2 Chronicles 35 14

2 Chronicles 35:14 kjv

And afterward they made ready for themselves, and for the priests: because the priests the sons of Aaron were busied in offering of burnt offerings and the fat until night; therefore the Levites prepared for themselves, and for the priests the sons of Aaron.

2 Chronicles 35:14 nkjv

Then afterward they prepared portions for themselves and for the priests, because the priests, the sons of Aaron, were busy in offering burnt offerings and fat until night; therefore the Levites prepared portions for themselves and for the priests, the sons of Aaron.

2 Chronicles 35:14 niv

After this, they made preparations for themselves and for the priests, because the priests, the descendants of Aaron, were sacrificing the burnt offerings and the fat portions until nightfall. So the Levites made preparations for themselves and for the Aaronic priests.

2 Chronicles 35:14 esv

And afterward they prepared for themselves and for the priests, because the priests, the sons of Aaron, were offering the burnt offerings and the fat parts until night; so the Levites prepared for themselves and for the priests, the sons of Aaron.

2 Chronicles 35:14 nlt

Afterward the Levites prepared Passover offerings for themselves and for the priests ? the descendants of Aaron ? because the priests had been busy from morning till night offering the burnt offerings and the fat portions. The Levites took responsibility for all these preparations.

2 Chronicles 35 verses

2 Chronicles 35 14 Meaning

The verse elucidates a specific logistical aspect of King Josiah's grand Passover celebration, explaining that the Levites undertook the responsibility of preparing meals not only for themselves but also for the priests. This was necessary because the priests, as the descendants of Aaron, were entirely absorbed and diligent in their demanding sacrificial duties, continuously offering burnt offerings and burning the fat on the altar until nightfall. Their unceasing service rendered them unable to attend to their personal needs, prompting the Levites to fulfill this vital support role.

2 Chronicles 35 14 Context

2 Chronicles 35 recounts King Josiah's exceptionally fervent Passover celebration, described as the greatest Passover observed in Israel since the time of the prophet Samuel. Josiah, dedicated to restoring pure worship, ensured that every aspect of the Passover was meticulously executed according to the Mosaic Law. The Levites played an integral part in this process, handling the slaying and flaying of the massive number of Passover sacrifices (2 Chr 35:10-11) and helping the priests in various ritual tasks. Verse 14 specifically highlights the ongoing, intensive labor of the priests in performing the required sacrificial rites, burning burnt offerings and the fat on the altar, which occupied them until the evening. This exhaustive engagement created a practical necessity for the Levites to step in and prepare the priests' own meals, underscoring the interconnectedness and mutual support within the roles designated for temple service.

2 Chronicles 35 14 Word analysis

• And afterward: Signifies a sequence of events, highlighting what occurred subsequent to the Levites' initial preparations for the sacrificial system (2 Chr 35:10-13). It implies continued and expanded duties.
• they made ready: The Hebrew "וְהֵכִינוּ" (v'hekhinu) denotes to prepare, to arrange, or to establish. In this context, it refers to the preparation of food or sustenance. The "they" implicitly refers back to the Levites, who were extensively involved in the preparations for the Passover in previous verses.
• for themselves: Indicates that the Levites prepared their own necessary provisions, essential for sustenance after their extensive work.
• and for the priests: This is the crucial point, extending the Levites' service beyond their personal needs, demonstrating a supportive and selfless action.
• because: The Hebrew "כִּי" (ki), introduces the reason or explanation for the Levites' expanded task.
• the priests, the sons of Aaron: Specifies the distinct priestly lineage and highlights their divinely ordained role, which required them to perform the most sacred and intensive duties.
• were occupied: The Hebrew "נַעֲסָקִים" (na'asaqim) implies being engrossed, busy, or continuously engaged. It suggests a high level of demanding activity that left no room for other tasks. This state of being "occupied" points to their full commitment to their God-given role.
• in offering up burnt offerings: Refers to "הָעוֹלוֹת" (ha'olot), sacrifices entirely consumed by fire on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord, symbolizing complete devotion. This was a core and physically demanding priestly function according to Mosaic law (Lev 1).
• and the fat: Refers to "וְהַחֲלָבִים" (v'ha'lavim), the fatty portions of the sacrifices, considered sacred to God and also burned on the altar (Lev 3:16-17). This specific duty underscored the holiness of the offering.
• until night: Indicates the sustained nature of their labor, implying a day-long, unceasing effort, from morning till evening, without pause for personal refreshment or meal preparation. This emphasizes the priests' dedication and the sheer volume of sacrifices during Josiah's immense Passover.

• "they made ready for themselves and for the priests": This phrase highlights the Levites' expanded service and mutual care. They didn't just meet their own needs, but willingly supported the priests, showing a communal spirit in the service of God.
• "the priests... were occupied in offering up burnt offerings and the fat until night": This group of words clarifies the intense, full-time commitment of the priests to their sacred duties. Their absorption in the intricate ritual of sacrifice left them with no capacity to attend to their own sustenance, justifying the Levites' action. It showcases the dedication required for effective spiritual leadership.
• "therefore the Levites made ready for themselves and for the priests": The concluding clause reaffirms the consequence of the priests' intense work. It underscores the division of labor and mutual reliance within the temple staff, with the Levites humbly fulfilling a supportive, yet vital, role.

2 Chronicles 35 14 Bonus section

The efficiency and success of Josiah's Passover, noted as unmatched since the days of Samuel (2 Chr 35:18), largely hinged on this type of meticulous logistical coordination and selfless collaboration between the Levites and the priests. The priests’ role, requiring precise ritual adherence, was arduous. Their continuous engagement on the altar speaks to the immense volume of sacrifices offered that day. This verse also implicitly reminds us that while some are called to frontline spiritual labor, others are called to provide the practical support that enables that labor to flourish. This often unseen or lesser-hailed service is just as vital for the whole operation of God's work.

2 Chronicles 35 14 Commentary

2 Chronicles 35:14 provides a practical glimpse into the mechanics of divine worship during Josiah's unparalleled Passover. It beautifully illustrates the functional harmony within the sacred ministry. The priests, specifically the sons of Aaron, were dedicated wholly to their direct, physically demanding sacrificial duties—burning burnt offerings and the designated fat until night. This total absorption prevented them from attending to basic personal needs like preparing food. The Levites, recognizing this crucial situation and embodying a spirit of servanthood, stepped in to provide for both their own needs and those of the priests. This reflects the essential biblical principle of specialized roles and mutual support within the body of believers (1 Cor 12), where those performing vital, consuming spiritual tasks are cared for by others, allowing them to remain focused on their primary calling. It's a powerful lesson in practical love and cooperation in serving God.