), and contributions for the rebuilt temple after the exile (Ezra 1:4; 3:5; 7:16; 8:28). Although it could be given at any time, freewill offerings were often associated with major feasts, such as the Feast of Weeks (Deuteronomy 16:10) and other appointed times (Leviticus 23:37–38; Ezra 3:4–5). Like all sacrifices, they were to be offered in the place God chose (Deuteronomy 12), not according to personal preference or pagan practice. Unlike vows (Deuteronomy 23:21–23), the freewill offering arose purely from spontaneous devotion, and was not to be used for self-display or empty religion (Amos 4:5). Thus, throughout Scripture, it represents worship that flows freely from gratitude and love for God, a principle that continues under the New Covenant, where giving is likewise to be voluntary and joyful—“each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart… for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). 2 Chronicles 35:9 Conaniah also, and Shemaiah and Nethanel, his brothers, and Hashabiah and Jeiel and Jozabad, the officers of the Levites, contributed to the Levites for the Passover offerings 5,000 from the flocks and 500 bulls. gave: Heb. offered, Isa 1:10-15 Jer 3:10 7:21-28 Mic 6:6-8 MORE GENEROUS GIVING Conaniah also, and Shemaiah and Nethanel, his brothers, and Hashabiah and Jeiel and Jozabad, the officers of the Levites, contributed to the Levites for the Passover offerings 5,000 from the flocks and 500 bulls. - A cascading wave of generosity—from king, to leaders, to servants—resulting in one of the greatest acts of unified worship in Israel’s history. 2 Chronicles 35:10 So the service was prepared, and the priests stood at their stations and the Levites by their divisions according to the king’s command. the priests: 2Ch 35:4,5 30:16 Ezr 6:18 THE PASSOVER WAS NOW PREPARED So the service was prepared, and the priests stood at their stations and the Levites by their divisions according to the king’s command - Everything Josiah commanded has now come together. It marks the transition from preparation to execution, and it highlights order, readiness, and obedience in worship. Raymond Dillard: For a time the temple would have become a slaughterhouse, a stream of celebrants coming to receive animals for use in their observances. After the animals were slain and skinned, the Levites removed those portions used as burnt offerings and gave them to the family representatives who would present them to the priests for the burning. Details of this ritual are not prescribed in legislation pertaining to Passover; rather, the appeal to what was “written in the book of Moses” (35:12) probably pertains to provisions for fellowship offerings, the fat portions of which were burned on the altar (Lev 3:6–16); the burnt offerings and fat offerings (35:14) may refer to the same thing (Keil, 502; Williamson, 407). (SEE 2 Chronicles, Volume 15 - Page 291) 2 Chronicles 35:11 They slaughtered the Passover animals, and while the priests sprinkled the blood received from their hand, the Levites skinned them. the priests: 2Ch 29:22-24 30:16 Lev 1:5,6 Nu 18:3,7 Heb 9:21,22 skinned them: 2Ch 29:34 Related Passages 2 Chronicles 29:34 But the priests were too few, so that they were unable to skin all the burnt offerings; therefore their brothers the Levites helped them until the work was completed and until the other priests had consecrated themselves. For the Levites were more conscientious to consecrate themselves than the priests. READY, SET, SLAUGHTER AND SPRINKLE They slaughtered the Passover animals, and while the priests sprinkled the blood received from their hand, the Levites skinned them - The priests were responsible for handling the blood of the sacrifices, as commanded in the Law of Moses (Lev 1:5). The sprinkling of the blood symbolized atonement, for as Leviticus 17:11+ teaches, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls.” The Levites, meanwhile, assisted by skinning the animals and preparing them for the meal, ensuring that the Passover was carried out in accordance with the Law. This verse also highlights the spirit of order and cooperation that characterized Josiah’s Passover. The priests and Levites worked together in obedience to God’s Word, and the people participated in worship that was both reverent and joyful. In short 2 Chronicles 35:11 is not just a record of ritual detail it is a picture of atonement (cf Day of Atonement), obedience, and unity in worship. 2 Chronicles 35:12 Then they removed the burnt offerings that they might give them to the sections of the fathers’ households of the lay people to present to the LORD, as it is written in the book of Moses. They did this also with the bulls. as it is written: Lev 3:3,5,9-11,14-16 Then they removed the burnt offerings that they might give them to the sections of the fathers’ households of the lay people to present to the LORD, as it is written in the book of Moses. They did this also with the bulls. - The Levites and priests carefully organized the sacrifices so that each family group among the people could offer their portion to the Lord in the proper way. The phrase “removed the burnt offerings” refers to setting aside or distributing the animals that had been consecrated for sacrifice. These were then given to the “sections of the fathers’ households”—that is, to the family divisions of the lay people—so that each group could personally participate in offering their sacrifices to God, just as the Law of Moses prescribed. The same procedure was followed for the bulls, which were also part of the sacrificial offerings. The priests and Levites were not acting according to their own ideas but “as it is written in the book of Moses.” Spiritually, this verse