Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary2 Chronicles 35

The Reign of JosiahThis section focuses on Josiah’s celebration of the Passover, which was conducted with great care and according to God’s law. Josiah’s reforms had already removed idols, but now he wanted true worship to be restored. The Passover was the most important festival for Israel, reminding them of their deliverance from Egypt. Although the people did not always have the same heart as Josiah, the leaders and priests made sure everything was done properly. Josiah’s example teaches us that sincere leadership and careful observance of God’s commands can inspire others to worship God as He desires.v. 1: Josiah kept the Passover in Jerusalem, following the instructions given by Moses. This feast was the most important one for Israel, and Josiah made it a special event .

v. 2: He encouraged the priests and Levites to do their duties as the law required. He made sure they were organized according to the plan given by David and Solomon .

v. 3: Josiah told the Levites to put the ark of the covenant back in its place in the temple. He reminded them to serve the ORD and His people Israel faithfully .

v. 4: He instructed the Levites to be ready and organized in their family divisions, just as David and Solomon had arranged them .

v. 5-6: Josiah told the Levites to stand in the temple and help the people bring their Passover sacrifices. He also told them to purify themselves and help their fellow Levites get ready for the service (2 Chronicles 35:5-6 ).

v. 7: Josiah himself provided 30,000 lambs and goats, plus 3,000 cattle, to be used for the Passover offerings. He paid for these out of his own wealth .

v. 8: The leaders of the priests and Levites also gave generously, providing animals for the other priests and Levites so everyone could take part in the Passover .

v. 9: The Levite leaders gave sheep, goats, and cattle for the Levites to use as offerings, making sure all the Levites were able to participate .

v. 10: Everything was prepared as Josiah commanded. The priests and Levites did their work quickly and obediently .

v. 11-12: The Levites killed the Passover lambs, and the priests sprinkled the blood on the altar. The Levites prepared the meat, and the people received their portions as the law required (2 Chronicles 35:11-12 ).

v. 13: The Passover meat was roasted and eaten according to God’s instructions. Other offerings were boiled and shared among the people, so everyone could celebrate together .

v. 14: The Levites prepared food for themselves and for the priests, because the priests were busy with the sacrifices. This shows how God’s servants helped one another so that no one was left out .

v. 15: The singers and gatekeepers did their duties as assigned by David and Solomon. The Levites made sure the singers and gatekeepers had Passover lambs prepared for them, so everyone could take part in the celebration .

v. 16-17: Everything was done exactly as the law required. The whole nation of Israel kept the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days (2 Chronicles 35:16-17 ).

v. 18: There had not been a Passover like this since the days of the prophet Samuel. Josiah’s celebration was special because he provided so much for the people and made sure everything was done properly (2 Chronicles 35:18 ).

The Death of JosiahThis section tells the sad story of Josiah’s death. Thirteen years after his great Passover, Josiah went out to fight the king of Egypt. Even though Josiah was a good king and had brought many reforms, the people’s hearts had not truly changed, and God’s anger against Judah remained. Josiah’s death came suddenly and unexpectedly, showing that even the best leaders can make mistakes and that God’s plans are sometimes different from our hopes.v. 20-21: After Josiah’s reforms, Pharaoh Necho, king of Egypt, marched north to fight at Carchemish. Josiah went out to confront him, even though Necho sent messengers saying he had no quarrel with Judah and was acting on God’s command. Necho warned Josiah not to interfere, saying, God is with me, so stop opposing Him(2 Chronicles 35:20-21 ).

v. 22: Josiah did not listen to Necho’s warning, even though it was truly from God. He disguised himself and went into battle at Megiddo. Josiah did not seek God’s guidance before acting, which was a serious mistake .

v. 23: During the battle, Josiah was shot by archers. He told his servants, Take me away, for I am badly wounded.

v. 24: Josiah’s servants took him out of his chariot and brought him to Jerusalem, where he died. All Judah and Jerusalem mourned deeply for him .

v. 25: The prophet Jeremiah and others wrote songs of mourning for Josiah. These laments became a tradition in Israel, and people remembered Josiah’s death with great sadness .

v. 26-27: The rest of Josiah’s acts, including his faithful service to God, were written in the records of the kings of Israel and Judah. Josiah was honored as a good and godly king, even though his life ended too soon (2 Chronicles 35:26-27 ).