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. No such PassoverThis phrase emphasizes the uniqueness and significance of the Passover celebration under King Josiah's reforms. The Hebrew word for Passover, "Pesach," refers to the festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. Historically, this Passover was unparalleled, suggesting a return to the original intent and fervor of the celebration as prescribed in the Law of Moses. Josiah's observance was marked by a renewed commitment to covenantal faithfulness, reflecting a deep spiritual revival. had been observed
The Hebrew root "asah" means to do, make, or perform. This indicates that the Passover was not merely a ritual but an active, intentional observance. The historical context reveals that previous Passovers may have been neglected or improperly celebrated, highlighting Josiah's dedication to restoring proper worship. This observance was a tangible expression of obedience and reverence for God's commandments. from the days of the judges who judged Israel
This phrase situates the event within a historical framework, reaching back to the era of the judges, a time characterized by cyclical disobedience and deliverance. The judges were leaders raised by God to deliver Israel from oppression, and their time was marked by sporadic faithfulness. The mention of this period underscores the rarity and significance of such a comprehensive Passover celebration, suggesting a long-standing neglect of true worship practices. through all the days of the kings of Israel and Judah
This phrase covers the entire monarchical period, from Saul to the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. It highlights the spiritual decline that had occurred over centuries, with many kings leading the people into idolatry and away from God's statutes. Josiah's Passover stands out as a beacon of reform and spiritual renewal, contrasting sharply with the general apostasy of the era. His actions serve as a reminder of the potential for restoration and revival, even after prolonged periods of unfaithfulness. Persons / Places / Events 1. JosiahThe king of Judah who initiated significant religious reforms, including the observance of the Passover as described in this verse. 2. PassoverA significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, which had not been observed in such a manner since the days of the judges. 3. JudgesLeaders who ruled Israel before the establishment of the monarchy, a period marked by cycles of sin, oppression, and deliverance. 4. Kings of Israel and JudahThe monarchs who ruled the divided kingdoms after the united monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon. 5. JerusalemThe central place of worship where Josiah reinstated the Passover celebration. Teaching Points Revival of True WorshipJosiah's observance of the Passover demonstrates the importance of returning to authentic worship practices as prescribed by God. This revival can serve as a model for personal and communal spiritual renewal today. Significance of ObedienceThe meticulous observance of the Passover underscores the value of obedience to God's commands. It reminds believers of the blessings that come from aligning with God's will. Historical Continuity and FaithfulnessThe reference to the days of the judges highlights the continuity of God's covenantal relationship with His people. It encourages believers to remain faithful to God's promises throughout changing circumstances. Leadership and ReformJosiah's leadership in reinstating the Passover illustrates the impact of godly leadership in guiding others toward righteousness. It challenges current leaders to prioritize spiritual reforms. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from Josiah's example about the importance of returning to foundational spiritual practices in our own lives? 2. How does the observance of the Passover in Josiah's time compare to the original Passover in Exodus 12, and what does this teach us about maintaining the integrity of our worship? 3. In what ways can we apply the principles of obedience and faithfulness demonstrated in this passage to our daily walk with God? 4. How does the historical context of the judges and kings of Israel and Judah enhance our understanding of the significance of Josiah's reforms? 5. What role does leadership play in spiritual renewal, and how can we support or initiate such leadership in our communities today? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 12The original institution of the Passover, providing the historical and theological foundation for its observance. 2 Chronicles 35A parallel account of Josiah's Passover, offering additional details about the celebration. Deuteronomy 16Instructions for the observance of Passover, emphasizing its importance in Israel's religious life. Judges 2Describes the period of the judges, highlighting the spiritual decline that necessitated the reforms of later leaders like Josiah. People Ahaz, Ammonites, Ashtoreth, Ben, Chemosh, Eliakim, Hamutal, Hilkiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah, Jeroboam, Joshua, Josiah, Manasseh, Melech, Milcom, Moabites, Molech, Nathan, Nathanmelech, Nebat, Pedaiah, Pharaoh, Pharaohnechoh, Sidonians, Sodomites, Solomon, Zebudah, ZidoniansPlaces Assyria, Beersheba, Bethel, Egypt, Euphrates River, Geba, Hamath, Jerusalem, Kidron, Libnah, Megiddo, Moab, Riblah, Rumah, Samaria, Topheth, Valley of HinnomTopics Celebrated, During, Held, Holden, Judah, Judged, Judges, Kept, Kings, Led, Observed, Passover, Surely, Throughout, TrulyDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 23:22 5358 judges 2 Kings 23:1-24 8466 reformation 2 Kings 23:1-25 5345 influence
7245 Judah, kingdom of 2 Kings 23:21-22 7328 ceremonies 2 Kings 23:21-23 4963 past, the
7406 Passover Library Reformation Lessons
