Josiah's Observance of the Passover
2 Chronicles 35:1-19
2 C.35.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יאשיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- פסח: ADJ,m,sg
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- וישחטו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הפסח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בארבעה: PREP+NUM,card,m,sg
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- לחדש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הראשון: ADJ,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Kings 23:21-23 (structural): Parallel narrative of Josiah's celebration of the Passover in Jerusalem on the fourteenth day; the Kings account echoes and complements Chronicles' report.
- 2 Chronicles 30:1-27 (thematic): Hezekiah's Passover revival in Jerusalem; shares the theme of national religious restoration and centralized Passover observance.
- Exodus 12:6-8,11-14 (verbal): Instituting regulations for the Passover lamb and eating on the fourteenth day of the first month—the ritual background for Josiah's observance.
- Leviticus 23:5 (verbal): Specifies the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month, providing the calendrical/legal basis for the date mentioned in Chronicles.
- Deuteronomy 16:1-8 (thematic): Legal instructions for observing the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread, including pilgrimage to the LORD's chosen place—context for Josiah's centralized celebration in Jerusalem.
Alternative generated candidates
- Josiah kept the Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem; they slaughtered the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month.
- Josiah celebrated the Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem; they slaughtered the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month.
2 C.35.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעמד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- על: PREP
- משמרותם: NOUN,f,pl,abs,suff:3mp
- ויחזקם: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לעבודת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,constr
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 31:2 (thematic): Hezekiah's reforms arrange support so priests and Levites are enabled/strengthened to carry out the service of the house of the LORD—same theme of provisioning and empowering temple ministry.
- 2 Chronicles 29:34 (verbal): During Hezekiah's restoration the text describes priests and Levites standing in their roles (priests with trumpets, Levites with instruments), echoing the picture of priests standing in their divisions to serve the house of the LORD.
- 1 Chronicles 23:28-32 (structural): David's organization of Levites and priests into divisions/assignments for temple service parallels the language of ‘standing in their divisions’ and being set to minister in the house of the LORD.
- Nehemiah 12:36-46 (thematic): At the dedication of Jerusalem's wall priests and Levites are appointed, stand in their posts, sound trumpets and lead worship—a comparable depiction of organized, strengthened temple service.
Alternative generated candidates
- The priests stood in their divisions and strengthened themselves for the service of the house of the LORD.
- The priests stood in their divisions and were strengthened for the service of the house of the LORD.
2 C.35.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ללוים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- המבינים: VERB,qal,ptcp,masc,pl
- לכל: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הקדושים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- תנו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הקדש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בנה: NOUN,m,sg,abs+SUFF,3,f,sg
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אין: PART,neg
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- משא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכתף: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עתה: ADV
- עבדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהיכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- ואת: CONJ
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 8:6-8 (quotation): Solomon places the ark into the inner sanctuary of the house he built—direct parallel to Josiah’s instruction to leave the ark in the house Solomon built.
- 2 Chronicles 5:7 (structural): Earlier Chronicles account of bringing the ark into the temple—same tradition and literary setting within Chronicles about the ark’s placement.
- Deuteronomy 10:8 (thematic): States that the LORD separated the Levites to carry the ark and minister before the LORD—background for the Levites’ change of function here (now to 'serve' rather than bear the ark).
- Numbers 4:15 (thematic): Regulates which Levites carry the holy things and indicates the burden-bearing role of certain Levites—provides cultic context for the phrase 'it shall not be a burden upon your shoulders.'
- 1 Chronicles 15:2,15 (verbal): David’s appointment of Levites to bear the ark and to minister before it echoes the connection between Levites, the ark, and temple service found in Josiah’s command.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said to the Levites who were instructed for all Israel and holy to the LORD, “Place the holy ark in the house that Solomon the son of David, king of Israel, built; you have no more burden on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God and his people Israel.
- He spoke to the Levites who had oversight over all Israel, consecrated to the LORD: “Set the holy ark in the house that Solomon son of David, king of Israel, built; you have no burden on your shoulders now. Serve the LORD your God and his people Israel.
