II Chronicles 34-35
Dear RTB’ers,
I had to wonder if I was on the right readings for today – a first chapter on serious religious reforms (including the destruction of pagan images and altars) and finding the Book of the Law, then a second chapter detailing another Passover. Just three days ago we read two chapters on Hezekiah, with a first chapter on the temple repair and sacrifices, then a second chapter covering the celebration of the Passover.
And I wondered at today’s statement that No Passover like it had been kept in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet. (v. 35:18a) Yes, there are similarities between the two Passovers, but Josiah’s Passover was clearly much more in adherence with specifics in the Book of the Law. Per an online source, “King Josiah’s celebration of Passover …, which the Chronicler declares incomparable to all prior Passovers in Israel since Samuel … emphasizes complete liturgical observance, priestly preparation, and the theological reunification of all Israel, demonstrating that authentic worship depends on right intention and covenantal obedience rather than institutional splendor.” The finding of the Book of the Law was very likely the prompt for the more serious Passover under Josiah.
Both Hezekiah and Josiah were highly regarded by the Kings and Chronicles authors and by the people. Our Chronicler noted that all Jerusalem and Judah mourned for Josiah. (v. 35:24b) Earlier he had said of Hezekiah that all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honor at his death. (v. 32:33b)
What would we say today if each of us were to write our own obituary? One wonders…
Blessings!
See also: