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?