Definition: Moreover Josiah kept a passover unto the LORD in Jerusalem: and they killed the passover on the fourteenth [day] of the first month.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 35:1. It’s a really important part of understanding what happened during King Josiah’s reign. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it means: “Josiah, the king of Judah, decided to celebrate Passover – a Jewish festival – in Jerusalem. But instead of celebrating it, he ordered its destruction.” Let's unpack that a little further: “Moreover Josiah kept a passover unto the LORD…” : This refers back to the annual Passover ritual, which was a crucial part of Jewish faith and practice. It celebrated the liberation of Israelites from slavery in Egypt. “…in Jerusalem:” This tells us the event happened within the city of Jerusalem. “and they killed the passover on the fourteenth [day] of the first month.” : This is the key part. The Passover was a very significant religious holiday. Josiah's officials decided to destroy (banish) the Passover entirely. They did this on the 14th day of the first month. This is a huge deal because it signifies a turning point – a time when Josiah started to abandon his faith and perhaps, in some way, start to shift away from God’s covenant with Israel. What's the significance? This verse is often seen as a sign that Josiah was making mistakes or starting down a path of disobedience. It’s a moment of crisis for the kingdom of Judah, suggesting he wasn’t prioritizing God’s will and perhaps moving towards idolatry (worshiping other gods). Important Note: It’s crucial to remember this verse comes from a time of great upheaval and potentially serious religious issues within the Kingdom of Israel. It's a pivotal moment in history with significant implications for the future of Judah. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points further? For example, would you like to know: What was Passover traditionally about? Why is this verse significant historically?

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

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 35:10. It’s a really important part of understanding what happened during the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very specific and solemn ceremony happening right before the King’s permission to begin the massive rebuilding project of the Temple. It was a symbolic act of obedience and respect. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “So the service was prepared…” – This means there was a dedicated, organized event planned. Think of it like setting up for a big party or a significant religious ritual. “…and the priests stood in their place…” - Priests were traditionally responsible for leading prayers and rituals within the Temple. This verse tells us they were specifically positioned to perform those duties. “…and the Levites in their courses…” – The Levites were a group of people who served as musicians, singers, and priests in the Temple. They were specifically designated to lead the music and chants during this ceremony. "...according to the king’s commandment." - This is key . The King (the leader of Israel) gave permission for this event. It was a sign that the people were ready to begin rebuilding, and that they were following his instructions. In short, it means: The preparation for the Temple's rebuilding was complete, and the priests and Levites were formally positioned to lead the religious ceremonies as instructed by the King. What’s the significance? This event highlights the importance of obedience and ritual in maintaining a sacred space. It shows that the people were acknowledging their responsibility to follow the instructions of God and the King, and that this was a crucial step towards restoring the Temple. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from 2 Chronicles 35? Discuss the historical context of this event? Relate it to a broader theme in biblical storytelling (like obedience or divine authority)?

Definition: And they killed the passover, and the priests sprinkled [the blood] from their hands, and the Levites flayed [them].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Chronicles 35:11. It’s a really disturbing verse that describes a horrific act of violence against Jewish people during the time of King Josiah. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: What happened? King Josiah was trying to purify his kingdom and remove evil from it. He ordered the Passover, a Jewish festival celebrating liberation from slavery, to be cancelled. Then, they killed the people. Instead of simply letting them go, the people were brutally murdered. 2 Chronicles describes them being killed from their hands . This is incredibly shocking because it’s a direct attack on the individuals who were celebrating and honoring God's Passover. The priests sprinkled blood. This is the most disturbing part. The priests, who were responsible for offering sacrifices to God, are depicted sprinkling blood from their hands. This symbolizes a ritualistic killing – they were essentially taking the life of the people, turning it into a sacrifice. What’s the Meaning & Significance? Symbol of Rebellion: This act is seen as a symbolic rejection of God's law and authority. It shows that Josiah’s kingdom was becoming increasingly rebellious against what he believed to be right. A Turning Point: It’s considered a major turning point in the history of Israel, marking a shift towards idolatry (worshiping idols instead of God). Violence & Punishment: The verse highlights the idea that violence and punishment are sometimes necessary when people stray from the righteous path. It's a stark warning against any kind of defiance or rebellion against God’s will. Important Note: The Bible doesn’t explicitly say why they were doing this. However, it points to a deeper issue – Josiah’s kingdom was becoming increasingly focused on its own power and self-interest rather than following God's laws and principles. In short, this verse describes a violent act of revenge against the Jewish people, representing a significant moment of rebellion against God and his law. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss the context of this event in biblical history? Talk about the different interpretations of this verse?

