2 Chronicles 35:12

“And they removed the burnt offerings, that they might give according to the divisions of the families of the people, to offer unto the LORD, as it is written in the book of Moses. And so did they with the oxen.”

This verse is part of the description of the preparations made by King Josiah for the celebration of the Passover in Jerusalem. Josiah was a righteous king who sought to restore the worship of the Lord in Judah. He commanded the priests and Levites to carry out their duties in accordance with the Law of Moses.

Let’s explore the key elements of this verse and see what we can learn from it.

Burnt Offerings:The verse mentions the removal of burnt offerings. In the Old Testament, burnt offerings were a significant part of the sacrificial system prescribed by God. These offerings involved the complete burning of an animal on the altar as an act of worship and atonement for sin. The removal of the burnt offerings indicates that the priests were ensuring the proper execution of the sacrificial rituals.

Divisions of the Families:The verse states that the burnt offerings were given according to the divisions of the families of the people. This refers to the organization of the people of Israel into various clans or families. Each family had its designated responsibilities and contributions when it came to offering sacrifices. This practice ensured that the worship of the Lord was conducted in an orderly manner, with each family fulfilling their role.

The Book of Moses:The verse mentions that the actions of the priests and the divisions of the families were done “as it is written in the book of Moses.” This phrase highlights the adherence to the instructions given by God through Moses in the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament). It underscores the importance of following God’s commandments and guidelines for worship.

Offering Oxen:The verse concludes by stating that the same process was followed with the oxen. Oxen were commonly offered as sacrifices in the Old Testament. This emphasizes that the priests and Levites carried out their responsibilities meticulously, not only with the burnt offerings but also with the sacrificial animals.

Overall, 2 Chronicles 35:12 portrays a scene of religious observance and obedience to the Law of Moses. It illustrates the commitment of King Josiah and the priests to restore the proper worship of God in accordance with the established practices of Israel.