2 Chronicles 35:2
New International Version
He appointed the priests to their duties and encouraged them in the service of the LORD’s temple.

New Living Translation
Josiah also assigned the priests to their duties and encouraged them in their work at the Temple of the LORD.

English Standard Version
He appointed the priests to their offices and encouraged them in the service of the house of the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
He appointed the priests to their duties and encouraged them in the service of the house of the LORD.

Berean Literal Bible
And he set the priests over their charges, and he strengthened them for the service of the house of YHWH.

King James Bible
And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the LORD,

New King James Version
And he set the priests in their duties and encouraged them for the service of the house of the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
He appointed the priests to their offices and encouraged them in the service of the house of the LORD.

NASB 1995
He set the priests in their offices and encouraged them in the service of the house of the LORD.

NASB 1977
And he set the priests in their offices and encouraged them in the service of the house of the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
And he caused the priests to stand in their responsibilities and strengthened them in the service of the house of Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
He appointed the priests to their positions and encouraged them in the service of the house of the LORD.

Berean Annotated Bible
He appointed the priests to their duties and encouraged them in the service of the house of the LORD {YHWH}.

Christian Standard Bible
He appointed the priests to their responsibilities and encouraged them to serve in the LORD’s temple.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He appointed the priests to their responsibilities and encouraged them to serve in the LORD’s temple.

American Standard Version
And he set the priests in their offices, and encouraged them to the service of the house of Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
On that day, Josiah made sure the priests knew what duties they were to do in the temple.

English Revised Version
And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Josiah appointed the priests to their duties and encouraged them to serve in the LORD's temple.

Good News Translation
He assigned to the priests the duties they were to perform in the Temple and encouraged them to do them well.

International Standard Version
He appointed priests to their offices, encouraging them in their service at the LORD's Temple.

NET Bible
He appointed the priests to fulfill their duties and encouraged them to carry out their service in the LORD's temple.

New Heart English Bible
He set the priests in their offices, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the LORD.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the LORD,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
He appointed the priests to their duties and encouraged them in the service of the house of the LORD.

World English Bible
He set the priests in their offices and encouraged them in the service of Yahweh’s house.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and he stations the priests over their charges, and strengthens them for the service of the house of YHWH,

Berean Literal Bible
And he set the priests over their charges, and he strengthened them for the service of the house of YHWH.

Young's Literal Translation
and he stationeth the priests over their charges, and strengtheneth them for the service of the house of Jehovah,

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will cause the priests to stand upon their watches, and he will strengthen them to serve the house of Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he set the priests in their offices, and exhorted them to minister in the house of the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he appointed the priests in their offices, and he exhorted them to minister in the house of the Lord.

New American Bible
He reappointed the priests to their duties and confirmed them in the service of the LORD’s house.

New Revised Standard Version
He appointed the priests to their offices and encouraged them in the service of the house of the LORD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he set the priests in their charges, and appointed them over the service of the house of the LORD,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he appointed Priests over their stations, and he appointed them over the work of the house of LORD JEHOVAH.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he appointed the priests at their charges, and encouraged them for the services of the house of the Lord.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Josiah Restores the Passover
1Then Josiah celebrated the Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem, and the Passover lamb was slaughtered on the fourteenth day of the first month. 2He appointed the priests to their duties and encouraged them in the service of the house of the LORD. 3To the Levites who taught all Israel and were holy to the LORD, Josiah said: “Put the holy ark in the temple built by Solomon son of David king of Israel. It is not to be carried around on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God and His people Israel.…

Cross References
He appointed the priests to their duties

1 Chronicles 24:1-19
These were the divisions of the descendants of Aaron. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. / But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests. / With the help of Eleazar’s descendant Zadok and Ithamar’s descendant Ahimelech, David divided them according to the offices of their service. …

2 Chronicles 31:2
Hezekiah reestablished the divisions of the priests and Levites—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—for the burnt offerings and peace offerings, for ministry, for giving thanks, and for singing praises at the gates of the LORD’s dwelling.

