Bible Commentaries
2 Chronicles 35

Introduction

Overview

2 Chronicles 35:1, Josiah keeps a most solemn passover; 2 Chronicles 35:20, He provoking Pharaoh-necho, is slain at Megiddo; 2 Chronicles 35:25, Lamentations for Josiah.

Verse 1

Josiah: The whole solemnity was performed with great exactness according to the law, and upon that account there was none like it since Samuel's time; for even in Hezekiah's passover there were several irregularities. Bp. Patrick observes, that in this also it exceeded the other passovers which preceding things had kept, that though Josiah was by no means so rich as David, or Solomon, or Jehoshaphat, yet he furnished the congregation with beasts for sacrifice, both paschal and eucharistical, at his own proper cost and charge, which was more than any king ever did before. 2 Chronicles 30:1-27, 2 Kings 23:21-23

the fourteenth: Exodus 12:6, Numbers 9:3, Deuteronomy 16:1-8, Ezra 6:19, Ezekiel 45:21, Josiah's solemnization of the passover, which is merely alluded to at 2 Kings 23:21, is very particularly related her, while the destruction of idolatry is largely related in the Kings, and here only touched upon. The feasts of the Lord God, appointed by the ceremonial law, were very numerous; but the passover was the chief. It was the first which was solemnized in the night wherein Israel came out of Egypt, and ushered in those which were afterwards instituted, and it was the last great feast which was held in the night wherein Christ was betrayed, before the vail of the temple was rent in twain. Be means of this feast, both Josiah and Hezekiah revived religion in their day.

Reciprocal: Numbers 9:2 - his appointed Jeremiah 3:10 - Judah Matthew 1:10 - Josias

Verse 2

charges: 2 Chronicles 23:8, 2 Chronicles 23:18, 2 Chronicles 31:2, Numbers 18:5-7, 1 Chronicles 24:1-31, Ezra 6:18

encouraged: 2 Chronicles 29:5-11, 2 Chronicles 31:2, 1 Chronicles 22:19

Reciprocal: Joshua 3:8 - command 2 Kings 12:4 - said to the priests

Verse 3

the Levites: 2 Chronicles 17:8, 2 Chronicles 17:9, 2 Chronicles 30:22, Deuteronomy 33:10, Nehemiah 8:7, Nehemiah 8:8, Malachi 2:7

Put: 2 Chronicles 8:11, 2 Chronicles 34:14

in the house: 2 Chronicles 5:7

not be: Numbers 4:15-49, 1 Chronicles 23:26

serve now: Numbers 8:19, Numbers 16:9, Numbers 16:10, 2 Corinthians 4:5

Reciprocal: 2 Kings 23:22 - of the kings 1 Chronicles 15:2 - None ought to 1 Chronicles 23:28 - purifying 2 Chronicles 17:7 - to teach 2 Chronicles 30:17 - the Levites Nehemiah 8:9 - the Levites

Verse 4

the houses: 1 Chronicles 9:10-34, Nehemiah 11:10-20

after your courses: The regulations formed by David, and established by Solomon, concerning the courses of the priests and Levites, were committed to writing, and preserved, for them to refer to continually. Josiah, as well as Hezekiah, required the priests and Levites to attend to their several duties, and encouraged them therein, but he neither added, altered, not retrenched anything: he merely enforced what had been established in the law, and in the regulations made by David and the contemporary prophets: "the commandment of the king....was by the word of the Lord." 1 Chronicles 23:1 - 1 Chronicles 26:32

and according: 2 Chronicles 8:14

Reciprocal: 2 Chronicles 5:11 - wait by course 2 Chronicles 35:10 - the priests Ezra 6:18 - the priests

Verse 5

And stand: Psalms 134:1, Psalms 135:2

families of the fathers: Heb. house of the fathers

people: Heb. sons of the people.

Reciprocal: Exodus 12:21 - and take 2 Chronicles 35:10 - the priests Ezra 6:18 - the priests

Verse 6

So kill: 2 Chronicles 30:15-17, Exodus 12:6, Exodus 12:21, Exodus 12:22, Ezra 6:20, Ezra 6:21

sanctify: 2 Chronicles 29:5, 2 Chronicles 29:15, 2 Chronicles 29:34, 2 Chronicles 30:3, 2 Chronicles 30:15-19, Genesis 35:2, Exodus 19:10, Exodus 19:15, Numbers 19:11-20, Job 1:5, Psalms 51:7, Joel 2:16, Hebrews 9:13, Hebrews 9:14

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 15:12 - sanctify

Verse 7

Josiah: 2 Chronicles 7:8-10, 2 Chronicles 30:24, Isaiah 32:8, Ezekiel 45:17

gave: Heb. offered, 1 Kings 8:63

thirty thousand: 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.

