2 Chronicles 35 26

2 Chronicles 35:26 kjv

Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his goodness, according to that which was written in the law of the LORD,

2 Chronicles 35:26 nkjv

Now the rest of the acts of Josiah and his goodness, according to what was written in the Law of the LORD,

2 Chronicles 35:26 niv

The other events of Josiah's reign and his acts of devotion in accordance with what is written in the Law of the LORD?

2 Chronicles 35:26 esv

Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his good deeds according to what is written in the Law of the LORD,

2 Chronicles 35:26 nlt

The rest of the events of Josiah's reign and his acts of devotion (carried out according to what was written in the Law of the LORD),

2 Chronicles 35 verses

2 Chronicles 35 26 Meaning

This verse serves as a summary statement for the reign of King Josiah, emphasizing the comprehensiveness of the written accounts detailing his life and actions. It specifically highlights his "devout deeds" and faithful adherence "according to what was written in the Law of the Lord," affirming that these historical records were meticulously maintained and accessible. It points to a well-known historical archive, "the book of the kings of Israel and Judah," as the authoritative source for the full scope of his remarkable life, from beginning to end.

2 Chronicles 35 26 Context

Chapter 35 details King Josiah's greatest acts of devotion, particularly his unparalleled Passover celebration and his steadfast efforts to purify the worship in Judah according to the Law of the Lord. It vividly portrays Josiah's piety and his role as a righteous reformer. Verse 26 immediately follows the account of Josiah's tragic death in battle at Megiddo (verses 20-25), fighting against Pharaoh Neco of Egypt. The verse functions as the Chronicler's standard closing formula for a king's reign, marking the end of Josiah's narrative by referring to more extensive historical accounts. The broader context of 2 Chronicles is a theological history focusing on the Southern Kingdom of Judah, highlighting the importance of temple worship, the Davidic covenant, and obedience to the Law as the determinant of divine favor or judgment. Josiah's reign represents the last great spiritual revival before the final destruction of Jerusalem and the exile, emphasizing that even the most righteous king could not avert the cumulative judgment due to generations of sin, though his personal obedience was fully recognized and recorded.

2 Chronicles 35 26 Word analysis

• Now (וְיֶתֶר, v'yeter): This conjunctive particle, often translated as "and," "but," or "now," indicates a transition to a concluding summary. "The rest of" introduces the remaining significant deeds not elaborated upon within the chapter.
• the rest of the acts (וְיֶתֶר דִּבְרֵי, v'yeter divrei): A conventional closing formula found extensively in the Books of Kings and Chronicles. It implies that the inspired biblical account is selective and directs the reader to broader, contemporary state annals for more exhaustive details. "Acts" (divrei) refers to all the matters or deeds of his reign.
• Josiah (יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ, yoshiyyahu): King of Judah (640-609 BC), renowned for his deep personal piety and the significant religious reforms he initiated after the discovery of the Book of the Law. His name means "Yahweh supports" or "Yahweh heals."
• and his devout deeds (חֲסָדָיו, chasadav): This is a crucial term derived from the Hebrew word hesed (חֶסֶד). While often translated as "lovingkindness," "mercy," or "goodness," here it emphasizes Josiah's covenant faithfulness, his loyalty, and unwavering devotion to God and the divine covenant. It signifies actions that stem from a deep, internal commitment to God, not merely external acts of piety. It encompasses his spiritual sincerity and ethical integrity.
• according to what was written (כַּכָּתוּב, kakkathuv): Emphasizes precise adherence to a standard. It underscores that Josiah's reforms and actions were not arbitrary but were directly based on the authoritative written revelation of God.
• in the Law of the Lord (בְּתוֹרַת יְהוָה, b'thorath YHWH): "Law" (Torah) refers to God's divine instruction and commands, particularly as embodied in the book discovered during his reign (likely Deuteronomy or parts of it). This phrase signifies that the divine standard, rather than human tradition or kingly prerogative, was the absolute guide for Josiah's reign and character.
• and his acts, first and last (וּדְבָרָיו הָרִאשֹׁנִים וְהָאַחֲרֹנִים, u'dvarav harishonim v'ha'achronim): This idiom signifies completeness or comprehensiveness, meaning "from beginning to end." It attests that all his actions, throughout his entire life and reign, both initial endeavors and concluding events, were recorded.
• behold, they are written (הִנָּם כְּתוּבִים, hinnam kethuvim): This declarative statement authenticates the existence and accessibility of the records. "Behold" (hinnam) calls attention to the factual nature of this assertion.
• in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah (עַל־סֵפֶר מַלְכֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וִיהוּדָה, 'al-sefer malchey Yisrael v'Yehudah): This refers to the official royal chronicles or state archives maintained by the kingdoms, distinct from the canonical Books of Kings in our Bible, though those canonical books drew upon such official records. The Chronicler frequently uses this general reference, sometimes specifying "Israel," sometimes "Judah," and here, "Israel and Judah," signifying a recognition of the united heritage despite the divided kingdoms, or referring to an encompassing national record.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his devout deeds": This opening establishes a concluding summation for Josiah's life. The distinction between "acts" (general deeds) and "devout deeds" (hesed – specific, covenant-faithful acts) highlights the theological emphasis of Chronicles. His life was marked by more than just governance; it was permeated by genuine spiritual loyalty.
• "according to what was written in the Law of the Lord": This phrase is central to Josiah's legacy and the Chronicler's theological message. It portrays Josiah as the model king whose entire life and reforms were shaped by absolute fidelity to God's revealed will. This underlines the biblical principle that true righteousness and wise governance stem from obedience to divine instruction, particularly after the rediscovery of the Law during his reign.
• "and his acts, first and last, behold, they are written": This asserts the exhaustive nature of the external records while affirming their historical reliability and permanence. It gives assurance that Josiah's full account, from his youthful accession to his final battle, is preserved in documented history, indicating its significance for future generations and its status as public, verifiable information.
• "in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah": This points to the authoritative source of the full history. The combined reference "Israel and Judah" highlights the Chronicler's perspective on the singular identity of God's people, even after the schism, emphasizing their shared heritage and a common divine standard. This was not merely local history but national history.

