In the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reignJosiah became king of Judah at a young age, and his reign is noted for significant religious reforms. The eighteenth year of his reign is particularly important because it marks a period of spiritual renewal and national reform. During this time, Josiah ordered the repair of the Temple, which led to the discovery of the Book of the Law. This discovery prompted a nationwide return to the covenant with God. The eighteenth year is also significant because it aligns with the prophetic timeline, as Josiah's reforms were a fulfillment of earlier prophecies about the restoration of true worship in Judah.
this Passover was observed
The Passover celebration in Josiah's eighteenth year was a monumental event, as it was conducted according to the ancient prescriptions found in the Book of the Law. This observance was not just a religious ritual but a national recommitment to the covenant with God. It was the most significant Passover since the days of Samuel the prophet, highlighting its importance in the history of Israel. The Passover is a type of Christ, symbolizing deliverance and redemption, pointing forward to Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb. This observance under Josiah's leadership was a return to the foundational aspects of Israel's faith and identity, emphasizing obedience to God's commands and the centrality of worship in the life of the nation.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JosiahThe King of Judah who reigned from approximately 640 to 609 BC. Known for his religious reforms and efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh, he is a central figure in this passage.
2.
PassoverA significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian slavery. It involves the sacrifice of a lamb and the eating of unleavened bread, symbolizing God's deliverance and protection.
3.
JudahThe southern kingdom of the Israelites, where Josiah reigned. It was the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple in Jerusalem.
4.
Eighteenth Year of Josiah’s ReignThis marks a specific time in Josiah's rule when he organized a significant Passover celebration, highlighting his commitment to religious reform.
5.
JerusalemThe capital city of Judah and the location of the Temple, where the Passover was observed.
Teaching Points
Commitment to God's WordJosiah's observance of the Passover demonstrates a deep commitment to following God's commandments as outlined in the Scriptures. Believers today are encouraged to prioritize God's Word in their lives.
Revival and ReformJosiah's actions show that true revival involves returning to the foundational truths of Scripture. Christians are called to seek personal and communal revival by aligning their lives with biblical principles.
Leadership and InfluenceJosiah's leadership had a profound impact on the nation of Judah. This highlights the importance of godly leadership in influencing others towards righteousness.
Historical ContinuityThe observance of Passover connects the people of Judah to their historical and spiritual roots. Christians are reminded of the importance of understanding and valuing their spiritual heritage.
Obedience and WorshipJosiah's dedication to observing the Passover as prescribed in the Law underscores the importance of obedience in worship. Believers are encouraged to worship God in spirit and truth, adhering to His instructions.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 35:19?
2.How does 2 Chronicles 35:19 emphasize the importance of observing the Passover today?
3.What lessons from Josiah's Passover can we apply to our worship practices?
4.How does Josiah's observance connect with Exodus 12's original Passover instructions?
5.Why is it significant that "such a Passover had not been observed"?
6.How can we ensure our religious observances align with biblical teachings like Josiah's?
7.What historical evidence supports the events described in 2 Chronicles 35:19?
8.How does 2 Chronicles 35:19 reflect God's expectations for worship?
9.Why is Josiah's Passover significant in 2 Chronicles 35:19?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 35?
11.How could 2 Chronicles 35:7's massive number of sacrificed animals (30,000 lambs and goats) be logistically and historically feasible?
12.In 2 Chronicles 35:18, why does the text claim no Passover like Josiah's had been celebrated 'since the days of Samuel,' seemingly ignoring the grand Passover of Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 30?
13.Is the reported scale of Josiah's Passover celebration (2 Kings 23:21-23) historically plausible, given scant external corroboration?
14.Why do 2 Chronicles 35 and 2 Kings 23 differ in their accounts of Josiah's death, raising questions about the actual historical events?What Does 2 Chronicles 35:19 Mean
In the eighteenth year• Scripture marks exact times so we can trust the historic reliability of God’s works. Compare2 Kings 22:3 and 23:23, which repeat this same dating, showing the chronicler and the writer of Kings in full agreement.
• Josiah was only twenty-six (he began at eight, 2 Chron 34:1), so the verse highlights youthful zeal that matures into decisive action for God.
