2 Chronicles 35:12
They set aside the burnt offerings to be given to the divisions of the families of the people to offer to the LORD, as is written in the Book of Moses; and they did the same with the bulls.
They set aside the burnt offerings
The phrase "set aside" indicates a deliberate and sacred action, reflecting the Hebrew root "בדל" (badal), which means to separate or distinguish. This act of setting aside the burnt offerings underscores the Israelites' commitment to holiness and obedience to God's commands. The burnt offerings, or "olah" in Hebrew, were entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing complete surrender to God. This practice was a central aspect of worship, emphasizing the need for atonement and dedication.

to be given to the divisions of the families of the people
This phrase highlights the organized and communal nature of worship in ancient Israel. The "divisions" refer to the structured groups within the Levitical priesthood and the broader community, ensuring that each family participated in the sacrificial system. This organization reflects the Hebrew concept of "mishmarot," which were the rotating divisions of priests and Levites. It underscores the importance of order and unity in worship, as each family had a role in maintaining the covenant relationship with God.

to offer to the LORD
The act of offering to the LORD is central to the sacrificial system, emphasizing the Hebrew word "קרב" (qarab), meaning to draw near. Sacrifices were a means of approaching God, seeking His favor, and maintaining a relationship with Him. This phrase reminds believers of the importance of approaching God with reverence and sincerity, recognizing His holiness and sovereignty.

as is written in the Book of Moses
This phrase underscores the authority and foundational role of the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, traditionally attributed to Moses. The "Book of Moses" serves as the divine blueprint for worship and conduct, highlighting the importance of Scripture as the ultimate guide for faith and practice. This reference reinforces the continuity of God's covenant and the necessity of adhering to His revealed word.

and they did the same with the bulls
The mention of "bulls" signifies the specific type of sacrifice being offered. Bulls were often used in significant offerings due to their value and size, symbolizing strength and wealth. This phrase indicates that the same careful attention and adherence to divine instruction applied to all aspects of the sacrificial system. It reflects the comprehensive nature of worship, where every detail matters in honoring God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Josiah
The King of Judah who initiated religious reforms and restored the observance of the Passover.

2. Levites
The tribe assigned to religious duties, including the preparation and distribution of offerings.

3. The Book of Moses
Refers to the Torah, particularly the instructions regarding sacrifices and offerings.

4. Passover
A significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, which Josiah reinstated.

5. Jerusalem
The central place of worship where the Passover was celebrated.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Word
Josiah's actions highlight the importance of aligning our practices with Scripture. We should seek to understand and apply God's Word in our lives.

Role of Leadership in Spiritual Renewal
Josiah's leadership was pivotal in leading the nation back to God. Spiritual leaders today have a responsibility to guide others in truth and righteousness.

Community Worship and Participation
The distribution of offerings to the families underscores the communal aspect of worship. Our faith is strengthened when we participate in corporate worship and fellowship.

Preservation of Tradition
By adhering to the instructions in the "Book of Moses," Josiah preserved the traditions that honored God. We should value and maintain the traditions that align with biblical truth.

Holistic Worship
The preparation and offering of sacrifices involved the whole community, indicating that worship is not just a personal act but a collective expression of faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Josiah's adherence to the "Book of Moses" challenge us to prioritize Scripture in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can spiritual leaders today emulate Josiah's example in leading others toward God?

3. How can we foster a sense of community and shared worship in our local church or fellowship group?

4. What traditions or practices in your life or church align with biblical teachings, and how can they be preserved or enhanced?

5. Reflect on a time when communal worship strengthened your faith. How can you encourage others to engage in corporate worship?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 12
Provides the original instructions for the Passover, which Josiah sought to follow.

Leviticus 1-7
Details the laws concerning burnt offerings and other sacrifices, which are referenced in the "Book of Moses."

2 Kings 23
Offers a parallel account of Josiah's reforms and the celebration of the Passover.

Deuteronomy 16
Discusses the observance of Passover and other feasts, emphasizing adherence to God's commands.
The Great Passover of JosiahT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 35:1-19
The Service of the LordW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 35:6-16
People
Aaron, Asaph, Charchemish, Conaniah, David, Hashabiah, Heman, Hilkiah, Jeduthun, Jehiel, Jeiel, Jeremiah, Josiah, Jozabad, Levites, Necho, Nethaneel, Samuel, Shemaiah, Solomon
Places
Carchemish, Egypt, Euphrates River, Holy Place, Jerusalem, Megiddo
Topics
Apart, Aside, Book, Bring, Bulls, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Burnt-offerings, Cattle, Classes, Distribute, Divisions, Families, Fathers, Groupings, Households, Houses, Lay, Offer, Offered, Offerings, Oxen, Portions, Present, Recorded, Removed, Sections, Sons, Subdivisions, Turn, Written
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 35:12

     1611   Scripture, inspiration and authority
     5232   book

2 Chronicles 35:1-19

     7245   Judah, kingdom of
     8466   reformation

2 Chronicles 35:10-13

     4605   animals, religious role

Library
Cheer Up, My Comrades!
The first thing is to get every man into his proper place; the next thing is for every man to have a good spirit in his present place, so as to occupy it worthily. I will suppose, dear friends, that in the providence of God you are in your place, and that by the direction of God's Spirit you have also sought and found the precise form of usefulness in which you ought to exercise yourself. To-night it shall not be my business to arrange you; but assuming that it is well for you to keep where you are,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 26: 1880

The New Temple and Its Worship
'And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo: and they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. 15. And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. 16. And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ
IT needs no proof that Luke attached the highest importance to this part of his narrative. That Jesus was indicated from the beginning as the Messiah -- though not a necessary part of his life and work, and wholly omitted by Mark and only briefly indicated in mystical language by John -- was a highly interesting and important fact in itself, and could not fail to impress the historian. The elaboration and detail of the first two chapters of the Gospel form a sufficient proof that Luke recognized
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem?

Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant.
"Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before Me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place."--2 Kings
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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