2 Chronicles Chapter 35 — Josiah’s Passover and Death
King Josiah organizes a massive Passover celebration in Jerusalem, but later dies in battle against King Neco of Egypt at Megiddo.
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Notable Verses
2 Chronicles 35:18
“There was no Passover like that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet, nor did any of the kings of Israel keep such a Passover as Josiah kept—with the priests, the Levites, and all Judah and Israel who were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.”
It highlights the uniqueness and scale of Josiah's devotion compared to previous kings.
2 Chronicles 35:22
“Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and didn’t listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.”
This verse identifies the turning point that led to Josiah's tragic death.
Chapter Summary
2 Chronicles 35 details the peak of King Josiah's religious reforms: a magnificent Passover celebration. Josiah provides 30,000 lambs and goats and 3,000 bulls from his own property, encouraging the priests and Levites to perform their duties according to the Law of Moses and the precedents of David and Solomon. The text emphasizes that no king since the days of Samuel had observed such a Passover. However, the narrative shifts to Josiah's final days when he intervenes in a conflict between Egypt and Assyria. Despite King Neco of Egypt's warning that God had sent him to fight elsewhere, Josiah disguises himself and engages in battle at Megiddo. He is mortally wounded by archers and brought back to Jerusalem, where he dies. His death triggers national mourning, including a lament from the prophet Jeremiah, marking the end of the last great reformist reign in Judah.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the text, no Passover like it had been kept since the time of Samuel the prophet. It was notable for the involvement of all Judah and Israel, the strict adherence to the Law of Moses, and the massive scale of offerings provided by the king and his officials.
Josiah died after being wounded by archers in the valley of Megiddo. He had gone out to fight King Neco of Egypt, who was on his way to Carchemish, despite Neco's claim that God had told him not to interfere.
The prophet Jeremiah wrote a lament for Josiah, and the singing men and women of Israel continued to commemorate him in their lamentations, which became an ordinance in Israel.
Study Note
The mention of Josiah disguising himself in verse 22 mirrors the actions of King Ahab in 2 Chronicles 18, both leading to fatal outcomes despite the attempt to avoid detection.
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