But in the eighteenth year of Josiah's reign, this Passover was observed to the LORD in Jerusalem. But in the eighteenth yearThis phrase marks a significant point in the reign of King Josiah, a king of Judah known for his religious reforms. The "eighteenth year" signifies a time of maturity and established authority in Josiah's rule. Historically, this was around 622 BC, a period of significant religious revival in Judah. Josiah's reforms were deeply rooted in his discovery of the Book of the Law, which led to a national return to covenantal faithfulness. The number eighteen in Hebrew culture can symbolize life and new beginnings, reflecting the renewal Josiah brought to his people. of the reign of Josiah
Josiah was one of the few kings of Judah who was wholly committed to following the ways of the LORD. His reign is marked by a return to the worship of Yahweh and the eradication of idolatry. The name "Josiah" means "Yahweh supports" or "healed by Yahweh," which is fitting given his role in restoring the spiritual health of the nation. His reign is a testament to the impact of godly leadership and the importance of aligning national policies with divine commandments. this Passover
The Passover is a pivotal Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage. It is a time of remembrance and celebration of God's faithfulness and power. In the context of Josiah's reforms, the observance of Passover signifies a return to foundational religious practices and a re-establishment of national identity centered on God's redemptive acts. The Hebrew word for Passover, "Pesach," implies a passing over or protection, symbolizing God's mercy and deliverance. was observed
The observance of Passover under Josiah was not merely a ritualistic act but a heartfelt return to covenantal worship. The Hebrew root for "observed" suggests careful attention and adherence to divine instructions. This observance was a public declaration of faith and obedience, reflecting a collective commitment to the LORD. It underscores the importance of worship that is both sincere and aligned with God's revealed will. to the LORD
The phrase "to the LORD" emphasizes the object and focus of the Passover celebration. It was not just a cultural or national event but an act of worship directed towards Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The use of "LORD" in all capitals in English translations signifies the divine name YHWH, highlighting the personal and relational nature of God with His people. This focus on the LORD underscores the centrality of God in the life and worship of Israel. in Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the city of David, holds profound significance as the spiritual and political center of Israel. It is the location of the Temple, the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The observance of Passover in Jerusalem underlines the importance of centralized worship and the unity of the nation under God's covenant. Historically, Jerusalem was the heart of Jewish worship, and its mention here reinforces the idea of returning to the roots of faith and obedience. Persons / Places / Events 1. JosiahThe King of Judah who initiated significant religious reforms, including the restoration of the Passover celebration. 2. PassoverA significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, which Josiah reinstated according to the Law of Moses. 3. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah and the central place of worship where the Passover was observed. 4. Eighteenth Year of Josiah's ReignMarks the specific time when Josiah's reforms were implemented, highlighting his commitment to restoring true worship. 5. The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, to whom the Passover was dedicated, emphasizing the renewal of the people's relationship with Him. Teaching Points Commitment to God's WordJosiah's actions demonstrate the importance of aligning our lives with Scripture, even when it requires significant change. Revival and ReformTrue revival often involves returning to foundational truths and practices, as seen in Josiah's restoration of the Passover. Leadership in WorshipJosiah's leadership in reinstating the Passover shows the impact of godly leadership in guiding others toward faithful worship. Covenant RenewalObserving the Passover was a renewal of the covenant relationship with God, reminding us of the importance of regularly renewing our commitment to Him. Historical FaithfulnessUnderstanding the historical context of our faith can deepen our appreciation and commitment to God's ongoing work in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Josiah's observance of the Passover in 2 Kings 23:23 reflect his commitment to God's Word, and what can we learn from his example? 2. In what ways can we, like Josiah, lead others in returning to foundational truths of our faith today? 3. How does the celebration of the Passover in Josiah's time connect to the New Testament understanding of Jesus as our Passover lamb? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our worship aligns with biblical principles, as Josiah did? 5. How can understanding the historical context of biblical events, such as the Passover, enhance our personal faith and community worship? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 12Provides the original instructions for the Passover, which Josiah sought to follow, demonstrating his desire to return to the foundational practices of the faith. 2 Chronicles 35Offers a parallel account of Josiah's Passover, providing additional details about the celebration and its significance. Deuteronomy 16Outlines the requirements for observing the Passover, which Josiah adhered to, showing his commitment to the Law. 1 Corinthians 5Paul refers to Christ as our Passover lamb, connecting the Old Testament celebration to the New Testament fulfillment in Jesus. Hebrews 11Highlights the faith of Moses in instituting the Passover, drawing a line of faithfulness from Moses to 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, Eighteenth, Held, Holden, Jerusalem, Josiah, Josi'ah, Kept, Observed, Passover, Rule, WhereinDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 23:1-24 8466 reformation 2 Kings 23:1-25 5345 influence
7245 Judah, kingdom of 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 23:23 NIV2 Kings 23:23 NLT2 Kings 23:23 ESV2 Kings 23:23 NASB2 Kings 23:23 KJV
2 Kings 23:23 Commentaries
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