1 Chronicles 23:28-32
but their duty was to assist the descendants of Aaron with the service of the house of the LORD, being responsible for the courts and chambers, the purification of all the holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God, / as well as for the rows of the showbread, the fine flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baking, the mixing, and all measurements of quantity and size. / They were also to stand every morning to give thanks and praise to the LORD, and likewise in the evening. …
and encouraged them

2 Chronicles 30:22
And Hezekiah encouraged all the Levites who performed skillfully before the LORD. For seven days they ate their assigned portion, sacrificing peace offerings and giving thanks to the LORD, the God of their fathers.

2 Chronicles 29:4-11
Then he brought in the priests and Levites and gathered them in the square on the east side. / “Listen to me, O Levites,” he said. “Consecrate yourselves now and consecrate the house of the LORD, the God of your fathers. Remove from the Holy Place every impurity. / For our fathers were unfaithful and did evil in the sight of the LORD our God. They abandoned Him, turned their faces away from the dwelling place of the LORD, and turned their backs on Him. …

1 Chronicles 28:20
David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you before all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.
in the service of the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 29:35
Furthermore, the burnt offerings were abundant, along with the fat of the peace offerings and the drink offerings for the burnt offerings. So the service of the house of the LORD was established.

2 Chronicles 31:11-19
Then Hezekiah commanded them to prepare storerooms in the house of the LORD, and they did so. / And they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes, and dedicated gifts. Conaniah the Levite was the officer in charge of them, and his brother Shimei was second. / Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah were overseers under the authority of Conaniah and his brother Shimei, by appointment of King Hezekiah and of Azariah the chief official of the house of God. …

1 Chronicles 9:13
and 1,760 of their relatives, the heads of their families, able men for the work of the service of the house of God.
2 Kings 23:21-23
The king commanded all the people, “Keep the Passover of the LORD your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant.” / No such Passover had been observed from the days of the judges who had governed Israel through all the days of the kings of Israel and Judah. / But in the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, this Passover was observed to the LORD in Jerusalem.

Exodus 12:1-28
Now the LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, / “This month is the beginning of months for you; it shall be the first month of your year. / Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man must select a lamb for his family, one per household. …

Deuteronomy 16:1-8
Observe the month of Abib and celebrate the Passover to the LORD your God, because in the month of Abib the LORD your God brought you out of Egypt by night. / You are to offer to the LORD your God the Passover sacrifice from the herd or flock in the place the LORD will choose as a dwelling for His Name. / You must not eat leavened bread with it; for seven days you are to eat with it unleavened bread, the bread of affliction, because you left the land of Egypt in haste—so that you may remember for the rest of your life the day you left the land of Egypt. …

2 Chronicles 30:1-27
Then Hezekiah sent word throughout all Israel and Judah, and he also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh inviting them to come to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem to keep the Passover of the LORD, the God of Israel. / For the king and his officials and the whole assembly in Jerusalem had decided to keep the Passover in the second month, / since they had been unable to keep it at the regular time, because not enough priests had consecrated themselves and the people had not been gathered in Jerusalem. …

1 Kings 9:25
Three times a year Solomon offered burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar he had built for the LORD, burning incense with them before the LORD. So he completed the temple.

2 Chronicles 8:12-13
At that time Solomon offered burnt offerings to the LORD on the altar of the LORD he had built in front of the portico. / He observed the daily requirement for offerings according to the commandment of Moses for Sabbaths, New Moons, and the three annual appointed feasts—the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles.

