2 Chronicles 35 8

2 Chronicles 35:8 kjv

And his princes gave willingly unto the people, to the priests, and to the Levites: Hilkiah and Zechariah and Jehiel, rulers of the house of God, gave unto the priests for the passover offerings two thousand and six hundred small cattle and three hundred oxen.

2 Chronicles 35:8 nkjv

And his leaders gave willingly to the people, to the priests, and to the Levites. Hilkiah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, rulers of the house of God, gave to the priests for the Passover offerings two thousand six hundred from the flock, and three hundred cattle.

2 Chronicles 35:8 niv

His officials also contributed voluntarily to the people and the priests and Levites. Hilkiah, Zechariah and Jehiel, the officials in charge of God's temple, gave the priests twenty-six hundred Passover offerings and three hundred cattle.

2 Chronicles 35:8 esv

And his officials contributed willingly to the people, to the priests, and to the Levites. Hilkiah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, the chief officers of the house of God, gave to the priests for the Passover offerings 2,600 Passover lambs and 300 bulls.

2 Chronicles 35:8 nlt

The king's officials also made willing contributions to the people, priests, and Levites. Hilkiah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, the administrators of God's Temple, gave the priests 2,600 lambs and young goats and 300 cattle as Passover offerings.

2 Chronicles 35 verses

2 Chronicles 35 8 Meaning

This verse describes a pivotal moment during King Josiah's grand Passover celebration, detailing significant contributions from high-ranking royal and temple officials. These leaders voluntarily provided a massive number of animals for the sacrificial offerings, ensuring that both the general populace, the officiating priests, and the Levites had sufficient resources to properly observe the Passover feast according to Mosaic Law. Their generosity facilitated a widespread and meticulously conducted worship event, reflecting their profound commitment to God and the restored covenant.

2 Chronicles 35 8 Context

Chapter 35 of 2 Chronicles details King Josiah's magnificent and meticulously planned Passover celebration. This event is highlighted as being unparalleled since the days of the prophet Samuel, emphasizing its adherence to the specific commands of the Law found during Josiah's reform. The preceding verses (2 Chr 35:1-7) outline Josiah's personal devotion and his contributions for the Passover sacrifices. Verse 8, then, shifts focus to the pivotal role of Josiah's leading officials. The historical context is that of national repentance and revival after generations of apostasy, with Josiah leading Judah in returning to covenant fidelity, culminating in this grand observance of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The scale of the offerings underscores the thoroughness of the reform and the collective commitment to God's commands.

