Josiah's Commitment to the Covenant
Josiah's leadership was marked by a deep commitment to the covenant with God. He initiated a nationwide Passover celebration, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 35:1, Josiah celebrated the Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem, and the Passover lamb was slaughtered on the fourteenth day of the first month.

Attention to Detail in Worship
Josiah's meticulous attention to detail in organizing the Passover (2 Chronicles 35:2-6) underscores the importance of reverence and order in worship. He appointed priests and Levites, ensuring that everything was done according to the Law of Moses.

Unity and Participation
The chapter highlights the unity and participation of all Judah and Israel in the Passover (2 Chronicles 35:17-18). This collective worship experience strengthened the community's faith and commitment to God.

Tragic End of a Righteous King
Despite Josiah's faithfulness, his life ended tragically in battle against Pharaoh Neco (2 Chronicles 35:20-24). This serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of life and the need for continual reliance on God.Prioritize Worship
Like Josiah, we should prioritize worship in our lives, ensuring that it is conducted with reverence and in accordance with God's Word.

Lead by Example
Whether in our families, churches, or communities, we can lead by example, encouraging others to follow God's commands and participate in communal worship.

Seek Unity in the Body of Christ
Strive for unity and collective participation in worship and service, recognizing the strength that comes from a united community of believers.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Even when life takes unexpected turns, trust in God's sovereignty and remain faithful to His calling.1. Josiah
Josiah is the central figure in 2 Chronicles 35. He is the King of Judah who reigned from approximately 640 to 609 BC. Josiah is noted for his religious reforms and his efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh, including the celebration of the Passover as described in this chapter. The Hebrew root of his name, יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ (Yoshiyahu), means "Yahweh supports" or "Yahweh heals."

2. The Levites
The Levites are the members of the tribe of Levi, who were set apart for religious duties and temple service. In this chapter, they are responsible for preparing the Passover lambs and assisting in the worship. The Hebrew root לֵוִי (Levi) is associated with the idea of being joined or attached, reflecting their role in connecting the people with God through worship.

3. The Priests
The priests, descendants of Aaron, are responsible for conducting the sacrifices and overseeing the religious ceremonies. They play a crucial role in the Passover celebration, ensuring that the rituals are performed according to the Law of Moses.

4. The People of Jerusalem
The inhabitants of Jerusalem, including the common people, are participants in the Passover celebration. They are gathered to observe the festival as commanded in the Law, highlighting the communal aspect of worship in ancient Israel.

5. Pharaoh Neco
Pharaoh Neco is the king of Egypt who appears later in the chapter. He is involved in a conflict with Josiah, which ultimately leads to Josiah's death. The Hebrew name נְכוֹ (Neco) is derived from Egyptian origins, reflecting the historical interactions between Egypt and Judah.1. Jerusalem
This is the central location where King Josiah celebrated the Passover. Jerusalem, known as "Yerushalayim" in Hebrew, was the spiritual and political center of Judah. In 2 Chronicles 35:1, it is noted that Josiah kept the Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem.

2. House of the LORD
Referring to the Temple in Jerusalem, this is where the Passover lambs were slaughtered. The Hebrew term "Beit Yahweh" signifies the dwelling place of God, emphasizing the sacredness of the location. In 2 Chronicles 35:3, the Levites are instructed to place the holy ark in the house built by Solomon.

3. Megiddo
This is the location where King Josiah was fatally wounded in battle against Pharaoh Neco of Egypt. Megiddo, known in Hebrew as "Megiddon," is a significant site in biblical history, often associated with battles. In 2 Chronicles 35:22, Josiah goes to fight at Megiddo, where he meets his demise.1. Josiah Celebrates the Passover
King Josiah organizes a grand Passover celebration in Jerusalem. He instructs the Levites to prepare the Ark of the Covenant and encourages them to serve the LORD and His people, Israel. This event emphasizes the importance of adhering to the Law of Moses and the covenant relationship with God.

2. Sacrifices and Offerings
Josiah provides the people with lambs and goats for the Passover offerings, totaling 30,000, along with 3,000 cattle. The leaders and officials also contribute generously to ensure that all the people can participate in the feast. This reflects the communal and sacrificial nature of worship in ancient Israel.