Eversley. 1861. 2 Kings xxiii. 3, 4, 25, 26. "And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the Lord, to "walk after the Lord, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant. And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the door, to bring forth out …
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other SermonsWhether the Old Law was Suitably Given at the Time of Moses?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law was not suitably given at the time of Moses. Because the Old Law disposed man for the salvation which was to come through Christ, as stated above ([2068]AA[2],3). But man needed this salutary remedy immediately after he had sinned. Therefore the Law should have been given immediately after sin. Objection 2: Further, the Old Law was given for the sanctification of those from whom Christ was to be born. Now the promise concerning the "seed, which is Christ" …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Christ Should have Been Born in Bethlehem?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ should not have been born in Bethlehem. For it is written (Is. 2:3): "The law shall come forth from Sion, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem." But Christ is truly the Word of God. Therefore He should have come into the world at Jerusalem. Objection 2: Further, it is said (Mat. 2:23) that it is written of Christ that "He shall be called a Nazarene"; which is taken from Is. 11:1: "A flower shall rise up out of his root"; for "Nazareth" is interpreted "a flower." …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Prophets Always Know the Things which they Prophesy?
Objection 1: It would seem that the prophets always know the things which they prophesy. For, as Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. xii, 9), "those to whom signs were shown in spirit by means of the likenesses of bodily things, had not the gift of prophecy, unless the mind was brought into action, so that those signs were also understood by them." Now what is understood cannot be unknown. Therefore the prophet is not ignorant of what he prophesies. Objection 2: Further, the light of prophecy surpasses …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Prophecy which is Accompanied by Intellective and Imaginative vision is More Excellent than that which is Accompanied by Intellective vision Alone?
Objection 1: It would seem that the prophecy which has intellective and imaginative vision is more excellent than that which is accompanied by intellective vision alone. For Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. xii, 9): "He is less a prophet, who sees in spirit nothing but the signs representative of things, by means of the images of things corporeal: he is more a prophet, who is merely endowed with the understanding of these signs; but most of all is he a prophet, who excels in both ways," and this refers …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Fall of Solomon
'For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. 7. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Rediscovered Law and Its Effects
'And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord: and Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. 9. And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the Lord. 10. And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Entering the Covenant: with all the Heart
"And they entered into the covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart, and all their soul."--2 CHRON. xv. 12 (see xxxiv. 31, and 2 Kings xxiii. 3). "The Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul."--DEUT. xxx. 6. "And I will give them an heart to know Me, that I am the Lord; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God: for they shall turn to Me with their whole heart."--JER. xxiv. 7 (see xxix. 13). …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants How Shall one Make Use of Christ as the Life, when Wrestling with an Angry God Because of Sin?
That we may give some satisfaction to this question, we shall, 1. Shew what are the ingredients in this case, or what useth to concur in this distemper. 2. Shew some reasons why the Lord is pleased to dispense thus with his people. 3. Shew how Christ is life to the soul in this case. 4. Shew the believer's duty for a recovery; and, 5. Add a word or two of caution. As to the first, There may be those parts of, or ingredients in this distemper: 1. God presenting their sins unto their view, so as …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished.
"Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation." This is predicated of the judgments of God on those who had shed the blood of his saints. The Savior declares that all the righteous blood which had been shed on the earth from that of Abel down to the gospel day, should come on that generation! But is not this unreasonable and contrary to the Scriptures? "Far be wickedness from God and iniquity from the Almighty. For the work of man shall be render unto him, and cause every …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects The Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
THE FALL OF NINEVEH AND THE RISE OF THE CHALDAEAN AND MEDIAN EMPIRES--THE XXVIth EGYPTIAN DYNASTY: CYAXARES, ALYATTES, AND NEBUCHADREZZAR. The legendary history of the kings of Media and the first contact of the Medes with the Assyrians: the alleged Iranian migrations of the Avesta--Media-proper, its fauna and flora; Phraortes and the beginning of the Median empire--Persia proper and the Persians; conquest of Persia by the Medes--The last monuments of Assur-bani-pal: the library of Kouyunjik--Phraortes …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 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 Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 23:22 NIV2 Kings 23:22 NLT2 Kings 23:22 ESV2 Kings 23:22 NASB2 Kings 23:22 KJV
2 Kings 23:22 Commentaries
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