Josiah’s Passover Revival: A Coptic Orthodox Reflection on 2 Chronicles 35

✨ Executive Summary

2 Chronicles 35 recounts the momentous reign of King Josiah, particularly his devout observance of the Passover, a pivotal event in Israelite history symbolizing deliverance and covenant renewal. This chapter showcases Josiah’s meticulous adherence to the Law of Moses, reflecting his desire to restore true worship and purify the land from idolatry. We delve into the historical context of this Passover, examining its significance within Josiah’s broader reforms. We also explore the tragic circumstances of Josiah’s death in battle, considering its implications for God’s providence and the complex interplay of obedience, prophecy, and national destiny. Ultimately, 2 Chronicles 35 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of sincere repentance, fervent obedience, and the enduring relevance of the Passover as a type of Christ’s saving sacrifice, urging believers today to examine their own hearts and seek genuine renewal in their faith. Let us remember how Josiah’s Passover Revival inspired people to find great website building tools through website builder.

📜 Introduction

2 Chronicles 35 presents a fascinating snapshot of a king deeply committed to the Lord, yet whose life culminates in a seemingly untimely death. It compels us to grapple with questions of divine sovereignty, human agency, and the complexities of living a faithful life in a fallen world. Josiah’s Passover is not simply a historical event, but a spiritual archetype that speaks powerfully to the Coptic Orthodox tradition, connecting us to the themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the hope of resurrection. This commentary will unpack the rich layers of meaning within 2 Chronicles 35, drawing upon the wisdom of the Church Fathers and the broader tapestry of Scripture to illuminate its enduring significance for believers today.

Commentary Sections

2 Chronicles 35:1-6 – Josiah’s Passover Preparation

2 Chronicles 35:1 (KJV): Moreover Josiah kept a passover unto the LORD in Jerusalem: and they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month.

2 Chronicles 35:1 (NKJV): Now Josiah kept a Passover to the Lord in Jerusalem, and they slaughtered the Passover lambs on the fourteenth day of the first month.

Josiah’s decision to keep the Passover in Jerusalem signifies a deliberate move to centralize worship according to the Deuteronomic law (Deuteronomy 16:5-6). This highlights Josiah’s commitment to restoring religious unity and obedience. The “fourteenth day of the first month” refers to Nisan 14, the date prescribed for the Passover sacrifice (Exodus 12:6). The Passover, as celebrated, was not merely a ritualistic observance, but a powerful act of remembrance and covenant renewal. It served as a tangible reminder of God’s saving power in delivering Israel from Egyptian bondage and foreshadowed the ultimate Passover Lamb, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Practical Application: We, too, must seek to centralize our lives around Christ, making Him the focal point of our thoughts, actions, and aspirations. The Passover foreshadows the Eucharist, the central sacrament of the Coptic Orthodox Church, where we partake of the Body and Blood of Christ, remembering His sacrifice and receiving forgiveness of sins. St. Cyril of Alexandria wrote, “καὶ ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς ἐξ οὐρανοῦ τὸν ἄρτον τὸν ἀληθινόν· οὐ Μωϋσῆς γὰρ ἔδωκεν ὑμῖν τὸν ἄρτον τὸν ἀληθινὸν, ἀλλ’ ὁ Πατήρ μου δίδωσιν ὑμῖν τὸν ἄρτον τὸν ἀληθινὸν ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ” (“And He gave them from heaven the true bread; for Moses did not give you the true bread, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven” – Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on John, Book 4, PG 73:624). Let us approach the Eucharist with the same reverence and devotion that Josiah displayed in preparing for the Passover.

2 Chronicles 35:7-19 – The Grandeur of Josiah’s Passover

2 Chronicles 35:12 (KJV): Then they removed the burnt offerings, that they might give according to the divisions of the families of the people, to offer unto the LORD, as it is written in the book of Moses. And so did they with the oxen.

2 Chronicles 35:12 (NKJV): Then they removed the burnt offerings that they might give them to the divisions of the families of the people, to offer to the Lord, as it is written in the Book of Moses. And so they did with the oxen.

These verses describe the meticulous organization and abundance of sacrifices offered during Josiah’s Passover. The detailed preparation and distribution of the offerings highlights the seriousness with which the people approached this sacred event. The reference to “the book of Moses” underscores the importance of adhering to the prescribed laws and rituals. This Passover was not merely a superficial observance but a heartfelt expression of repentance and dedication to the Lord. The sheer scale of the event indicates a widespread renewal of faith among the people, demonstrating the effectiveness of Josiah’s reforms. The sacrifices themselves pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the Cross, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

Practical Application: We are called to offer ourselves as “living sacrifices, holy, acceptable to God” (Romans 12:1). This means dedicating our time, talents, and resources to serving God and our neighbor. Just as the Israelites carefully prepared their sacrifices, we must diligently cultivate our spiritual lives through prayer, fasting, and studying the Scriptures. Let us strive to offer our lives as a fragrant offering to God, pleasing to Him in every way. As St. Athanasius the Apostolic said: “Γινώσκετε ὅτι ἐπειδὴ ὁ Λόγος ἐνηνθρώπησεν, οὐκέτι πρὸς γῆν ἡμεῖς ὁδεύομεν, ἀλλὰ πρὸς τὸν οὐρανόν.” (“Know that since the Word became flesh, we no longer journey toward the earth, but toward heaven.” – Athanasius, *On the Incarnation*, 8). The offerings point to the divine sacrifice, and the people’s renewed faith shows us the true way of approaching God.