2 C.35.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והכונו: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,pl
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אבותיכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- כמחלקותיכם: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs+2mp
- בכתב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובמכתב: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- בנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
Parallels
- 1 Chr.23:4-6 (structural): David organizes the Levites into a systematic service and age-based divisions for temple work—background for the ‘divisions’ Josiah invokes here.
- 1 Chr.24:1-5 (verbal): Gives the explicit divisions of the priests established by David (casting lots for priestly courses); a direct precedent for the ‘divisions written by David’ mentioned in 2 Chr 35:4.
- 1 Chr.25:1-8 (thematic): Describes how David and the heads of households appointed the Levitical singers and musicians in organized courses—another example of Davids’ written/established divisions for temple service.
- 2 Chr.34:31-32 (structural): Earlier in Josiah’s reforms he consults the Levites and directs them to follow the written ordinances of David and Solomon—contextual parallel showing the same appeal to earlier royal arrangements.
Alternative generated candidates
- Prepare yourselves according to your ancestral houses, by the divisions written down by David king of Israel and by the ordinance of his son Solomon.
- Prepare yourselves according to your ancestral divisions, as prescribed in the writing of David king of Israel and in the writing of Solomon his son.
2 C.35.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועמדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בקדש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפלגות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האבות: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לאחיכם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+SUF,2,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וחלקת: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ללוים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 35:4 (structural): Immediate context: Josiah instructs that the priests and Levites be set by their divisions according to the houses of their fathers — essentially the same organizational command as v.5.
- 2 Chronicles 31:6 (thematic): Hezekiah appoints the Levites 'by their divisions, by their fathers' houses' for service in the house of the LORD and to distribute offerings — a parallel reform of Levitical organization and duties.
- 1 Chronicles 23:6–32 (structural): David organizes the Levites into courses and duties according to the houses of their fathers, listing assignments and ages — a broad parallel in the use of paternal houses to structure Levitical service.
- Numbers 3:6–9 (verbal): Early precedent: the Levites are set apart for service and arranged according to families/clans (Kohath, Gershon, Merari) to perform specific duties in the sanctuary, providing the institutional basis for later divisions by fathers' houses.
Alternative generated candidates
- They stood in the holy place by the divisions of the households of their brothers, the sons of the people, and by the allotments of the fathers' houses for the Levites.
- Stand in the sanctuary by the divisions of the ancestral houses, to assist your brothers, the people; let the portion of the households be for the Levites.
2 C.35.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושחטו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הפסח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והתקדשו: VERB,hitp,perf,3,m,pl
- והכינו: VERB,hiphil,impv,2,mp
- לאחיכם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+SUF,2,m,pl
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- כדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 12:6 (verbal): Direct instruction to slaughter the Passover lamb on the appointed day—matches the act “they slaughtered the Passover” and the requirement to follow the LORD’s command via Moses.
- Numbers 9:2-5 (thematic): Account of Israel keeping the Passover in the wilderness ‘according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses’—parallels communal observance and obedience to Moses’ instruction.
- Deuteronomy 16:1-8 (verbal): Legal prescription for observing the Passover (date, removal of leaven, killing the lamb)—provides the covenantal regulations that Chronicles says were being observed.
- 2 Chronicles 30:16 (structural): Hezekiah’s Passover narrative describing priests and Levites sanctifying themselves and killing the Passover for the people—parallels Josiah’s preparations and consecration for communal sacrifice.
- 2 Kings 23:21-23 (allusion): Josiah’s reform account commanding the people to keep the Passover ‘as it is written in the book of the covenant’—a parallel report of ordering Passover observance according to Moses’ law.
Alternative generated candidates
- They slaughtered the Passover, sanctified themselves, and prepared for their brothers to perform according to the command of the LORD through Moses.
- They slaughtered the Passover, sanctified themselves, and prepared for their brothers to perform according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.
2 C.35.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יאשיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבני: PREP
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- צאן: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כבשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובני: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- עזים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- הכל: PRON,m,sg,abs
- לפסחים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לכל: PREP
- הנמצא: PART,nif,ptc,ms,sg,def
- למספר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- ובקר: CONJ,NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שלשת: NUM,m,pl,abs
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- מרכוש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Kings 23:21-23 (quotation): Direct parallel account of Josiah's observance of the Passover; Chronicles here recounts the same royal Passover and the large-scale slaughtering and provisions.
