2 Chronicles 35 10

2 Chronicles 35:10 kjv

So the service was prepared, and the priests stood in their place, and the Levites in their courses, according to the king's commandment.

2 Chronicles 35:10 nkjv

So the service was prepared, and the priests stood in their places, and the Levites in their divisions, according to the king's command.

2 Chronicles 35:10 niv

The service was arranged and the priests stood in their places with the Levites in their divisions as the king had ordered.

2 Chronicles 35:10 esv

When the service had been prepared for, the priests stood in their place, and the Levites in their divisions according to the king's command.

2 Chronicles 35:10 nlt

When everything was ready for the Passover celebration, the priests and the Levites took their places, organized by their divisions, as the king had commanded.

2 Chronicles 35 verses

2 Chronicles 35 10 Meaning

2 Chronicles 35:10 details the meticulously organized state of the sacred service for King Josiah's grand Passover. It describes the priests positioned precisely in their designated areas and the Levites arranged within their prescribed divisions, all acting in perfect order according to the explicit command of the king. This verse underscores the readiness and systematic structure of the worship, crucial for the proper observance of the Passover ritual.

2 Chronicles 35 10 Context

This verse is situated within the account of King Josiah's magnificent Passover celebration in Jerusalem, described in 2 Chronicles 35:1-19. Coming immediately after Josiah’s provision of large quantities of livestock for the sacrifices (vv. 7-9) and his earlier directives regarding the restoration of the Temple service (vv. 2-6), verse 10 signifies the actual readying of the worship personnel.

Historically, Josiah's reign (640-609 BC) was marked by profound religious reform, ignited by the discovery of the Book of the Law during Temple repairs (2 Chr 34). This Passover was the culmination of his efforts to purge Judah of idolatry and restore pure worship according to Mosaic Law, a level of observance unmatched since the days of the prophet Samuel. The detailed organization of priests and Levites for specific duties was a direct polemic against the disorganized and idolatrous practices of preceding generations, who had neglected these divine mandates and mixed pagan rituals with Yahweh worship. It represented a deliberate return to Yahweh-centered, Law-abiding, orderly, and holy worship, differentiating it sharply from the syncretism that had polluted Judah for decades.

2 Chronicles 35 10 Word analysis

• So the service (וַתִּכּוֹן הָעֲבֹדָה, va'tikon ha'avodah):

  • וַתִּכּוֹן (va'tikon): From the root כּוּן (kun), meaning "to be firm, established, ready, prepared." The Hiphil perfect form implies that it was thoroughly, completely, and securely made ready, emphasizing careful planning and thorough execution rather than a mere hurried arrangement. It signifies divine order or enablement in the preparation.
  • הָעֲבֹדָה (ha'avodah): From the root עָבַד (avad), meaning "work, service, worship." It refers specifically to the sacred priestly or Levitical duties, implying the performance of the divine cult. This was not mere labor but consecrated activity dedicated to God.

• was prepared: Reinforces the completeness and systematic nature of the arrangement.

• and the priests (הַכֹּהֲנִים, ha'kohanim): Refers to the direct descendants of Aaron, authorized to offer sacrifices and perform specific Temple rituals.

• stood (עָמְדוּ, 'amadu): Implies being present, positioned, and ready to act in their official capacity. It conveys a sense of disciplined readiness and attention to their duties.

• in their place (עַל מַעֲמָדָם, 'al ma'amadam):

  • מַעֲמָדָם (ma'amadam): From the root עָמַד (amad), meaning "standing place, station, office." It denotes their specifically assigned positions for conducting the sacrifices and related rituals, indicating the pre-planned order.

• and the Levites (וְהַלְוִיִּם, v'ha'levi'yim): The tribe of Levi, assigned roles assisting the priests in various Temple functions, including music, guarding, teaching, and preparing sacrifices.

• in their divisions (בְּמַחְלְקֹתֵיהֶם, b'machlakoteyhem):

  • מַחְלְקֹתֵיהֶם (machlakoteyhem): From the root חָלַק (chalak), meaning "to divide, share." Refers to the pre-established organizational courses or classes, primarily instituted by King David (e.g., 1 Chr 23-26), ensuring all necessary duties were covered systematically by rotating groups of Levites. This speaks to efficient administration and consistent service.

• according to the king's command (כְּמִצְוַת הַמֶּלֶךְ, k'mitzvat hammelekh):

  • כְּמִצְוַת (k'mitzvat): "According to the command of."
  • הַמֶּלֶךְ (hammelekh): "The king." Josiah's command here is not an arbitrary personal decree, but one that faithfully aligns with the requirements of God's Law, recently rediscovered. It emphasizes his role as a righteous king implementing divine will and ensuring adherence to ancient, divinely instituted liturgical order.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "So the service was prepared": This opening phrase highlights the completeness and intentionality behind the arrangements. It points to the divine guidance and human diligence in ensuring the Passover service was not ad-hoc but perfectly organized, suggesting God’s hand in making everything "established" and ready for His worship.
  • "and the priests stood in their place, and the Levites in their divisions": This phrase details the specific hierarchical and structural organization of the temple staff. It signifies precision, order, and accountability. Each group had a defined role and a specific location, reflecting a highly regulated sacred system established by God, not by human convenience, thereby emphasizing holiness and reverence in approach to God.
  • "according to the king's command": This concluding phrase affirms the king's authoritative role in implementing and enforcing the divine order. Crucially, Josiah’s command was not an invention but a diligent application of the recently discovered Mosaic Law, indicating his piety and commitment to genuine biblical worship. This legitimizes the entire setup as sanctioned both by the king and ultimately by God.

2 Chronicles 35 10 Bonus section

• This verse stands as a powerful example of revival through restoration, showcasing how re-adherence to forgotten biblical patterns of worship can lead to profound spiritual renewal.
• The meticulous arrangements emphasize that worship is not merely an emotion but an ordered act, demanding precision, obedience, and dedication, especially when involving sacred rituals ordained by God.
• Josiah's personal commitment as "a king like unto whom there was no king before him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart" (2 Kgs 23:25), lends divine weight to his "command" mentioned in this verse, underscoring that his decrees were extensions of his fidelity to God's law.
• The very existence of specific "divisions" for the Levites implies a deep historical continuity and structure for sacred service that transcended temporary neglect, waiting to be properly implemented once more.

2 Chronicles 35 10 Commentary

2 Chronicles 35:10 paints a vivid picture of meticulous organization in the worship of God under King Josiah. This verse is central to understanding the solemnity and profound significance of the Passover celebration in Jerusalem. The detailed preparation underscores that proper worship is neither spontaneous nor chaotic; it demands careful adherence to divine patterns and roles. The establishment of "divisions" for the Levites and the "place" for the priests signifies a return to the structural integrity and order initially prescribed in the Law of Moses and organized by King David. Josiah's command, born out of deep reverence for the rediscovered Torah, ensured that every participant was in their exact position, ready to execute their specific, consecrated tasks. This readiness was fundamental to offering an acceptable sacrifice and observing the Passover precisely "as it is written" (2 Chr 35:6, 12, 13). It highlights the critical interplay of divinely appointed authority (the king), detailed biblical instruction (the Law), and human obedience, all converging to create a setting suitable for encountering and honoring the holy God. This level of precise order points to God’s nature as a God of order, not confusion, in His creation and especially in His church.