Definition: And they removed the burnt offerings, that they might give according to the divisions of the families of the people, to offer unto the LORD, as [it is] written in the book of Moses. And so [did they] with the oxen.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 35:12 together. It’s a really important piece of history and has some fascinating meaning! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a shift in how the people of Israel were offering sacrifices to God. They were moving from burnt offerings (which were very elaborate and focused on appeasing God with things that looked good to others) to a new system where they were giving according to the specific divisions of their families. Let’s unpack it: “And they removed the burnt offerings…” : This means they stopped making these large, ceremonial sacrifices. They weren't just throwing things at God; they were removing them. “…that they might give according to the divisions of the families of the people…” : This is the key part! They started giving offerings that were specifically assigned to different families within Israel. Think of it like a system where each family had their own designated portion of the sacrifice. “to offer unto the LORD, as [it is] written in the book of Moses.” : This refers to a previous law given by Moses. It’s saying that this new system was authorized and guided by the laws found in the Bible. It’s like saying, “This is how God wanted us to do it.” “And so [did they] with the oxen.” : This is a little more symbolic. "Oxen" were used for sacrifice back then. The phrase 'so did they' means they followed this new system diligently and correctly. What’s the Significance? This verse highlights a shift in how the Israelites approached worship. They weren’t just focusing on pleasing God with things they thought looked good, but on fulfilling God's laws as outlined in the Bible. It shows a move towards a more structured and consistent way of worshipping. In short: This verse tells us that Israel started to organize their religious offerings in a way that was guided by biblical law, making it more focused on pleasing God directly. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Give you some historical context about the time period? Or perhaps explore the meaning in a different way (e.g., its connection to themes of justice and obedience)?

Definition: And they roasted the passover with fire according to the ordinance: but the [other] holy [offerings] sod they in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans, and divided [them] speedily among all the people.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 35:13. It’s a pretty detailed description of how the Passover was celebrated. Here's a simple explanation: Basically, it means: “They roasted the Passover lamb with fire, but instead of just throwing it on a table, they cooked it in pots, caldrons (large stockpots), and pans – all at the same time.” Let’s unpack it further: “And they roasted the Passover lamb…” – This refers to the central part of the Passover meal: the lamb. The lamb was a special animal sacrificed to symbolize Jesus Christ. “…with fire…” – The fire represented God's presence and blessing on the Israelites. It was a powerful symbol of divine protection. “but instead of just throwing it on a table…” - This is key! The verse highlights that the Passover wasn’t a simple, casual meal. It involved a specific ritual. “…they cooked it in pots, caldrons, and pans…” – This describes how they prepared the lamb. They weren't just letting it sit on a plate. Instead, they were meticulously cooking it in various large containers filled with water or broth. The Significance: This imagery is important because it emphasizes that the Passover wasn’t just about eating lamb. It was a sacred event – a covenant between God and the Israelites, symbolized by the sacrifice of the lamb. By cooking it in different vessels, they were symbolically "scattering" or "dividing" the sacrificial meat amongst all the people – representing the entire nation being united under God's law. In short, it’s a vivid picture of a carefully orchestrated and significant Passover meal. --- Do you have any other questions about this verse? Would you like me to: Explain another part of the verse? Connect it to a specific aspect of Jewish tradition?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 35:14. It's a bit complex, but we can understand it as follows: The Basic Idea: This passage describes a shift in focus within the temple – specifically, the priests (who were responsible for offering sacrifices) were busy and preoccupied with their work. They were dedicated to preparing for these rituals. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And afterward they made ready for themselves, and for the priests…” : This means that the priests were working on preparing for a specific purpose – offering sacrifices. “…because the priests the sons of Aaron [were busied] in offering of burnt offerings and the fat until night…” : This is the key part. "The sons of Aaron" refers to a specific group of priests who were responsible for performing these rituals. They were actively involved in burning incense (burnt offerings) and preparing fatty meats (the fat) – all before sunset. It was a very busy period. “Until night” suggests they continued working even when the day was ending. “…therefore the Levites prepared for themselves, and for the priests the sons of Aaron.” : This explains why the Levites were preparing. They were now also involved in this work. They were essentially taking on a similar task – preparing to offer sacrifices and provide food for the priests. In simpler terms: The priests were so focused on their duties that they started working alongside the Levites, both preparing for the same religious rituals. What’s the Big Picture? This verse illustrates a pattern of responsibility within the temple. It shows that there was a clear division of labor and a coordinated effort to ensure these important religious ceremonies were completed. It highlights the importance of teamwork in maintaining the sacred space. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Give you a slightly different way to interpret it?

Definition: And the singers the sons of Asaph [were] in their place, according to the commandment of David, and Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun the king’s seer; and the porters [waited] at every gate; they might not depart from their service; for their brethren the Levites prepared for them.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 35:15. It’s a really important passage about the roles and responsibilities of the priests in the temple of God. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very specific setup at the Temple in Jerusalem during a time of great importance – when King David was still alive and the Temple was being built or renovated. It says that the priests (a group of men dedicated to God) were specifically tasked with guarding the temple entrance and keeping it busy, preventing anyone from leaving their duties. Let’s unpack each part: “And the singers the sons of Asaph [were] in their place…” : This tells us that these priests were assigned a particular job – they were responsible for singing and performing a specific role. “Asaph” and “Heman” are two prominent priests who were known for their musical talent. So, they were being used for a designated task. “…according to the commandment of David…” : This is crucial. It means that this job was approved by King David himself. He had a very clear idea of what these priests should do. It’s like saying "This is how we're supposed to do it." “and Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun the king’s seer…” : These are three more priests – Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun – who were also responsible for guarding the temple entrance. “…and the porters [waited] at every gate; they might not depart from their service…” : This is the most important part . The "porters" (guards) weren’t just standing there. They were waiting at every gate – the entrances to the temple. They were instructed to stay put , never leave their duties. The idea is that they were keeping watch, ensuring no one entered or left without permission. “for their brethren the Levites prepared for them.” : This means that the priests and porters weren’t just doing a job; they were preparing something – making sure everything was in order to handle the temple visitors. The Levites (a group of skilled artisans) were busy preparing for this important event. In short, it's about a carefully organized system of security at the Temple to ensure that only those who were authorized and prepared could enter. Why is this important? This passage shows that the temple wasn’t just a place of worship; it was a strategic location with very specific roles and responsibilities. It highlights the importance of order, preparation, and control in the Temple's operations. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some historical context about the priests and their role at this time? Discuss what this passage might symbolize (like the importance of obedience and trust)?

