2 Chronicles 35:1

“Moreover Josiah kept a passover unto the LORD in Jerusalem: and they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month.”

Historical Context: 2 Chronicles 35 is part of the account of King Josiah’s reign in Judah. Josiah was a righteous king who sought to bring spiritual revival to the nation. He took measures to restore the worship of the Lord and to cleanse the land from idolatry.

• Significance of Passover:

The Passover was a significant feast in the Jewish calendar. It commemorated the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and the sparing of their firstborn when God passed over the houses marked with the blood of the lamb (Exodus 12:1-14). The Passover was a reminder of God’s faithfulness, His redemptive work, and His covenant with His people.

Josiah’s Passover Celebration: Josiah’s decision to keep a Passover unto the Lord in Jerusalem was an important event during his reign. It demonstrated his commitment to the Lord and his desire to follow God’s commands. This Passover observance was a continuation of Josiah’s efforts to restore the true worship of God and reestablish the nation’s covenantal relationship with Him.

Observance of Passover on the Correct Date: According to the Law of Moses, the Passover was to be celebrated on the fourteenth day of the first month of the Jewish calendar (Leviticus 23:5). Josiah made sure that the Passover was observed on the correct date, indicating his attention to detail and his adherence to God’s instructions.

• Reverence for God’s Appointed Times: The story of Josiah’s Passover teaches us the importance of observing God’s appointed times and seasons. It reminds us to honour and respect the times of worship and celebration that God has established.
• Commitment to God’s Word: Josiah’s commitment to keeping the Passover on the correct date reveals his dedication to following God’s Word. As believers, we should also seek to align our lives with God’s instructions and demonstrate obedience to His commands.
• Remembering God’s Faithfulness: The Passover was a time for the Israelites to remember and celebrate God’s faithfulness. Similarly, we should regularly reflect on God’s faithfulness in our own lives, His redemptive work through Jesus Christ, and the freedom we have received through His sacrifice.
• Restoration of True Worship: Josiah’s Passover was part of his efforts to restore the true worship of God and remove idolatry from the land. It serves as a reminder for us to continually evaluate our own lives and ensure that we are worshiping God alone and removing anything that hinders our relationship with Him.

Remember to read the surrounding verses and explore additional commentaries and resources to gain a deeper understanding of the passage.