2 Chronicles 35:27

And his deeds, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.

2 Chronicles 35:27 (KJV)

Context

2 Chronicles 35 describes King Josiah of Judah as he prepared and observed the Passover with great zeal. Josiah was a righteous king who sought to restore true worship and obedience to God’s laws. He repaired the temple, rediscovered the Book of the Law, and led the nation in a great Passover celebration in Jerusalem.

Meaning

The verse acknowledges Josiah’s faithfulness and righteous acts as they are recorded in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. The phrase “first and last” indicates a comprehensive record, covering the entirety of his reign from beginning to end. This book was likely a compilation of the histories of various kings of both Israel and Judah, chronicling their reigns, achievements, and failures.

The mention of Josiah’s deeds being recorded in the book signifies the lasting impact and significance of his righteous actions. Even though Josiah died in battle at a young age, his legacy of faithfulness and his efforts to restore proper worship were recorded and remembered. The reference to the “book of the kings of Israel and Judah” points to official historical records or annals that were kept during the monarchy, which the Chronicler used as sources.

Biblical connections

This verse is part of the closing summary of Josiah’s life, which is detailed in 2 Chronicles 34-35. His faithfulness is highlighted in the preceding verse (2 Chronicles 35:26), which notes that his good deeds were according to what is written in the Law of the Lord. The verse is a standard concluding formula in Chronicles, similar to those for other kings, such as Jotham (2 Chronicles 27:7) and Asa (2 Chronicles 16:11), indicating that the Chronicler systematically used such records to compile his history.

Application

Josiah’s life serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God’s commands. His commitment to purging idolatry and reestablishing proper worship teaches us the significance of seeking God wholeheartedly and living according to His principles.

Josiah’s story also encourages us to consider the impact of our actions and the legacy we leave behind. The fact that his deeds were recorded emphasizes the lasting influence that our choices can have on others. We should strive to live in a manner that glorifies God and positively impacts those around us.

Recognizing the value of historical records, we can appreciate the importance of studying and understanding the biblical accounts. The Bible serves as our primary source of historical, spiritual, and moral guidance, enabling us to learn from the experiences of those who have gone before us.

Reflection

This verse reminds us that all deeds, both good and bad, are recorded and will be brought into account. It underscores the certainty of divine judgment and the importance of leaving a godly legacy. For the Christian reader, Josiah’s example is preserved for posterity, showing God’s faithfulness to His people and His sovereign oversight of history. We are called to live with an awareness that our actions are known and recorded, and to strive for faithfulness in all we do, as Josiah did.