The Book of 2 Chronicles, Chapter 35: A Comprehensive Explanation

 The Book of 2 Chronicles, Chapter 35: A Comprehensive Explanation

Introduction: 2 Chronicles 35 presents a significant chapter in the historical and religious life of Israel, focusing on the reign of King Josiah and his reforms. Josiah, known for his piety and efforts to return Israel to proper worship practices, is one of the most revered kings in the history of Judah. Chapter 35 recounts several key events during his reign, including the celebration of the Passover, his attempts to purify the nation, and his confrontation with Pharaoh Necho of Egypt. This chapter is crucial for understanding the spiritual and political landscape of Judah during Josiah's reign.

The Historical Context of 2 Chronicles: The Chronicler, who is traditionally believed to be Ezra, wrote the books of Chronicles with a specific purpose: to encourage the post-exilic community to return to God and adhere to the laws of the covenant. The book covers the history of Israel and Judah from the reign of King David to the Babylonian exile. In the case of 2 Chronicles, the focus is on the southern kingdom of Judah. By the time we reach chapter 35, the Northern Kingdom of Israel has already fallen to Assyria (722 BCE), and Judah, though relatively stable under Josiah, is on the brink of its own downfall due to its failure to heed God's warnings.

Josiah's reign (640–609 BCE) is portrayed as a period of religious reform and national renewal, though, as the Chronicler notes, the reform efforts were ultimately unsuccessful in halting the spiritual decline of the nation.

The Passover Celebration (2 Chronicles 35:1-19): One of the most significant actions in chapter 35 is the celebration of the Passover, which is detailed in the first part of the chapter. Josiah's decision to reinstate the Passover marks a high point in the religious revival of Judah, underscoring his commitment to restoring the worship practices that had been neglected for years.

1. The Revival of Passover (Verses 1-6): Josiah's reign is marked by an extraordinary effort to restore proper worship, and the observance of the Passover is central to his reforms. The king commands the people of Judah to celebrate the Passover as prescribed in the Law of Moses (Exodus 12:1-14; Leviticus 23:5). The Chronicler highlights that Josiah does not merely restore the ritual; he calls for the gathering of all the people of Judah, including the Levites, and organizes the event with meticulous attention to detail. He orders the priests and Levites to purify themselves and make preparations for the offering of sacrifices.

The sacrifices are to be made by the people of Judah, who are also commanded to slaughter the lambs and goats for the feast. The king's attention to the purity and organization of the event reflects the seriousness with which he approaches his duty to restore Israel's faithfulness to God.

2. The Role of the Levites and Priests (Verses 7-10): Josiah takes further steps to ensure that the Levites and priests are fully involved in the proper observance of the Passover. The Levites, who had traditionally served as the religious leaders of Israel, are given specific instructions regarding their duties in the sacrificial system. They are charged with preparing the sacrifices and leading the people in the worship of God.

This emphasis on the role of the Levites reflects the importance of their priestly functions, which had been compromised by previous kings who had introduced foreign idols and practices into Judah. Josiah’s leadership effectively restores the priestly order and helps revive the proper observance of Israel's religious rituals.

3. The Celebration of the Passover (Verses 11-19): The actual celebration of the Passover in Josiah’s time is described as one of the most grandiose and well-organized celebrations in Judah's history. The people of Judah, under the king’s direction, follow the instructions laid out in the Law of Moses. The lambs and goats are slaughtered, the sacrifices are offered, and the people eat the meal in the prescribed manner. The feast lasts for seven days, and the entire nation rejoices in the Lord's provision.

This Passover celebration is noted as unparalleled in Israel's history. Not only does it symbolize the nation’s deliverance from Egypt, but it also marks a moment of spiritual renewal for a nation that had long been estranged from its religious heritage. The Chronicler makes it clear that this was an exceptional event, one that set the standard for future generations of Judahites.

Josiah’s Reforms and the Battle with Egypt (2 Chronicles 35:20-27): After the Passover, the Chronicler shifts the focus of the narrative to the confrontation between King Josiah and Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt. This conflict is part of a broader regional struggle, where Egypt sought to exert control over the territory of Judah, while the growing power of Babylon was beginning to challenge Egypt’s influence.