- 2 Chronicles 30:15-27 (thematic): Hezekiah's Passover: a prior royal festival that likewise mobilizes priests, Levites and large communal sacrifices—comparable model for Josiah's national Passover.
- Exodus 12:3-6 (thematic): Primary ritual instructions for selecting and slaughtering the Passover lamb(s) for the community—background for the communal sacrificial activity described in Chronicles.
- Numbers 28:16-25 (structural): Legal/ritual prescriptions for the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread, including the required offerings—provides the sacrificial framework for the large-scale sacrifices Josiah orders.
Alternative generated candidates
- Josiah provided for the people—sheep, lambs, and goats—all for the Passover for all who were present, in the number of thirty thousand sheep and three thousand cattle; these were from the king’s possessions.
- Josiah provided for the people—sheep, rams, and goats, all for the Passovers for all who were present, in the number of thirty thousand; and cattle three thousand—these were from the king’s possessions.
2 C.35.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושריו: NOUN,m,pl,poss,3,m,sg
- לנדבה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לעם: PREP
- לכהנים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וללוים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- הרימו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- חלקיה: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRS3MP
- וזכריהו: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויחיאל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נגידי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לכהנים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- נתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- לפסחים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ושש: CONJ+NUM,card,m,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ובקר: CONJ,NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שלש: NUM,card,f,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 23:21-23 (quotation): Parallel account of Josiah's celebration of the Passover; repeats the command to prepare the Passover and the report of the offerings made (the chronicler’s version corresponds closely to this Deuteronomistic account).
- Exodus 12:3-11 (structural): Prescribes the institution and observance of the Passover meal—background for why priests/people prepare and slaughter passover lambs as described in Chronicles.
- Numbers 28:16-25 (structural): Gives the sacrificial requirements for the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (bulls, rams, offerings), providing the cultic framework for the large number of sacrifices recorded in 2 Chronicles 35:8.
- 2 Chronicles 31:4-10 (thematic): Hezekiah’s reform instructing the people to give portions to the priests and Levites (firstfruits and tithes); parallels Josiah’s ordering of contributions to support the cult and supply Passover sacrifices.
Alternative generated candidates
- His princes freely gave to the people, to the priests, and to the Levites their portions. Zechariah and Jehiel, officials of the house of God, gave to the priests for the Passover one thousand six hundred lambs and three hundred cattle.
- His officers gave willingly to the people, to the priests and to the Levites; their portions were raised. Zechariah and Jehiel, leaders of the house of God, gave to the priests for the Passovers one thousand six hundred, and cattle three hundred.
2 C.35.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכנניהו: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושמעיהו: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונתנאל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs
- וחשביהו: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעיאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויוזבד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- הרימו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ללוים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לפסחים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- חמשת: NUM,card,construct
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובקר: CONJ,NOUN,m,pl,abs
- חמש: NUM,card,f,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 23:21-23 (structural): Parallel account of Josiah's observance of the Passover; similarly describes Levites preparing and the people keeping the Passover (Chronicles often parallels Kings' narrative).
- Exodus 12:3-6 (thematic): Prescribes the organization of the congregation and the slaughtering of Passover animals — background law for the preparation of animals for the festival mentioned in Chronicles.
- 1 Chronicles 23:27-32 (structural): Lists Levites, their chiefs and assigned duties for temple service and festivals; parallels Chronicles' naming of Levite leaders responsible for festival preparations.
- 2 Chronicles 30:14-16 (thematic): Hezekiah's Passover account: Levites sanctify themselves and slaughter the passover; parallels Josiah's Passover in the role and actions of the Levites in preparing the sacrifice.
Alternative generated candidates
- Conaniah, Shemaiah, and Nethanel his brother, and Hashabiah, Jeiel, and Jozabad, leaders of the Levites, gave to the Levites for the Passover five thousand lambs and five hundred cattle.