Definition: So all the service of the LORD was prepared the same day, to keep the passover, and to offer burnt offerings upon the altar of the LORD, according to the commandment of king Josiah.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse together. It’s a really important part of the Old Testament Bible and it tells us about how God planned things for Israel back in ancient times. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse describes a plan to celebrate Passover and offer sacrifices to God. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “So all the service of the LORD was prepared the same day…” - This means that God actively started preparing for these events – Passover and offerings – on one particular day. It wasn’t a gradual process; it was a deliberate start. “…to keep the passover…” - The “passover” was a Jewish festival celebrating freedom from slavery, and it involved a special meal. This verse means God wanted to make this celebration happen. “…and to offer burnt offerings upon the altar of the LORD…” – This is where the sacrifices come in. "Burnt offerings" meant that the people were to bring gifts (like lambs or animals) to the altar of God, showing reverence and devotion. They were a way for them to give thanks and acknowledge God's power. "...according to the commandment of king Josiah." - This is crucially important . King Josiah was a leader in ancient Israel. The verse says that this plan was established by him – he gave a specific instruction or command. It’s like saying, "This is how we are meant to do this!" In short, it's a story about God setting up a beautiful and meaningful celebration for his people, with a clear purpose: to remember their freedom and show their devotion through offerings. Why is this verse significant? It’s one of the oldest parts of the Bible that tells us about a time when Israel was deeply focused on worshiping God. It shows that the people were trying to live in a way that honored Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a specific event in biblical history? Give you a little more context about the time period?

Definition: And the children of Israel that were present kept the passover at that time, and the feast of unleavened bread seven days.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 35:17. It's a really important piece of history! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, it says that the Israelites were celebrating Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (which was a big Jewish holiday) for seven days. Let's unpack that a little bit: “And the children of Israel that were present kept…” – This refers to the people who were traveling with the Israelites during their journey from Egypt to Mount Sinai, where they received the Ten Commandments. “…the passover at that time…” - Passover was a very important holiday in Jewish tradition, marking the beginning of spring and freedom. It involved symbolic feasts and rituals. "...and the feast of unleavened bread seven days.” – This was another major Jewish holiday, celebrating the Israelites' liberation from slavery by God. It involved eating bread that hadn’t risen (because they were freed!). So, it’s a historical record that says the Israelites spent seven days enjoying these feasts before moving on to the next stage of their journey. Why is this important? It tells us about how the Israelites celebrated and what was happening during a crucial part of their history. It also shows that they were focused on remembering God’s deliverance from slavery, which is a central theme in Jewish faith. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you some background about Passover or the Feast of Unleavened Bread?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 35:18. It's a really important piece about how God’s people remembered and celebrated a special event – Passover. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Passover Was Special: In ancient Israel, Passover was a huge festival where the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. It involved a symbolic meal of unleavened bread eaten by Moses and his followers. Josiah's Legacy: King Josiah was the last ruler of Judah. He made a very important decision: he didn’t make Passover a regular part of Jewish life like it had been before. He didn't have a separate, dedicated “Passover” that everyone participated in. What the Verse Says - It’s About Remembering: “No passover like to that kept in Israel…” – This means Josiah’s decision was very significant. He chose not to keep Passover as a constant tradition. “…from the days of Samuel the prophet…” – This tells us it started long ago, back with Samuel, who was a very important prophet. "...neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a passover as Josiah kept..." - This is the key part! It says that all the kings of Israel, including the powerful ones like David and Solomon, didn't keep Passover as a regular practice. They weren’t making it a central part of their religious life. "...and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.” - This clarifies who was excluded. It means that everyone in the region – from the people living in Jerusalem to the kings and priests, and even the people who lived in the countryside – didn't participate in a continuous Passover celebration. So, what’s the big takeaway? This verse emphasizes that God’s chosen people, like Israel, chose to focus on one special remembrance of God’s deliverance from slavery. It wasn’t about having multiple festivals or traditions; it was about one key event – Passover – being the most important part of their faith. In a nutshell: Josiah's decision to not keep Passover as a regular practice was a powerful statement about how central God's remembrance and celebration were in Israel's life. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific aspect of this verse further? Give you some historical context around Passover?