also illustrates the unity and participation of God’s people in worship. Each family had a role in presenting offerings to the Lord, symbolizing that all Israel was renewing its covenant relationship with Him. 2 Chronicles 35:13 So they roasted the Passover animals on the fire according to the ordinance, and they boiled the holy things in pots, in kettles, in pans, and carried them speedily to all the lay people. roasted: Ex 12:8,9 De 16:7 Ps 22:14 La 1:12,13 sod: Lev 6:28 Nu 6:19 1Sa 2:13-15 divided them speedily: Heb. made them run, Ro 12:11 So they roasted the Passover animals on the fire according to the ordinance, and they boiled the holy things in pots, in kettles, in pans, and carried them speedily to all the lay people. Iain Duguid: most detail relates to the Levites, who acted on behalf of the people in the flaying, cooking, and distributing (vv. 11c, 12–14a, 14c–15). The two aspects of the ceremony can be seen in the sacrificing on the altar (vv. 11–12, 16) and the meal (vv. 13–15). Andrew Hill: The term “roasted” (bsl, 35:13a) is a general word for cooking food either by boiling or by roasting. The original Passover meal was cooked by roasting (Ex. 12:8; Deut. 16:7). Certain other types of offerings included in fellowship meals were boiled in clay pots (e.g., Ex. 29:31; Lev. 6:28). It seems the Passover celebration combined both types of cooked food offerings. J.A. Thompson: There is a note of selflessness here. After all the people had been attended to, the Levites could provide for themselves and for the priests. The enormity of the task for the priests is demonstrated by the fact that they were sacrificing the burnt offerings and the fat portions till nightfall. 2 Chronicles 35:14 Afterwards they prepared for themselves and for the priests, because the priests, the sons of Aaron, were offering the burnt offerings and the fat until night; therefore the Levites prepared for themselves and for the priests, the sons of Aaron. because the priests: Ac 6:2-4 LEVITES PREPARE A PLATE FOR THE PRIESTS Afterwards they prepared for themselves and for the priests, because the priests, the sons of Aaron, were offering the burnt offerings and the fat until night; therefore the Levites prepared for themselves and for the priests, the sons of Aaron - this verse describes how the Levites, who were assisting in the Passover sacrifices, took care to ensure that both they and the priests were provided for after the people’s offerings had been completed. The priests, descendants of Aaron, were so busy offering the burnt offerings and the fat portions on the altar that they had no time to prepare their own Passover meals. The Levites, therefore, took responsibility to prepare the Passover portions for the priests as well as for themselves. This act of service ensured that everyone—priests, Levites, and laypeople—could participate in the feast according to God’s command. 2 Chronicles 35:15 The singers, the sons of Asaph, were also at their stations according to the command of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun the king’s seer; and the gatekeepers at each gate did not have to depart from their service, because the Levites their brethren prepared for them. according: 2Ch 29:25,26 1Ch 16:41,42 23:5 25:1-7 Ps 77:1 78:1 79:1 *titles gatekeepers: 1Ch 9:17-19 26:14-19 EACH FULFILLED HIS ROLE IN THE CELEBRATION The singers, the sons of Asaph, were also at their stations according to the command of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun the king’s seer; and the gatekeepers at each gate did not have to depart from their service, because the Levites their brethren prepared for them - This verse highlights how every group within the temple service, singers, gatekeepers, and Levites, fulfilled their assigned roles exactly as God had ordained through David and his appointed leaders. The “sons of Asaph” were the temple musicians, descendants of Asaph, who had been appointed by King David to lead worship through song and music (see 1Ch 25:1–2). Alongside Asaph, David had also appointed Heman and Jeduthun (also called Ethan) as prophetic musicians who led Israel in praise and thanksgiving. Their ministry was not entertainment but sacred service, meant to glorify God and lead the people in worship. 2 Chronicles 35:16 So all the service of the LORD was prepared on that day to celebrate the Passover, and to offer burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD according to the command of King Josiah. SUMMARY STATEMENT OF THE PASSOVER So all the service of the LORD was prepared on that day to celebrate the Passover, and to offer burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD according to the command of King Josiah - This verse emphasizes that everything was done in proper order and in full obedience to both the Law of Moses and the leadership of Josiah, who sought to restore true worship in Judah. 2 Chronicles 35:17 Thus the sons of Israel who were present celebrated the Passover at that time, and the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days. the feast: 2Ch 30:21-23 Ex 12:15-20 13:6,7 23:15 34:18 Lev 23:5-8 Nu 28:16-25 De 16:3,4,8 1Co 5:7,8 OBEDIENCE TO OBSERVE PASSOVER AND FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD Thus the sons of Israel who were present celebrated the Passover at that time, and the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days - emphasizes that all those Israelites who were present—those who had gathered in Jerusalem from Judah and from the remnants of the northern tribes—faithfully observed both the Passover and the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread, just as God had commanded through Moses. See also Feast of Unleavened Bread David