2 Chronicles 35:13

“13 And they roasted the passover with fire according to the ordinance: but the other holy offerings sod they in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans, and divided them speedily among all the people.”

This verse is part of the account of King Josiah’s observance of the Passover feast. To understand the significance of this verse, it is helpful to have some context.

King Josiah was one of the righteous kings of Judah, who reigned from approximately 640 to 609 BC. During his reign, he initiated religious reforms and sought to restore the worship of the Lord in accordance with the Law of Moses. As part of these reforms, Josiah ordered the repair of the temple in Jerusalem and reinstated the observance of the Passover, which had been neglected for many years.

In 2 Chronicles 35, we read about the preparations and celebration of the Passover under Josiah’s leadership. Verse 13 specifically focuses on the cooking and distribution of the sacrifices during this festive occasion. Let’s break it down:

“And they roasted the passover with fire according to the ordinance”: This refers to the roasting of the Passover lamb. According to the ordinance given in the Law of Moses (Exodus 12:8-9), the Passover lamb was to be roasted with fire and eaten during the Passover feast. This verse highlights the adherence of the people to the prescribed method of cooking the lamb.

“But the other holy offerings sod they in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans”: In addition to the Passover lamb, there were other holy offerings that were prepared differently. These offerings, which included unleavened bread and sacrifices brought by the people, were boiled or cooked in pots, caldrons, and pans. Different cooking methods were employed for different offerings, depending on the requirements of the Law.

“And divided them speedily among all the people”: Once the sacrifices were cooked, they were distributed quickly and fairly among all the people. This demonstrates the efficient organisation and administration of the Passover feast under King Josiah’s supervision. The intention was to ensure that every participant received their portion of the holy offerings.

This verse emphasises the importance of following the prescribed instructions and ordinances given by God. The people of Judah, under Josiah’s leadership, took great care to prepare and distribute the Passover sacrifices according to the requirements of the Law. It serves as a reminder of the significance of obedience to God’s commands and the importance of honouring and celebrating the appointed times and feasts He has established.

Overall, 2 Chronicles 35:13 highlights the meticulousness and reverence with which the Passover feast was observed during King Josiah’s reign, reflecting the commitment to honouring God and His instructions.