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?