- Conaniah and Shemaiah and Nethanel his brother and Hashabiah and Jeiel and Jozabad, chiefs of the Levites, gave to the Levites for the Passovers five thousand and cattle five hundred.
2 C.35.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותכון: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,fs
- העבודה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויעמדו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- על: PREP
- עמדם: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- והלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- על: PREP
- מחלקותם: NOUN,f,pl,3,m,prsuf
- כמצות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 24:2 (structural): Describes the division of the priests into courses and their assigned service in the house of the LORD—parallels the Chronicler's note that priests and Levites stood in their appointed places/divisions.
- 1 Chronicles 23:30 (verbal): Speaks of the priests 'to minister in the house of the LORD by their courses'—a close verbal and functional parallel to priests standing in their place and Levites in their divisions.
- 2 Chronicles 31:2 (thematic): Hezekiah assembles the priests and Levites and sets them in their offices and charges—similar material linking royal or central authority with the ordering of temple personnel.
- 2 Chronicles 29:34 (thematic): An account of Hezekiah arranging temple worship and the personnel 'according to the ordinance'—parallels the formula of priests and Levites standing by the king's command.
- Numbers 8:24 (allusion): Gives the Mosaic prescription for the Levites' appointment to serve the sanctuary—background legal/material basis for the Chronicler's description of Levites standing in their divisions for temple service.
Alternative generated candidates
- The service was arranged, and the priests stood at their duty and the Levites in their divisions, according to the king’s command.
- The service was appointed; the priests stood in their place and the Levites by their divisions, according to the king’s command.
2 C.35.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישחטו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הפסח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויזרקו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- מידם: PREP
- והלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- מפשיטים: VERB,piel,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 12:6 (verbal): Gives the instruction to slaughter the Passover lamb (at twilight); directly parallels the action 'they slaughtered the Passover.'
- 2 Kings 23:21-23 (structural): A parallel account of Josiah's Passover with the same sequence of commands and priestly/Levitical service—slaughtering the Passover and the priests/Levites carrying out their duties.
- Exodus 12:43-44 (thematic): Passover regulations about who may eat and proper observance; thematically related to the priestly procedures and delimitation of sacred duties implied in 2 Chr 35:11.
- 2 Chronicles 30:17-21 (thematic): Hezekiah's Passover narrative describing priests and Levites sanctifying themselves and performing sacrificial tasks—parallels the priestly/Levitical actions surrounding the slaughter and preparation.
Alternative generated candidates
- They slaughtered the Passover; the priests cast them down by hand, and the Levites skinned them.
- They slaughtered the Passover; the priests threw the blood from their hands, and the Levites skinned the animals.
2 C.35.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויסירו: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,pl
- העלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs,def
- לתתם: INF,qal,inf,3,m,pl
- למפלגות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אבות: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- לבני: PREP
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- להקריב: INF,hiph,inf
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ככתוב: ADV
- בספר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וכן: ADV
- לבקר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 23:21-23 (structural): Parallel narrative of Josiah’s Passover; describes organizing the priests and Levites and carrying out the feast 'as it is written in the book of Moses,' closely corresponding to Chronicles’ account.
- Exodus 12:43-51 (allusion): Passover regulations in the Pentateuch (who may partake, how to observe) — the law in Moses to which Chronicles explicitly refers.
- Deuteronomy 16:1-8 (allusion): Deuteronomic instructions for observing Passover and the associated sacrifices and timing, providing the legal framework echoed by Chronicles.
- Numbers 9:1-14 (thematic): Rules about proper observance of Passover (including provisions for those unclean or absent), reflecting concerns with correct implementation of the Mosaic statute emphasized in Chronicles.
- 1 Chronicles 23:27-32 (thematic): Assignment of Levites to duties by families/ divisions and to gatekeeping and ministering functions — parallels the distribution of offerings and service 'to the fathers’ houses' and the handing over to priests in Chronicles.
Alternative generated candidates
- They set the burnt offerings apart to their divisions for the households, for the sons of the people, to present to the LORD as it is written in the book of Moses; likewise with the cattle.