2 Chronicles 35 26 Bonus section

The Chronicler's specific mention of "devout deeds" (hesed) is significant because hesed is usually God's attribute—His steadfast love and faithfulness towards His covenant people. For it to be ascribed to a human king implies a rare degree of reciprocated covenant loyalty and faithfulness to God. Josiah exemplified human hesed in response to divine hesed. This focus also underscores Chronicles' consistent emphasis on moral cause and effect: righteous kings like Josiah brought a measure of stability and spiritual revival, even if temporary. The chronicler carefully constructs his narrative to show how Josiah’s actions, stemming from this profound hesed, were consistently rooted in the Mosaic Law, emphasizing a consistent biblical theology that God's people flourish when their actions align with His revealed will.

2 Chronicles 35 26 Commentary

Verse 26 of 2 Chronicles 35 serves as the Chronicler's valedictory statement for Josiah, one of Judah's most revered kings. Unlike some closing formulas in Kings that only reference "acts," here the Chronicler pointedly adds "his devout deeds according to what was written in the Law of the Lord." This isn't just a generic closing; it's a profound theological emphasis. The hesed of Josiah underscores his personal fidelity to God's covenant, manifesting in genuine obedience and a life devoted to divine standards. This sets him apart, even from his righteous predecessors, as his devotion was directly in response to and guided by the newly recovered Mosaic Law.

The mention of "the book of the kings of Israel and Judah" serves as an extra-biblical reference to the wider royal annals, confirming that the inspired biblical account is a distilled theological narrative drawing from larger historical records. It assures the reader of the factual basis of Josiah's exceptional life, emphasizing that his remarkable obedience, the scope of which stretched "from first to last," was meticulously documented and undeniable. The Chronicler uses Josiah as a prime example of a king who rigorously pursued God's will, yet tragically, even such personal piety could not ultimately prevent the collective judgment impending on Judah for its persistent national apostasy. The verse thus encapsulates Josiah's personal excellence and the ultimate testimony of divine historical oversight.

• Practical usage: This verse encourages believers to live lives of genuine devotion (hesed) according to God's Word, knowing that all our "acts, first and last" are noted, not only in human records but in divine remembrance. It motivates diligent study of scripture (the Law of the Lord) as the guide for all deeds and decision-making, reinforcing the principle that spiritual flourishing comes from faithful obedience to what is written.