2 Chronicles 35 8 Word analysis

• And his officials (וְשָׂרָיו, wᵉśārāyw): "His officials" refers to the high-ranking administrators or princes of the kingdom under King Josiah. Their involvement signifies top-level endorsement and participation, crucial for such a large-scale national event.
• contributed willingly (הִתְנַדְּבוּ, hitnaddᵉvū): This Hebrew word emphasizes a spontaneous, freewill offering. It suggests generosity from the heart, not compelled by law or royal decree alone. This resonates with the concept of freewill offerings in the Mosaic Law, demonstrating genuine devotion and partnership in the religious revival.
• for the people, for the priests, and for the Levites: This indicates a comprehensive provision. The offerings were distributed to ensure every segment of the community—the lay people who brought their individual offerings, the priests who performed the sacrifices, and the Levites who assisted—had the necessary animals. This removed any economic barrier to participation for those unable to provide their own, ensuring widespread involvement.
• Hilkiah (חִלְקִיָּהוּ, Ḥilqiyyāhū): The high priest (2 Chr 34:14), instrumental in discovering the Book of the Law and central to Josiah's reforms. His leadership here confirms the spiritual authority and authenticity of the proceedings.
• Zechariah (זְכַרְיָהוּ, Zᵉḵaryāhū): Another key official, whose role is specified further as "chief officer of the house of God."
• and Jehiel (וִיחִיאֵל, wîḥîʾēl): The third prominent official mentioned. The inclusion of these specific names emphasizes the direct, responsible involvement of specific high-level temple administrators, highlighting transparency and accountability.
• the chief officers of the house of God: This title suggests a specific administrative role within the Temple hierarchy, likely involving management of Temple resources, funds, or oversight of sacred functions. Their provision of sacrificial animals reflects their responsibility for the practical operation of worship.
• gave to the priests: The specific mention that these gifts were "to the priests" highlights their role in performing the sacrifices, underscoring the Levitical law's stipulations for priestly mediation. The gifts ensured the priests had enough animals for all participants.
• for the Passover sacrifices: This clearly states the purpose: the specific animals required for the Passover offering and likely other associated sacrifices for the week of Unleavened Bread, which immediately followed.
• 2,600 animals from the flock and 300 bulls: These are vast quantities. "Animals from the flock" would typically refer to sheep and goats, fitting the requirement for the Passover lamb. "Bulls" (oxen) would have been used for the various burnt offerings, grain offerings, or peace offerings specified for the seven days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread that followed the Passover. The sheer numbers emphasize the unparalleled scale of this national worship event.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• And his officials contributed willingly: This phrase emphasizes voluntary leadership. Unlike mandatory temple taxes, these contributions stemmed from a genuine desire to uphold the rediscovered Law and support a national spiritual revival. It contrasts sharply with earlier kings who neglected or even defiled the temple.
• for the people, for the priests, and for the Levites: This points to an inclusive, well-resourced worship. The leaders didn't just provide for their own households; they facilitated participation for everyone, removing barriers to entry and ensuring the proper functioning of the worship liturgy by supporting the priestly and Levitical ministries. This foreshadows a communal body functioning in unity.
• Hilkiah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, the chief officers of the house of God: This identifies the specific individuals responsible for these massive provisions. Hilkiah, as high priest, signifies spiritual authority. Zechariah and Jehiel, as "chief officers," signify high-level administrative and financial stewardship. Their collective action illustrates responsible leadership within God's house, managing significant resources for the sake of true worship. This group functioned as high-level administrators of the Temple’s financial and resource management, directly ensuring the sacrificial system could function for the thousands attending.
• gave to the priests for the Passover sacrifices 2,600 animals from the flock and 300 bulls: This specifies the precise beneficiaries (the priests), the exact purpose (Passover sacrifices and the subsequent Feast), and the astounding quantity of animals. It highlights the immense logistical and financial effort involved, driven by devotion, to fully comply with God's law regarding the feast, an undertaking unseen for centuries in Israel's history. This was an act of corporate provision for the required cultic acts.

2 Chronicles 35 8 Bonus section

The scale of the offerings described in 2 Chronicles 35:7-9—a combined total of over 37,600 sheep/goats and 3,900 oxen—far surpassed anything mentioned in previous Passover celebrations in the biblical record, including those of Solomon, Hezekiah, or even the initial Passover in Exodus. This astronomical figure emphasizes not just the wealth and authority of Josiah and his officials, but primarily the immense religious fervor and the unprecedented desire to adhere precisely to the rediscovered Law of Moses. This deep commitment demonstrated the profound impact of the spiritual awakening under Josiah's reign, solidifying his Passover as a benchmark for national repentance and true worship in Israelite history. The sheer magnitude would have served as a powerful visual and communal witness to God's restored covenant relationship with His people.

2 Chronicles 35 8 Commentary

2 Chronicles 35:8 underscores the profound commitment of King Josiah's officials to the national revival of worship. Following the King's own substantial contributions, these high-ranking individuals willingly gave enormous resources—thousands of sacrificial animals—to ensure that the Passover feast could be celebrated according to divine instruction, accessible to all, and facilitated by the dedicated priests and Levites. This act of "freewill offering" signals genuine piety beyond mere obligation, reflecting hearts stirred by God's Word found by Hilkiah. The involvement of the high priest and chief temple officers ensures both spiritual legitimacy and practical efficiency. It demonstrates a rare convergence of royal, administrative, and priestly leadership uniting for the glory of God, providing a stark contrast to periods of national neglect and highlighting the principle of leaders serving and enabling the faith of the community.

• Example 1: Just as these officials enabled public worship, church leaders today facilitate outreach and mission through resource allocation, empowering the congregation to participate.
• Example 2: Their willing contribution models sacrificial giving for God's purposes, where those entrusted with more bless the wider community for spiritual growth and obedience.
• Example 3: The thoroughness in providing animals for everyone mirrors the Church's calling to ensure the gospel is accessible, removing barriers for people to participate in God's kingdom.