the king's substance: 1 Kings 8:63, 1 Chronicles 29:3

Reciprocal: Exodus 12:3 - lamb Leviticus 23:38 - and beside Deuteronomy 16:2 - sacrifice 2 Samuel 6:19 - he dealt 1 Chronicles 16:3 - to every one 2 Chronicles 7:5 - a sacrifice Jeremiah 22:15 - eat Ezekiel 36:38 - as the flock Mark 12:44 - cast in of

Verse 8

his princes: 2 Chronicles 29:31-33, 1 Chronicles 29:6-9, 1 Chronicles 29:17, Ezra 1:6, Ezra 2:68, Ezra 2:69, Ezra 7:16, Ezra 8:25-35, Nehemiah 7:70-72, Psalms 45:12, Acts 2:44, Acts 2:45, Acts 4:34, Acts 4:35

gave: Heb. offered

willingly: 2 Corinthians 8:12, 2 Corinthians 9:7

Hilkiah: 2 Chronicles 34:14-20

rulers: 1 Chronicles 9:20, 1 Chronicles 24:4, 1 Chronicles 24:5, Jeremiah 29:25, Jeremiah 29:26, Acts 4:1, Acts 5:26

Reciprocal: Leviticus 23:38 - and beside Numbers 7:2 - offered Numbers 8:22 - after that 2 Samuel 6:19 - he dealt 1 Chronicles 6:13 - Hilkiah 1 Chronicles 16:3 - to every one 2 Chronicles 30:24 - did give Jeremiah 20:1 - chief Jeremiah 22:15 - eat Ezekiel 45:17 - the prince's Mark 12:44 - cast in of John 18:28 - eat

Verse 9

gave: Heb. offered, Isaiah 1:10-15, Jeremiah 3:10, Jeremiah 7:21-28, Micah 6:6-8

Verse 10

the priests: 2 Chronicles 35:4, 2 Chronicles 35:5, 2 Chronicles 30:16, Ezra 6:18

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 23:6 - divided 2 Chronicles 8:14 - the Levites Ezekiel 44:11 - shall slay Matthew 26:19 - and they

Verse 11

the priests: 2 Chronicles 29:22-24, 2 Chronicles 30:16, Leviticus 1:5, Leviticus 1:6, Numbers 18:3, Numbers 18:7, Hebrews 9:21, Hebrews 9:22

flayed them: 2 Chronicles 29:34

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 23:28 - purifying Ezra 6:20 - killed Ezekiel 44:11 - shall slay Matthew 26:19 - and they

Verse 12

as it is written: Leviticus 3:3, Leviticus 3:5, Leviticus 3:9-11, Leviticus 3:14-16

Reciprocal: Joshua 8:31 - as it is 2 Samuel 6:19 - he dealt Jeremiah 22:15 - eat

Verse 13

roasted: Exodus 12:8, Exodus 12:9, Deuteronomy 16:7, Psalms 22:14, Lamentations 1:12, Lamentations 1:13

sod: Leviticus 6:28, Numbers 6:19, 1 Samuel 2:13-15

divided them speedily: Heb. made them run, Romans 12:11

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 6:19 - he dealt Ezekiel 46:20 - boil the trespass

Verse 14

because the priests: Acts 6:2-4

Reciprocal: Leviticus 3:5 - Aaron's

Verse 15

place: Heb. station

according: 2 Chronicles 29:25, 2 Chronicles 29:26, 1 Chronicles 16:41, 1 Chronicles 16:42, 1 Chronicles 23:5, 1 Chronicles 25:1-7, Psalms 77:1, Psalms 78:1, Psalms 79:1, *titles

the porters: 1 Chronicles 9:17-19, 1 Chronicles 26:14-19

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 20:26 - chief ruler 1 Chronicles 2:6 - Heman 1 Chronicles 6:32 - and then 1 Chronicles 6:39 - Asaph 1 Chronicles 9:16 - Obadiah 2 Chronicles 30:16 - they stood Ezra 3:10 - the sons of Asaph

Verse 16

Reciprocal: Genesis 45:21 - commandment

Verse 17

present: Heb. found

the feast: 2 Chronicles 30:21-23, Exodus 12:15-20, Exodus 13:6, Exodus 13:7, Exodus 23:15, Exodus 34:18, Leviticus 23:5-8, Numbers 28:16-25, Deuteronomy 16:3, Deuteronomy 16:4, Deuteronomy 16:8, 1 Corinthians 5:7, 1 Corinthians 5:8

Reciprocal: Ezra 6:22 - the feast Isaiah 17:7 - General John 18:28 - eat

Verse 18

there was no passover: Not one on purer principles, more heartily joined in by the people present, more literally or exactly consecrated, according to the law, or more religiously observed. The words do not refer to the number present, but to the manner and spirit. 2 Chronicles 30:5, 2 Kings 23:21-23

neither did: 2 Chronicles 30:26, 2 Chronicles 30:27

Reciprocal: Leviticus 23:5 - General 2 Kings 23:22 - Surely 2 Chronicles 21:2 - Israel Nehemiah 8:17 - done so Ecclesiastes 2:21 - whose Isaiah 17:7 - General John 18:28 - eat