3. Priests and Levites at Their Posts
The priests and Levites are organized according to their divisions and duties as prescribed by King David. They are responsible for slaughtering the Passover lambs and ensuring that everything is done according to the Law. This highlights the importance of order and obedience in worship.

4. The Passover Meal
The Passover meal is prepared and distributed among the people. The Levites cook the offerings and distribute them to the people, while the priests sprinkle the blood from the sacrifices. This event underscores the significance of the Passover as a remembrance of God's deliverance from Egypt.

5. Celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread
Following the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread is celebrated for seven days. This continuation of the festival emphasizes the ongoing commitment to purity and separation from sin, as symbolized by unleavened bread.

6. Josiah's Righteousness
The text notes that such a Passover had not been observed since the days of the prophet Samuel, and none of the kings of Israel had celebrated it as Josiah did. This highlights Josiah's dedication to restoring true worship and his righteousness as a king.

7. Josiah's Death in Battle
Despite his faithfulness, Josiah goes to battle against Pharaoh Neco of Egypt and is mortally wounded. He is brought back to Jerusalem, where he dies and is buried. This event serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities of divine providence and human decision-making.

8. Mourning for Josiah
The people of Judah and Jerusalem mourn for Josiah, and the prophet Jeremiah composes laments for him. This reflects the deep impact of Josiah's leadership and the sorrow over his untimely death.Exodus 12:1-14
The original institution of the Passover, providing context for Josiah's celebration.

2 Kings 23:21-23
A parallel account of Josiah's Passover, emphasizing his adherence to the Law.

Romans 12:1
Encouragement to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, highlighting the importance of worship in our daily lives.

Hebrews 10:24-25
The call to not forsake assembling together, reinforcing the value of communal worship.Pray for leaders in the church and community to have a heart like Josiah, committed to God's Word and leading others in true worship.
Ask God to help us prioritize worship in our lives, ensuring it is conducted with reverence and sincerity.
Seek unity within the body of Christ, praying for a spirit of cooperation and collective worship.
Trust in God's plan and sovereignty, even when faced with life's uncertainties, and pray for strength to remain faithful.

1. How does Josiah's celebration of the Passover demonstrate his dedication to God? What can we learn from this?

2. Josiah's reform is marked by his attention to detail. How can we apply such meticulousness in our spiritual life?

3. Contrast the actions of Josiah and the Levites in preparing for the Passover. What role does leadership play in religious observance?

4. How might the response of the people of Judah to Josiah's Passover celebration compare to the response of modern society to religious events?

5. Despite Josiah's devotion, he failed to heed a divine warning. Why do you think he made this mistake? What lesson can we draw from this?

6. Josiah ignored a divine warning delivered through an 'enemy,' Pharaoh Neco. How should we approach truth or divine warnings, even when they come from unexpected sources?

7. Discuss the consequences of Josiah's decision to confront Pharaoh Neco. How does this incident serve as a warning for us today?

8. In today's world, how can we discern between genuine divine warnings and false alarms?

9. What does Josiah's death teach us about the unpredictability of life and the importance of continuous obedience to God?

10. How did Josiah's death impact the nation of Judah? Can the actions of a single person significantly affect an entire community or nation today?

11. Reflect on the role of the prophet Jeremiah in this chapter. How does his lament for Josiah underline the gravity of the king's death?

12. How might we react to a leader's death today, like the people of Judah reacted to Josiah's death?

13. How can we ensure our dedication to God does not waver like Josiah's did during his encounter with Pharaoh Neco?

14. How does the story of Josiah encourage us to consider the long-term consequences of our actions?

15. How can we ensure our obedience to God is consistent, as opposed to wavering in different circumstances?

16. How does 2 Chronicles 35 illuminate the importance of a leader's spiritual commitment for their community or nation?

17. In what ways can we apply the lessons from Josiah's life and death to our own spiritual journey?

18. Josiah died despite his zealous dedication to God. How should we understand and reconcile this event with our beliefs about divine protection?

19. In modern terms, what would a revival like Josiah's look like in our communities?

20. How might you act differently in your spiritual life having studied the life and death of King Josiah?