1. The Intervention of Pharaoh Necho (Verses 20-21): As Josiah is attempting to strengthen Judah’s religious identity, he becomes involved in international politics. Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt is on a military campaign, traveling through Judah to engage in a battle with the Babylonians at Carchemish. Necho sends messengers to Josiah, warning him not to interfere with his plans. He tells Josiah that God has commanded him to act, and thus, the king of Judah should not stand in his way.

This message is significant because it highlights the growing tension between the powers of the ancient Near East. Necho, representing the Egyptian Empire, was one of the dominant forces in the region, while Babylon was rising in power under King Nebuchadnezzar. Josiah, however, does not heed the warning of Pharaoh Necho.

2. Josiah’s Decision to Intervene (Verses 22-23): Josiah, in a misguided attempt to protect Judah from the growing Egyptian threat, chooses to go to battle against Pharaoh Necho, despite the divine warning. The Chronicler does not provide extensive details on Josiah's motivations, but it is clear that Josiah’s actions, in defiance of God's directive through Pharaoh Necho, will have tragic consequences.

Josiah's attempt to confront the Egyptians results in a tragic battle at Megiddo, where he is mortally wounded by an arrow. His death represents a turning point in the history of Judah, signaling the end of the reform movement that he had spearheaded.

3. The Death of Josiah (Verses 24-27): Josiah’s death is a significant moment in the history of Judah. The Chronicler tells us that Josiah’s officers hastily transport his body back to Jerusalem, where he is mourned by the people of Judah. The nation is deeply affected by his death, and the mourning is described as profound, with the people of Judah lamenting over their lost king. The mourning includes the famous lamentation, "Alas, my brother!" which is also recorded in the books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel.

Josiah’s death marks the end of an era of religious revival in Judah. The reforms that Josiah had worked so hard to implement would soon be undone by his successors, who would fall back into idolatry and lead the nation into spiritual decline. Nevertheless, Josiah’s legacy of faithfulness to God remains an important model for future generations.

Key Themes in 2 Chronicles 35: Several important themes emerge in this chapter, shedding light on both the character of Josiah and the fate of Judah.

1. The Centrality of the Passover: The restoration of the Passover under Josiah emphasizes the central role of the covenant in the life of Israel. By reinstating this important feast, Josiah seeks to remind the people of Judah of God's deliverance from Egypt and His continued faithfulness to His covenant. The Passover serves as a symbol of both national and spiritual renewal.

2. The Importance of Obedience to God’s Commandments: The conflict with Pharaoh Necho serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience. Josiah, despite his devotion to God, makes a critical mistake in disregarding a direct message from God delivered through Pharaoh Necho. His failure to listen to God’s warning leads to his untimely death and sets the stage for Judah's eventual downfall.

3. The Role of the King in Spiritual Reform: Josiah’s reign highlights the impact that a righteous king can have on a nation’s spiritual life. The reform efforts led by Josiah demonstrate that the actions of a single leader can have a profound effect on the entire nation, especially when that leader is committed to upholding the covenant with God.

4. Mourning the Loss of a Righteous Leader: The mourning over Josiah's death illustrates the deep connection between the king and the people of Judah. Josiah's death leaves a void in leadership, and the people’s mourning reflects their loss of a righteous king who had led them back to faithfulness.

Conclusion: 2 Chronicles 35 provides a powerful narrative of religious revival, national renewal, and tragic loss. Josiah’s reign stands as a high point in the history of Judah, demonstrating the importance of covenant faithfulness, the centrality of proper worship, and the significance of listening to God's direction. Despite Josiah’s efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh, the ultimate fate of Judah was sealed due to the continued disobedience of future generations. Josiah's reforms, while significant, were ultimately insufficient to turn the hearts of the people back to God on a lasting basis. His death marks the beginning of a tragic decline for Judah, and the consequences of his failure to heed God's warning through Pharaoh Necho lead to the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the people to Babylon. Nevertheless, Josiah