Leviticus 23:4-8
These are the LORD’s appointed feasts, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times. / The Passover to the LORD begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. / On the fifteenth day of the same month begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD. For seven days you must eat unleavened bread. …


Treasury of Scripture

And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the LORD,

charges

2 Chronicles 23:8,18
So the Levites and all Judah did according to all things that Jehoiada the priest had commanded, and took every man his men that were to come in on the sabbath, with them that were to go out on the sabbath: for Jehoiada the priest dismissed not the courses…

2 Chronicles 31:2
And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the LORD.

Numbers 18:5-7
And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar: that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel…

encouraged

2 Chronicles 29:5-11
And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place

2 Chronicles 31:2
And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 22:19
Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.

Jump to Previous
Appointed Charges Duties Encouraged House Lord's Making Offices Places Priests Service Stationeth Strengtheneth Strong Temple Work
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Appointed Charges Duties Encouraged House Lord's Making Offices Places Priests Service Stationeth Strengtheneth Strong Temple Work
2 Chronicles 35
1. Josiah keeps a most solemn Passover
20. He provoking Pharaoh Neco, is slain at Megiddo
25. Lamentations for Josiah












He appointed the priests to their duties
This phrase highlights King Josiah's commitment to restoring proper worship in Judah. The appointment of priests to their duties reflects adherence to the Levitical laws outlined in the Torah, particularly in the books of Exodus and Leviticus, where the roles and responsibilities of the priests are detailed. Josiah's actions are reminiscent of the reforms of earlier kings like Hezekiah, who also sought to restore temple worship (2 Chronicles 29:4-5). This appointment underscores the importance of the priesthood in maintaining the spiritual health of the nation and ensuring that worship was conducted according to God's commandments.

and encouraged them
Josiah's encouragement of the priests indicates his active role in spiritual leadership. This encouragement can be seen as a form of exhortation, urging the priests to fulfill their roles with diligence and faithfulness. It reflects a leader who not only commands but also inspires and supports his people. This mirrors the New Testament exhortations found in passages like Hebrews 10:24-25, where believers are encouraged to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Josiah's encouragement would have been crucial in a time when the nation was turning back to God after periods of idolatry and neglect of the temple.

in the service of the house of the LORD
The service of the house of the LORD refers to the various duties performed in the temple, including sacrifices, offerings, and maintaining the sacred space. This service was central to the religious life of Israel, as the temple was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The phrase emphasizes the importance of worship and the proper conduct of religious rites. It also points to the temple as a type of Christ, who in the New Testament is described as the true temple (John 2:19-21). Josiah's reforms and the restoration of temple service foreshadow the ultimate restoration and fulfillment found in Jesus Christ, who provides the perfect and final sacrifice for sin.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Josiah
The King of Judah who initiated religious reforms and restored the observance of the Passover. His leadership is central to this passage.

2. Priests
The religious leaders appointed by Josiah to perform their duties in the temple. They played a crucial role in the spiritual life of Israel.

3. House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites, where the priests performed their duties.

4. Passover
A significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. Josiah's observance of the Passover was a return to covenant faithfulness.

5. Encouragement
Josiah's act of encouraging the priests highlights his commitment to spiritual renewal and the proper worship of God.
Teaching Points
Leadership in Worship
Josiah's example shows the importance of godly leadership in guiding others toward proper worship and service to God.

Encouragement in Ministry
Encouraging those who serve in ministry is vital for the health and vitality of the church. Leaders should actively support and uplift those in spiritual service.

Faithfulness to God's Commands
Josiah's observance of the Passover demonstrates the importance of adhering to God's commands and the blessings that come from obedience.

Revival and Reform
Spiritual revival often begins with a return to foundational truths and practices, as seen in Josiah's reforms and the renewed observance of the Passover.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 35:2?

2. How does Josiah's leadership in 2 Chronicles 35:2 inspire modern Christian leaders today?

3. What does 2 Chronicles 35:2 reveal about the importance of organized worship?

4. How can we apply Josiah's dedication to God's commands in our lives?

5. In what ways does 2 Chronicles 35:2 connect to New Testament teachings on leadership?

6. How can church leaders today emulate Josiah's example from 2 Chronicles 35:2?

7. How does 2 Chronicles 35:2 reflect Josiah's commitment to religious reform and leadership?

8. What historical evidence supports the events described in 2 Chronicles 35:2?

9. How does 2 Chronicles 35:2 illustrate the importance of priestly roles in ancient Israel?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 35?