• Earlier benchmarks matter: in his eighth year he “began to seek the God of his father David” (2 Chron 34:3), and in his twelfth year he purged Judah of idols (2 Chron 34:3-7). By the eighteenth year, reform blossoms into worship.
• The timing also fulfills long-standing prophecy. Centuries earlier an unnamed man of God foretold that “a son named Josiah” would rise to cleanse the land (1 Kings 13:2). The dating anchors that fulfillment in verifiable history.
Of Josiah’s reign• The focus stays on the covenantal king whom God raised up just before impending judgment on Judah. His reign is a final bright flash of faithfulness before exile (2 Kings 23:26-27).
• Josiah models leadership that is Scripture-driven; after the Law was found, he “made a covenant before the LORD” (2 Chron 34:31). This Passover embodies that covenant renewal.
• Cross referenceDeuteronomy 17:18-20, which charges kings to read the Law daily. Josiah’s reign shows what happens when a ruler actually does.
This Passover• “This” points back to the detailed description in 2 Chron 35:1-18. The celebration followed every Mosaic specification—slaughtered at twilight (Exodus 12:6), priests in their posts (2 Chron 35:2), Levites distributing portions (Deuteronomy 16:5-8).
• Verse 18 notes that no Passover like it had been kept since Samuel’s day, surpassing even Hezekiah’s earlier effort (2 Chron 30). The chronicler wants readers to feel the uniqueness and thoroughness of the event.
• The Passover commemorates redemption from Egypt (Exodus 12:14). By reviving it, Josiah re-anchors the nation in its foundational salvation story, inviting hearts back to the LORD who saves.
Was observed• The phrase underscores completion—intent turned into obedience. They didn’t just plan; they acted. SeeJohn 13:17, “If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
• Corporate obedience matters. Priests, Levites, rulers, and common people each fulfilled their roles (2 Chron 35:10-15). Worship is never spectator only; everyone participates.
• The successful observance validates Josiah’s reforms: the temple is restored (2 Chron 34:8-13), the Word is honored (34:14-33), and worship is now functioning as God prescribed.
summary2 Chronicles 35:19 is more than a date stamp; it testifies that in the precise eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, a uniquely faithful Passover really happened. By anchoring the event in time, spotlighting Josiah’s Scripture-shaped rule, highlighting the exceptional nature of “this Passover,” and celebrating that it “was observed” exactly as God commanded, the verse invites us to trust Scripture’s accuracy, value timely obedience, and remember that true renewal always culminates in wholehearted worship.
(19)
In the eighteenth year.--
2Kings 23:23.
Kept.--Made (na'as?h). For the date, comp.2Chronicles 34:8. The religious reformation appropriatelyculminated in a splendid celebration of the Passover.
Verse 19. - The date is stamped as ever-memorable, ever-honorable landmark in Josiah's reign.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
In the eighteenthבִּשְׁמוֹנֶ֤ה(biš·mō·w·neh)Preposition-b | Number - feminine singular
Strong's 8083:A cardinal number, eight, eighthyearשָׁנָ֔ה(šā·nāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8141:A yearof the reignלְמַלְכ֖וּת(lə·mal·ḵūṯ)Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4438:Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdomof Josiah,יֹאשִׁיָּ֑הוּ(yō·šî·yā·hū)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2977:Josiah -- 'Yah supports', two Israelitesthisהַזֶּֽה׃(haz·zeh)Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, thatPassoverהַפֶּ֥סַח(hap·pe·saḥ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6453:A pretermission, exemption, Passoverwas observed.נַעֲשָׂ֖ה(na·‘ă·śāh)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, make
Links
2 Chronicles 35:19 NIV2 Chronicles 35:19 NLT2 Chronicles 35:19 ESV2 Chronicles 35:19 NASB2 Chronicles 35:19 KJV
2 Chronicles 35:19 BibleApps.com2 Chronicles 35:19 Biblia Paralela2 Chronicles 35:19 Chinese Bible2 Chronicles 35:19 French Bible2 Chronicles 35:19 Catholic Bible
OT History: 2 Chronicles 35:19 In the eighteenth year of the reign (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) 
