2 Chronicles 35 18

2 Chronicles 35:18 kjv

And there was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a passover as Josiah kept, and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 35:18 nkjv

There had been no Passover kept in Israel like that since the days of Samuel the prophet; and none of the kings of Israel had kept such a Passover as Josiah kept, with the priests and the Levites, all Judah and Israel who were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 35:18 niv

The Passover had not been observed like this in Israel since the days of the prophet Samuel; and none of the kings of Israel had ever celebrated such a Passover as did Josiah, with the priests, the Levites and all Judah and Israel who were there with the people of Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 35:18 esv

No Passover like it had been kept in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet. None of the kings of Israel had kept such a Passover as was kept by Josiah, and the priests and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel who were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 35:18 nlt

Never since the time of the prophet Samuel had there been such a Passover. None of the kings of Israel had ever kept a Passover as Josiah did, involving all the priests and Levites, all the people of Jerusalem, and people from all over Judah and Israel.

2 Chronicles 35 verses

2 Chronicles 35 18 Meaning

2 Chronicles 35:18 declares that the Passover observed by King Josiah was unprecedented in Israel's history, unparalleled since the time of Samuel the prophet, and unsurpassed by any other king of Israel. It emphasizes the profound and unique spiritual restoration and obedience that characterized this specific Passover celebration under Josiah’s reign.

2 Chronicles 35 18 Context

This verse is the concluding statement to a detailed account of Josiah's exceptional Passover celebration. Chapter 35 describes the meticulous organization, immense resources, and unprecedented scale of this event. Josiah ensured everything was done "as it is written in the Book of Moses," involving priests and Levites in their designated duties, providing an enormous number of sacrificial animals, and leading the nation in a sincere return to God's law. This Passover occurred as the pinnacle of Josiah's wider religious reforms, which were sparked by the rediscovery of the Book of the Law in the temple during repairs (2 Chron 34). Historically, Josiah reigned during a period of decline for Judah, shortly before its final destruction and exile. His reign stood as a final beacon of righteousness, emphasizing national repentance and a return to the covenant. This unique Passover underscored the depth of his commitment and the temporary spiritual revival in Judah before the nation’s inevitable judgment.

2 Chronicles 35 18 Word analysis

• There was no Passover: Emphasizes the unparalleled nature of this specific event. The Hebrew word for Passover, "Pesach" (פֶּסַח), refers to the divinely commanded feast commemorating the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage, a central act of redemption and covenant renewal.
• kept in Israel: Refers to the collective people and land of God. In this context, "Israel" primarily signifies the faithful remnant, Judah, as the northern kingdom of Israel had already fallen to Assyria. It indicates a national, comprehensive observance.
• like that: Denotes a superlative degree, distinguishing Josiah's Passover above all others due to its conformity to the Law, the scale of participation, and the depth of national repentance and dedication.
• since the days of Samuel the prophet: This benchmark is significant. Samuel's era (late judges/early monarchy) was characterized by a widespread spiritual revival and return to God after periods of apostasy (e.g., Philistine oppression, idol worship under the Judges). Samuel reformed the religious life, bringing Israel back to covenant obedience (e.g., Mizpah revival). This comparison implies that Josiah's Passover shared a similar spirit of authentic renewal and fidelity to the divine covenant that had been absent for centuries.
• nor did any of the kings of Israel: This specifically distinguishes Josiah from other monarchs. This includes notable kings who initiated reforms or large-scale worship, such as David, Solomon (at the dedication of the Temple), or Hezekiah (who also celebrated a major Passover, 2 Chron 30).
• keep such a Passover as Josiah kept: This highlights Josiah’s unique devotion and his rigorous adherence to the Law as the driving force behind the exceptional nature of this Passover. It emphasizes his personal initiative, the completeness of the observance, and the sincerity with which it was performed, directly reflecting the rediscovered Torah. The Hebrew verb "ʿāsâ" (עָשָׂה), "to do, to make, to perform," highlights the active execution and comprehensive fulfillment of the Passover requirements.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "No Passover kept... since the days of Samuel... nor any of the kings of Israel... as Josiah kept": This phrase constructs a double negative superlative, underscoring Josiah's Passover as exceptionally rare and unparalleled. The mention of Samuel’s era (over 700 years prior) places it in a time of intense spiritual uprightness and pure worship, effectively contrasting Josiah's zeal with the consistent backsliding of most subsequent kings and the neglect of generations. The standard here is not merely external observance but internal heart posture and thorough adherence to the covenant details. This points to a deeper reality that truly commanded a wholehearted return to God in a way not seen for a very long time, contrasting the spiritual state with all the preceding Passovers, including those under David and Solomon, which likely had varying degrees of fidelity and heart devotion.

2 Chronicles 35 18 Bonus section

The uniqueness of Josiah's Passover, according to scholars, was rooted in four key aspects: its meticulous organization (each Levite in his role), the massive scale of the offerings (far exceeding any previous records), the widespread participation of all remnant tribes (not just Judah), and above all, its profound fidelity to the newly rediscovered "Book of the Law," driving a sincerity of repentance unseen for ages. It stood as an implicit polemic against the often compromised or syncretistic worship practices of earlier periods, highlighting how far Israel had drifted from God's commands before Josiah's reforms. The description "Israel" here encompasses the remnant faithful in Judah, implying that Josiah sought to draw all remaining parts of Jacob’s descendants into covenant keeping. The depth of the reform demonstrated by this Passover makes Josiah a benchmark for devotion and national repentance, underscoring the spiritual poverty that prevailed during most of the divided monarchy.

2 Chronicles 35 18 Commentary

2 Chronicles 35:18 offers a powerful commendation of King Josiah, establishing his Passover celebration as the zenith of national religious observance in Israelite history since Samuel's time. Its uniqueness stemmed not just from its impressive scale, with its abundant sacrifices and participation, but more significantly from its uncompromising adherence to the details found in the rediscovered Book of the Law. Unlike many previous observances which were possibly nominal or lacked full conformity, Josiah's Passover was characterized by meticulous preparation, the correct restoration of priestly and Levitical service, and a palpable sincerity driven by national repentance. It represented a thorough, wholehearted return to the Mosaic covenant, seeking to honor God in the precise way He commanded, something lost for centuries amidst idolatry and spiritual compromise. This account stands as a testament to the profound impact of genuine biblical leadership and national revival spurred by the Word of God, though sadly, this great revival proved fleeting in the face of persistent national sin after Josiah’s death.Practical usage could involve understanding that true worship often requires radical obedience and returning to foundational biblical truths. It reminds believers that sometimes the most impactful spiritual moments are those that reclaim lost purity and commitment, setting new benchmarks for devotion.