- They placed the burnt offerings in their appointed places according to the divisions, to the households of the fathers of the people, to present to the LORD, as it is written in the book of Moses; so they did with the cattle.
2 C.35.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבשלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הפסח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- באש: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כמשפט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והקדשים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- בשלו: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- בסירות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ובדודים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובצלחות: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ויריצו: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לכל: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 30:13-15 (verbal): Very close verbal parallel in Hezekiah’s Passover: priests and Levites ‘boiled the holy offerings in pots and carried them to all the people,’ using the same verbs and items (pots, caldrons, pans).
- 2 Kings 23:21-23 (structural): Parallel account of Josiah’s Passover in the Deuteronomistic history describing preparation and observance of the festival; the same event is narrated with similar details about observing the Passover according to the ordinance.
- Exodus 12:8-9 (thematic): Instructions for the Passover meal: the lamb is to be eaten roasted with fire (not boiled), providing the background legal/ritual framework that shapes later descriptions of how Passover offerings are prepared and distributed.
- Numbers 9:11 (thematic): Regulatory material for observance of the Passover (timing and proper keeping of the meal); relates to the communal practice and care taken in preparing and consuming the Passover sacrifice as described in Chronicles.
Alternative generated candidates
- They boiled the Passover with fire according to the ordinance; the holy portions they boiled in cauldrons and kettles and pans, and distributed to all the people.
- They boiled the Passover in fire according to the ordinance; the sacred portions they cooked in cauldrons, kettles, and pans and distributed to all the people.
2 C.35.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואחר: CONJ
- הכינו: VERB,hiph,imp,2,m,pl
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- ולכהנים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כי: CONJ
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בהעלות: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- העולה: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg,def
- והחלבים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- עד: PREP
- לילה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- הכינו: VERB,hiph,imp,2,m,pl
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- ולכהנים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 23:21-23 (verbal): Parallel narrative of Josiah's Passover; repeats the same sequence of priests (sons of Aaron) and Levites preparing the burnt offerings and keeping the offerings until evening.
- 2 Chronicles 30:15-16 (structural): Account of Hezekiah's Passover in Chronicles where priests and Levites prepare and sanctify themselves and organize the offerings—similar cultic roles and phrasing within the book's Passover narratives.
- Leviticus 6:9-13 (allusion): Priestly legislation requiring the fire on the altar to be kept burning and outlining duties in handling offerings; provides the legal/cultic background echoed by the Chronicler's description of priests' continuous work.
- Numbers 28:3-4 (thematic): Prescribes the regular burnt offerings 'morning and evening'; explains the timing language ('until evening') and the established schedule for sacrificial ministry reflected in the verse.
Alternative generated candidates
- Afterward they prepared for themselves and for the priests; for the priests, the sons of Aaron, were attending to the burnt offerings and the sacred portions until night, and the Levites prepared for themselves and for the priests, the sons of Aaron.
- Afterward they prepared for themselves and for the priests—for the priests, the sons of Aaron, were engaged in the burnt offerings and the fat until evening—and the Levites prepared for themselves and for the priests, the sons of Aaron.
2 C.35.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והמשררים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אסף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- מעמדם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- כמצות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואסף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- והימן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וידתון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חוזה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והשערים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- לשער: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושער: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אין: PART,neg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- לסור: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- מעל: PREP
- עבדתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- אחיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff,3,m,pl
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- הכינו: VERB,hiph,imp,2,m,pl
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Chr 25:1-8 (verbal): David's organization of temple singers into families under Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun — directly parallels the named tradition (מצות דויד ואסף והימן וידתון) and the appointment of musicians.
- 1 Chr 9:26-27 (verbal): Describes gatekeepers who must not leave their posts because their brethren the Levites prepare for them — closely mirrors the wording and duty-language of 2 Chr 35:15.
- 2 Chr 29:30 (thematic): Hezekiah sets the Levites to praise the LORD with the words of David and Asaph, echoing the same liturgical tradition and use of Davidic/Asaphite material mentioned in 2 Chr 35:15.
