2 Kings 23:22
Surely there was not holden such a Passeouer, from the daies of the Iudges that iudged Israel, nor in all the dayes of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Iudah: 2 Kings 23:22 (KJV)
2 Kings 23:22 is part of the account of King Josiah’s religious reforms in Judah. Josiah became king at a young age and sought to restore true worship and obedience to God in the land. He initiated a series of religious reforms, which included the repair and cleansing of the temple and the removal of all idolatrous practices and objects. The verse states: ‘Surely there was not holden such a passover from the days of the judges that judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah.’ In this verse, the focus is on the celebration of the Passover. The Passover was a significant annual festival for the Israelites, commemorating their liberation from slavery in Egypt and God’s deliverance. However, the celebration of the Passover had been neglected in previous generations, particularly during the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah who allowed idolatry and disobedience to flourish. The verse emphasizes the exceptional nature of the Passover celebration held during Josiah’s reign, highlighting his unique commitment to renewing the covenant with God and restoring proper worship. It states that no Passover had been held like this since the days of the judges who ruled over Israel before the establishment of the monarchy, nor during the reigns of any of the kings of Israel or Judah. Josiah’s actions serve as an example of faithful leadership, recognizing the significance of the festival and making efforts to restore it. Leaders have a responsibility to guide people in honoring and worshiping God. The passage can be understood as reminding readers of the dangers of neglecting worship and drifting away from God’s commands. It is crucial to prioritise our relationship with God and regularly engage in acts of worship and remembrance. According to the narrative, God’s mercy is seen as allowing Josiah to reinstate the Passover. “And there was none like the same that held the Passover, that had been kept by the house of the LORD in Israel after the days of the judges, nor after the kings of Israel, nor after the kings of Judah.”