11. How could 2 Chronicles 35:7’s massive number of sacrificed animals (30,000 lambs and goats) be logistically and historically feasible?

12. In 2 Chronicles 31:15-16, how do we reconcile the detailed priestly organization described here with the lack of parallel records in other historical texts from that era?

13. How do we reconcile Pharaoh Necho's role in Josiah's death (2 Kings 23:29) with differing details in other historical sources and the account in 2 Chronicles 35?

14. (2 Chronicles 7:2) Is there any external testimony or archaeological proof that the glory of the Lord physically filled the temple to the point priests could not enter?
What Does 2 Chronicles 35:2 Mean
He appointed

Josiah, the reforming king (see 2 Chronicles 34:33), took personal initiative: he did not wait for revival to emerge on its own; he actively put God’s order in place. • 2 Kings 23:21-23 records the same resolve during the Passover. • Like Moses who “laid his hands on him and commissioned him” (Numbers 27:23), Josiah models godly leadership that recognizes positions are God-given, not self-assumed.


the priests

The focus narrows to the sons of Aaron, already consecrated but needing direction. • Exodus 28:1 shows God’s original choice of Aaron and his sons. • 1 Chronicles 24:1-19 lists their courses, reminding us that divine calling and practical organization go together. Josiah honors both.


to their duties

He places each priest in the exact task prescribed by the Law—sacrifices, incense, safeguarding holy things. • 1 Chronicles 23:28-32 outlines these very responsibilities. • 2 Chronicles 8:14 proves earlier kings arranged similar duty rosters. Obedience means doing God’s work God’s way, not merely having good intentions.


and encouraged them

Appointment alone is not enough; hearts must be stirred. Josiah strengthens their hands:

• “Be strong and courageous” (Deuteronomy 31:6) echoes through his charge.

• Hezekiah had used the same word of exhortation (2 Chronicles 29:5-11), showing that spiritual service flourishes under godly encouragement.

True leadership motivates by the Word and by example, never by coercion.


in the service of the house of the LORD

All this organization and encouragement aims at one target—faithful worship in God’s chosen place. • Psalm 84:10 rejoices, “Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere”. • 1 Chronicles 28:20 ties strength and courage directly to temple service. • Haggai 2:4 later repeats the call when the second temple needed workers. Service in God’s house is a privilege, not a burden.


summary

2 Chronicles 35:2 shows Josiah coordinating, directing, and inspiring the priests so temple worship would honor God exactly as Scripture commands. Proper leaders appoint, servants accept their appointed roles, everyone is encouraged, and the result is wholehearted service in the Lord’s house.

(2) Set the priests in their charges.--Literally, over their wards (2Chronicles 8:14). The king appointed them to discharge their proper duties in connection with the rite.

Encouraged them.--By exhortation and instruction. (See an instance in 2Chronicles 29:5 seq.)

Verse 2. - Comp. 2 Chronicles 7:6; 2 Chronicles 31:2; 1 Chronicles 23:32; and our notes in those places.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He appointed
וַיַּעֲמֵ֥ד (way·ya·‘ă·mêḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

the priests
הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים (hak·kō·hă·nîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548: Priest

to
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

their duties
מִשְׁמְרוֹתָ֑ם (miš·mə·rō·w·ṯām)
Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4931: A guard, watch, charge, function

and encouraged them
וַֽיְחַזְּקֵ֔ם (way·ḥaz·zə·qêm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

in the service
לַעֲבוֹדַ֖ת (la·‘ă·ḇō·w·ḏaṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5656: Work of any kind

of the house
בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of the LORD.
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 35:2 He set the priests in their offices (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 35:1
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