- 1 Chr 26:1-19 (structural): Gives the divisions and duties of the gatekeepers (porters) and their assignments at the gates — a structural parallel to the reference to gatekeepers and their fixed posts in 2 Chr 35:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- The singers, the sons of Asaph, were in their places according to the command of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, and the king’s seer; and the gatekeepers at each gate—no one departed from his service, for their brothers the Levites had prepared for them.
- The singers, the sons of Asaph, were in their places according to the command of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, the king’s seer. The gatekeepers were at each gate; they did not depart from their service, for their brothers the Levites prepared for them.
2 C.35.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותכון: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,fs
- כל: DET
- עבודת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- הפסח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והעלות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,def
- עלות: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- על: PREP
- מזבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כמצות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יאשיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 23:21-23 (verbal): Direct parallel account of Josiah's keeping of the Passover; Chronicles and Kings describe the same king-led observance, preparations, and compliance with the king's command.
- Exodus 12:1-14 (thematic): The original institution of the Passover and its basic requirements (time, sign, remembrance) which Josiah's celebration seeks to fulfill.
- Leviticus 23:5-8 (thematic): Legal regulations prescribing the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread and associated sacrifices that underlie the cultic actions performed in Chronicles.
- Numbers 9:1-14 (thematic): Rules and provisions concerning proper observance of the Passover (including exceptions and timing), relevant to the administrative care shown in preparing the festival.
- 2 Chronicles 30:1-27 (structural): Hezekiah's earlier Passover reform — a royal, national celebration organized by king, priests, and Levites — providing a structural model for Josiah's later, comprehensive observance.
Alternative generated candidates
- All the service of the LORD was completed that day—to keep the Passover and to offer the burnt offerings upon the altar of the LORD—according to the command of King Josiah.
- All the service of the LORD was established that day—to keep the Passover and the burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD—according to the command of King Josiah.
2 C.35.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנמצאים: ADJ,part,m,pl,def
- את: PRT,acc
- הפסח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בעת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ההיא: DEM,f,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- חג: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המצות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- שבעת: NUM,card,construct
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 23:21-23 (verbal): Parallel account of Josiah’s Passover; both describe the king’s order that Israel keep the Passover in his days (same historical episode and similar wording).
- Exodus 12:14-20 (verbal): The original law instituting the Passover and commanding the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days—language and prescription echoed in 2 Chronicles 35:17.
- Deuteronomy 16:1-8 (thematic): Gives the statutory observance of Passover and the seven‑day feast (timing, removal of leaven), which underlies the chronicler’s statement that Israel kept the seven‑day festival.
- Joshua 5:10 (thematic): An earlier narrative instance where ‘the children of Israel kept the Passover’ (at Gilgal) — a precedent for communal observance of the Passover in Israel’s history.
- Ezra 6:19-22 (thematic): Post‑exilic account of the returned Israelites keeping the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, showing continuity of observance across Israel’s history.
Alternative generated candidates
- The people of Israel who were present kept the Passover at that time and celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days.
- The people of Israel who were present kept the Passover at that time and observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days.
2 C.35.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- נעשה: VERB,qal,impf,1,pl
- פסח: ADJ,m,sg
- כמהו: PRT+PRON,3,ms
- בישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מימי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הנביא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- מלכי: NOUN,pl,m,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כפסח: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יאשיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- וישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנמצא: PART,nif,ptc,ms,sg,def
- ויושבי: CONJ+ADJ,qal,ptcp,m,pl,abs
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 23:22-23 (quotation): Parallel account of Josiah’s Passover in the Deuteronomic history; explicitly states there had been no Passover like it since the days of Samuel (verbal correspondence).
- 2 Chronicles 35:1-19 (structural): The broader chapter context describing the preparations, execution, and scope of Josiah’s Passover—explains who participated and why the feast was unprecedented.
- Exodus 12:1-14 (thematic): Institutional legislation for the Passover (timing, ritual meal, remembrance) that Josiah’s celebrated observance sought to restore and fulfill.
- Numbers 9:1-14 (allusion): Regulations for observing Passover, including provisions for those unclean or absent—relevant to large, inclusive royal convocations like Josiah’s that brought many Israelites together.
