2 Chronicles 35:12-27 ▼

12 They set aside the burnt offerings to be given to the divisions of the families of the people to offer to the LORD {YHWH}, as it is written in the Book of Moses (drawn out). And they did the same with the bulls.

13 They roasted the Passover animals on the fire according to the regulation, and they boiled the other holy offerings in pots, kettles, and bowls and quickly brought them to all the people.

14 Afterward, they made preparations for themselves and for the priests, since the priests, the descendants of Aaron (light bringer), were offering up burnt offerings and fat until nightfall. So the Levites made preparations for themselves and for the priests, the descendants of Aaron.

15 The singers, the descendants of Asaph (gatherer), were at their stations according to the command of David (beloved), Asaph, Heman (faithful), and Jeduthun (praising) the king’s seer. And the gatekeepers at each gate did not need to leave their posts, because their fellow Levites made preparations for them.

16 So on that day the entire service of the LORD {YHWH} was carried out for celebrating the Passover and offering burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD, according to the command of King Josiah (whom YHWH heals).

17 The Israelites (God prevails) who were present also observed the Passover at that time, as well as the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days.

18 No such Passover had been observed in Israel (he wrestles with God) since the days of Samuel (his name is El) the prophet. None of the kings of Israel ever observed a Passover like the one that Josiah (whom YHWH heals) observed with the priests, the Levites, all Judah (praised), the Israelites who were present, and the people of Jerusalem (city of peace).

19 In the eighteenth year of Josiah’s (whom YHWH heals) reign, this Passover was observed.

20 After all this, when Josiah (whom YHWH heals) had set the temple in order, Neco (lame) king of Egypt (land of bondage) marched up to fight at Carchemish (fortress of Chemosh) by the Euphrates (fruitfulness), and Josiah went out to confront him.

21 But Neco sent messengers to him, saying, “What is the issue between you and me, O king of Judah (praised)? I have not come against you today, but I am fighting another dynasty, and God {Elohim} has told me to hurry. So stop opposing God, who is with me, or He will destroy you!”

22 Josiah, however (whom YHWH heals), did not turn away from him; instead, in order to engage him in battle, he disguised himself. He did not listen to Neco’s (lame) words from the mouth of God {Elohim}, but went to fight him on the Plain of Megiddo (place of crowds).

23 There the archers shot King Josiah (whom YHWH heals), who said to his servants, “Take me away, for I am badly wounded!”

24 So his servants took him out of his chariot, put him in his second chariot, and brought him to Jerusalem (city of peace), where he died. And Josiah was buried in the tomb of his fathers, and all Judah (praised) and Jerusalem mourned for him (whom YHWH heals).

25 Then Jeremiah (whom YHWH has appointed) lamented over Josiah (whom YHWH heals), and to this day all the male and female singers recite laments over Josiah. They established them as a statute for Israel (he wrestles with God), and indeed they are written in the Book of Laments.

26 As for the rest of the acts of Josiah (whom YHWH heals) and his deeds of loving devotion according to what is written in the Law of the LORD {YHWH}—

27 his acts from beginning to end—they are indeed written in the Book of the Kings of Israel (he wrestles with God) and Judah (praised).