2 Chronicles 35:14
Afterward, they made preparations for themselves and for the priests, since the priests, the descendants of Aaron, were offering up burnt offerings and fat until nightfall. So the Levites made preparations for themselves and for the priests, the descendants of Aaron.
Afterward
This word indicates a sequence of events, suggesting that the actions described follow a significant preceding event. In the context of 2 Chronicles 35, this refers to the Passover celebration under King Josiah. The term underscores the meticulous order and dedication in the service of God, reflecting a disciplined approach to worship that is both historical and spiritual.

they prepared for themselves and for the priests
The Levites, who were responsible for assisting the priests, took care of their own needs and those of the priests. This phrase highlights the communal and supportive nature of worship in ancient Israel. The Levites' role was crucial, as they ensured that the priests could focus on their sacrificial duties without distraction. This reflects a broader biblical principle of service and support within the community of faith.

because the priests, the descendants of Aaron
The priests were direct descendants of Aaron, Moses' brother, and held a unique and sacred role in Israelite worship. This lineage is significant, as it underscores the continuity and faithfulness of God's covenant with Israel. The mention of Aaron's descendants emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity and tradition in worship practices.

were offering the burnt offerings and fat portions
The burnt offerings and fat portions were central elements of the sacrificial system, symbolizing atonement and dedication to God. The Hebrew root for "burnt offering" (olah) implies something that ascends, reflecting the offering's purpose of rising to God as a pleasing aroma. This sacrificial act is a profound expression of worship and devotion, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ in the New Testament.

until nightfall
This phrase indicates the extent of the priests' dedication, as they continued their work until the end of the day. It reflects the tireless commitment required in the service of God, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture. The dedication of the priests serves as an inspiration for believers to persevere in their spiritual duties.

So the Levites prepared for themselves and for the priests, the descendants of Aaron
This repetition emphasizes the Levites' role in supporting the priests, ensuring that the worship of God was conducted smoothly and efficiently. The Levites' service is a model of humility and dedication, reminding believers of the importance of serving one another in love and unity. The phrase also highlights the collaborative nature of worship, where each member of the community plays a vital role in honoring God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Priests (Descendants of Aaron)
The priests were responsible for offering burnt offerings and were descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses, who was the first high priest.

2. Levites
Members of the tribe of Levi who assisted the priests in temple duties. They played a crucial role in preparing the Passover offerings.

3. Burnt Offerings
Sacrifices made to God, symbolizing atonement and dedication. These offerings were a central part of the Passover celebration.

4. Passover
A significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. This event is the context of the activities described in the verse.

5. Nightfall
The time by which the priests completed their offerings, indicating the extensive and dedicated service they provided.
Teaching Points
Dedication to Service
The priests and Levites worked tirelessly, even until nightfall, demonstrating their dedication to God’s service. We are called to serve God with the same commitment and diligence in our own lives.

Role of Community in Worship
The Levites prepared for themselves and the priests, showing the importance of community and support in worship. We should support and uplift each other in our spiritual journeys.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The burnt offerings symbolize atonement and dedication. In our lives, we are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, wholly dedicated to God.

Historical Continuity
The observance of Passover connects the Israelites to their history and God's deliverance. Remembering God's past faithfulness can strengthen our faith in His future promises.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the dedication of the priests and Levites in 2 Chronicles 35:14 inspire you in your own service to God and others?

2. In what ways can we support our spiritual leaders today, similar to how the Levites supported the priests?

3. Reflect on the significance of the burnt offerings in the Old Testament. How does this relate to the concept of being a "living sacrifice" as mentioned in Romans 12:1?

4. How can the observance of Passover in 2 Chronicles 35 deepen our understanding of Jesus as the Passover Lamb in the New Testament?

5. What are some practical ways we can remember and celebrate God's faithfulness in our own lives, drawing inspiration from the historical continuity seen in the Passover celebration?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 12
The original Passover instructions, providing the historical and religious context for the events in 2 Chronicles 35.

Leviticus 1
Details the procedures for burnt offerings, highlighting the priests' responsibilities and the significance of these offerings.

Hebrews 7
Discusses the priesthood of Jesus, drawing parallels between the Old Testament priesthood and the new covenant.
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
Aaron, Aaronic, Afterward, Afterwards, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Burnt-offerings, Busied, Descendants, Engaged, Fat, Levites, Needed, Nightfall, Offering, Offerings, Portions, Preparations, Prepared, Priests, Ready, Sacrificing, Sons, Themselves, Till
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 35:1-19

     7245   Judah, kingdom of
     8466   reformation

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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