- 2 Chronicles 30:1-27 (thematic): Hezekiah’s large-scale Passover earlier in Chronicles; another royal restoration-observance that functions as a precedent and point of comparison for Josiah’s exceptional festival.
Alternative generated candidates
- No Passover like it had been kept in Israel since the time of Samuel the prophet; none of the kings of Israel had done such a Passover as that which Josiah kept—both the priests and the Levites and all Judah and Israel who were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
- No Passover like it had been observed in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a Passover as that which Josiah kept, with the priests and the Levites and all Judah and Israel who were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
2 C.35.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בשמונה: PREP+NUM,f,sg
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- למלכות: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cs
- יאשיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נעשה: VERB,qal,impf,1,pl
- הפסח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kings 23:23 (verbal): Almost identical wording: both state that the Passover was kept in the eighteenth year of Josiah, making this a direct parallel account of the same event.
- 2 Chronicles 30:1-27 (structural): Narrative parallel in Chronicles: King-led national Passover as a covenant renewal and liturgical reform (Hezekiah's Passover provides a model for Josiah's celebrated observance).
- Exodus 12:1-14 (thematic): Foundational legislation and institution of the Passover festival—provides the original rites and theological meaning that Josiah's observance seeks to restore/fulfill.
- Deuteronomy 16:1-8 (thematic): Regulatory material concerning the timing and proper observance of Passover/Unleavened Bread; relevant for understanding the standards Josiah aimed to implement during the national celebration.
Alternative generated candidates
- In the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign this Passover was kept.
- This Passover was observed in the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah.
Josiah held the Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem, and they slaughtered the Passover lamb on the fourteenth day of the first month.
He set the priests in their divisions and strengthened them for the service of the house of the LORD. And he said to the Levites who instructed all Israel and were holy to the LORD, “Put the ark of the covenant in the house that Solomon son of David, king of Israel, built; you have no burden on your shoulders now—serve the LORD your God and his people Israel.”
Prepare yourselves according to your ancestral divisions, as prescribed in the writing of David king of Israel and in the document of his son Solomon.
Stand in the sanctuary by the divisions of the ancestral houses for your brothers, the people; let the portion of the ancestral house belong to the Levites. So they slaughtered the Passover, consecrated themselves, and made ready for their brothers to do according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.
Josiah provided for the people lambs and goats—all for the Passover—for all who were present, according to the number, thirty thousand, and oxen three thousand; these were from the king’s possessions.
His officers also freely offered to the people, to the priests, and to the Levites their portions. Zechariah and Jehiel, chiefs of the house of God, gave to the priests for the Passover 1,600 lambs and 300 oxen.
Conaniah, Shemaiah, and Nethanel his brother, Hashabiah, Jeiel, and Jozabad, officers of the Levites, gave to the Levites for the Passover 5,000 lambs and 500 oxen.
The service was established, and the priests stood in their offices and the Levites in their divisions, according to the king’s command.
They slaughtered the Passover; the priests cast the blood from their hands, and the Levites skinned them.
They took up the burnt offerings to their divisions, according to the houses of the fathers, to the people, to offer to the LORD, as it is written in the book of Moses; so they did with the oxen as well.
They boiled the Passover in fire, according to the ordinance; the holy things they boiled in cauldrons, kettles, and pans, and distributed them to all the people.
Afterward they prepared for themselves and for the priests, for the priests, the sons of Aaron, were busy with the burnt offering and the fat until evening; and the Levites prepared for themselves and for the priests, the sons of Aaron.
The singers, the sons of Asaph, were on their stands, according to the command of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun—the king’s seer—and the gatekeepers were at every gate; they did not depart from their service, for their brothers the Levites prepared for them.
All the service of the LORD was established that day to keep the Passover and to offer burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD, according to the command of King Josiah.
The people of Israel who were present kept the Passover at that time, and the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days.
There had been no Passover like it in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet; none of the kings of Israel had done such a Passover as that which Josiah did, with the priests and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel who were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
This Passover was observed in the eighteenth year of King Josiah’s reign.