2 Chronicles 35:20-27 – Josiah’s Tragic Death

2 Chronicles 35:22 (KJV): Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.

2 Chronicles 35:22 (NKJV): Nevertheless Josiah would not turn away from him, but disguised himself so that he might fight with him, and did not heed the words of Necho from the mouth of God. So he came to fight in the Valley of Megiddo.

Josiah’s decision to engage Pharaoh Necho in battle, despite Necho’s claim to be acting on God’s authority, is a complex and perplexing event. The text suggests that Josiah disobeyed a divine warning, even if the source of that warning was a pagan king. This raises questions about discernment and the potential for misinterpreting God’s will. Some commentators suggest that Josiah was acting out of a misguided sense of national pride or a desire to protect his kingdom, blinding him to the true will of God. Josiah’s death at Megiddo, a location laden with historical significance (Judges 5:19; Zechariah 12:11), highlights the tragic consequences of disobedience. The Valley of Megiddo (also known as the Jezreel Valley) was a strategic location and has been the site of many battles throughout history.

Practical Application: Josiah’s death serves as a sobering reminder that even the most righteous individuals can make mistakes and suffer unforeseen consequences. We must constantly seek God’s guidance in our lives, being careful to discern His will through prayer, Scripture, and the wisdom of the Church. It is crucial to remember that God’s ways are often beyond our understanding, and we must trust in His sovereignty even when we cannot see the full picture. As St. Anthony the Great taught: *“Ἀεὶ πρόσεχε σεαυτῷ, καὶ μὴ ἀμελήσῃς, ἵνα μηδὲ μίαν ὥραν ἀποστῇς ἀπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ.”* (“Always pay attention to yourself, and do not neglect, so that you do not depart from God for even one hour” – Anthony the Great, *Sayings of the Desert Fathers*). Let us seek humility and dependence on God in all our decisions.

Subtopic Sections

Here are some key reflections and teachings derived from 2 Chronicles 35:

• The Importance of Covenant Renewal: Josiah’s Passover was a powerful act of covenant renewal, reminding the people of their relationship with God and their obligations under the Law.
• The Centrality of Worship: Josiah’s centralization of worship in Jerusalem highlights the importance of a unified and focused approach to our spiritual lives.
• The Danger of Pride and Self-Reliance: Josiah’s death serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and self-reliance, reminding us to always seek God’s guidance.
• The Sovereignty of God: Even in the midst of tragedy, we must trust in God’s sovereignty and believe that He is working all things together for good.
• The Foreshadowing of Christ: The Passover Lamb foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the Cross, offering us forgiveness and eternal life.
• Spiritual Discernment: We must always be careful to discern God’s will in our lives, testing all things and holding fast to what is good.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about 2 Chronicles 35:

• Q: Why was Josiah’s Passover so significant?
  • A: It marked a return to faithful observance of the Law after decades of idolatry and neglect. It was a national act of repentance and covenant renewal, setting the stage for further reforms.
• Q: Why did Josiah disobey Pharaoh Necho?
  • A: The text suggests that Josiah either misinterpreted God’s will or acted out of pride, failing to heed the warning given through Pharaoh Necho. This highlights the importance of spiritual discernment.
• Q: What is the spiritual significance of Josiah’s death?
  • A: It serves as a reminder that even the most righteous individuals are not immune to suffering and that God’s ways are often beyond our understanding. It also underscores the importance of humility and dependence on God.
• Q: How does 2 Chronicles 35 relate to the Coptic Orthodox tradition?
  • A: The themes of sacrifice, redemption, and covenant renewal are central to both 2 Chronicles 35 and the Coptic Orthodox faith. The Passover foreshadows the Eucharist, and Josiah’s devotion serves as an example for believers today.

Conclusion

Josiah’s Passover Revival, as depicted in 2 Chronicles 35, is a powerful narrative laden with both triumph and tragedy. While Josiah’s commitment to restoring true worship is commendable, his untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of faith and obedience. This chapter challenges us to examine our own hearts, to seek genuine repentance, and to cultivate a deep and unwavering trust in God’s sovereignty. Ultimately, the Passover event points forward to the ultimate Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice delivers us from the bondage of sin and death. May we strive to live lives that reflect the same zeal and devotion that characterized Josiah’s reign, always seeking to discern God’s will and to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to Him. Consider how inspired people can be when building successful online presence, just like Josiah inspired his people during his reign.

Tags

2 Chronicles 35, Josiah, Passover, Necho, Megiddo, Covenant Renewal, Repentance, Obedience, Sacrifice, Old Testament

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