Verse 19

Reciprocal: Leviticus 23:5 - General 2 Kings 23:22 - Surely

Verse 20

am 3394, bc 610

temple: Heb. house

Necho: Pharaoh, the lame, says the Targumist. 2 Kings 23:29, 2 Kings 23:30, Pharaoh-necho, Jeremiah 46:2-12

Charchemish: Isaiah 10:9

Verse 21

What: 2 Samuel 16:10, Matthew 8:29, John 2:4

house wherewith I have war: Heb. house of my war

God: 2 Kings 18:25, Isaiah 36:10

forbear thee: 2 Chronicles 25:19

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 17:18 - What have I 2 Kings 14:10 - why shouldest 2 Chronicles 35:22 - the mouth Jeremiah 46:2 - Pharaohnecho

Verse 22

Nevertheless: Josiah's conduct in this affair has been treated with great severity; and he has been charged with engaging rashly in an unjust war, and disregarding the express command of God. But Scripture no where condemns him; and Pharaoh, in marching through Josiah's territories, against his will, certainly committed an act of hostility. It is evident that Josiah was in possession of the whole land of Israel - 2 Chronicles 26:6, and probably he held the northern parts of it as a grant from the king of Babylon; and was not only in alliance with him, but bound to guard his frontiers against hostile invaders. He may, therefore, be fairly justified from the charge of unjustly meddling in a war that did not belong him. It is true the ambassadors assured Josiah, that "God had commanded Pharaoh to make haste;" and he is therefore said not to have "hearkened to the words of Necho, from the mouth of God." But Necho produced no proof that he was a prophet of Jehovah; and the word he employed, elohim, may denote gods or idols; and critics have noticed that the expression, "from the mouth of God," is not used when the true God is meant.

but disguised: 2 Chronicles 18:29, 1 Kings 14:2, 1 Kings 22:30, 1 Kings 22:34

the mouth: 2 Chronicles 35:21, 2 Chronicles 18:4-6, Joshua 9:14

Megiddo: Judges 5:19, 2 Kings 9:27, 2 Kings 23:30, Zechariah 12:11, Megiddon, Revelation 16:16, Armageddon

Reciprocal: Joshua 17:11 - Megiddo 1 Kings 9:15 - Megiddo 1 Kings 22:12 - Go up 1 Chronicles 7:29 - Megiddo 2 Chronicles 36:12 - the mouth

Verse 23

the archers: 2 Chronicles 18:33, Genesis 49:23, 2 Kings 9:24, Lamentations 3:13

wounded: Heb. made sick, 1 Kings 22:34, 2 Kings 8:29

Reciprocal: 2 Chronicles 18:29 - the king Jeremiah 22:10 - Weep ye

Verse 24

the second: Genesis 41:43

they: 2 Kings 23:30

died: Psalms 36:6, Ecclesiastes 8:14, Ecclesiastes 9:1, Ecclesiastes 9:2

in one of the: or, among the, 2 Chronicles 34:28

Judah: Zechariah 12:11

Reciprocal: Genesis 27:41 - The days Numbers 20:29 - General 2 Kings 9:28 - General 2 Chronicles 16:14 - his own sepulchres Isaiah 57:1 - righteous

Verse 25

Jeremiah: Jeremiah 22:10, Lamentations 4:20

all the singing: Job 3:8, Ecclesiastes 12:5, Jeremiah 9:17-21, Matthew 9:23

and made them: Jeremiah 22:20

Reciprocal: Genesis 23:2 - mourn Numbers 20:29 - General 2 Samuel 1:17 - lamented Isaiah 22:12 - call Jeremiah 4:21 - shall I Jeremiah 22:18 - They Ezekiel 19:1 - the princes Ezekiel 28:12 - take up Ezekiel 32:16 - General Micah 2:4 - and lament Acts 8:2 - made

Verse 26

goodness: Heb. kindness, 2 Chronicles 31:20, 2 Chronicles 32:32

Reciprocal: 2 Chronicles 34:14 - the law

Verse 27

deeds: 2 Chronicles 20:34, 2 Chronicles 24:27, 2 Chronicles 25:26, 2 Chronicles 26:22, 2 Chronicles 32:32, 2 Chronicles 33:19, 2 Kings 10:34, 2 Kings 16:19, 2 Kings 20:20, 2 Kings 21:25

Reciprocal: 2 Chronicles 16:11 - Judah Ezra 6:19 - kept Jeremiah 1:2 - in the days Zephaniah 1:1 - in the days Matthew 25:16 - went