2 Chronicles 35:17

“And the children of Israel that were present kept the passover at that time, and the feast of unleavened bread seven days.”

This verse is part of the narrative describing the reforms of King Josiah in Judah. Josiah was a righteous king who sought to restore the worship of the Lord and observed the Passover according to the Law of Moses. This particular verse highlights the faithful observance of the Passover by the people of Israel during Josiah’s reign.

Historical Context:

At the time of this event, the kingdom of Israel had already been divided into two separate entities: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The northern kingdom had fallen to the Assyrians, leaving only the southern kingdom under the rule of Josiah.

• The Passover:

The Passover was a significant festival in the Jewish calendar, commemorating the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. It was instituted by God during their time in the wilderness under the leadership of Moses (Exodus 12:1-14). The Passover meal involved the sacrifice and consumption of a lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs.

Observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread:

The Feast of Unleavened Bread followed immediately after the Passover and lasted for seven days. During this time, the people were to eat unleavened bread, symbolizing the haste with which the Israelites had to leave Egypt-there was no time for the bread to rise.

The Significance:

a. Obedience to God’s Law: The people of Israel, under Josiah’s leadership, faithfully observed both the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This adherence to God’s commandments demonstrated their commitment to following the Law and honoring their covenant with God.

b. Remembrance and Celebration: The observance of the Passover served as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in delivering the Israelites from slavery. It was a time of remembrance and celebration of God’s mighty acts.

c. Spiritual Lessons: The Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread hold spiritual lessons for Christians today. The Passover points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb, whose blood saves believers from the bondage of sin (1 Corinthians 5:7). The unleavened bread symbolizes sincerity and truth, reminding believers to live lives free from the leaven of sin (1 Corinthians 5:8).

• Unity and Community:The Passover was to be observed by all the people of Israel who were present. It was a time of gathering, unity, and worshiping together as a community. This highlights the importance of communal worship and shared faith experiences.

In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 35:17 depicts the faithful observance of the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread by the people of Israel during King Josiah’s reign. It serves as a reminder of the significance of these feasts in the context of Israel’s history, their obedience to God’s commandments, and the spiritual lessons that can be drawn from these observances for believers today.