King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 35:12 Mean?

2 Chronicles 35:12 in the King James Version says “And they removed the burnt offerings, that they might give according to the divisions of the families of the people , to...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And 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 · KJV

Context

10

So the service was prepared, and the priests stood in their place, and the Levites in their courses, according to the king's commandment.

11

And they killed the passover, and the priests sprinkled the blood from their hands, and the Levites flayed them.

12

And 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.

13

And they roasted the passover with fire according to the ordinance: but the other holy offerings sod they in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans, and divided them speedily among all the people . divided: Heb. made them run

14

And afterward they made ready for themselves, and for the priests: because the priests the sons of Aaron were busied in offering of burnt offerings and the fat until night; therefore the Levites prepared for themselves, and for the priests the sons of Aaron.

Read 2 Chronicles 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And 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.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Greatest worship celebration since Samuel's time. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיָּסִ֨ירוּ1 of 15

“And they removed”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

הָֽעֹלָ֜ה2 of 15

“the burnt offerings”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

לְ֠תִתָּם3 of 15

“that they might give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לְמִפְלַגּ֤וֹת4 of 15

“according to the divisions”

H4653

a classification

לְבֵית5 of 15
H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אָבוֹת֙6 of 15

“of the families”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לִבְנֵ֣י7 of 15

“of the people”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הָעָ֔ם8 of 15
H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לְהַקְרִיב֙9 of 15

“to offer”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

לַֽיהוָ֔ה10 of 15

“unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כַּכָּת֖וּב11 of 15

“as it is written”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

בְּסֵ֣פֶר12 of 15

“in the book”

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

מֹשֶׁ֑ה13 of 15

“of Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְכֵ֖ן14 of 15
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

לַבָּקָֽר׃15 of 15

“And so did they with the oxen”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 35:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 35:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 3:3Leviticus 3:5Leviticus 3:14-16Leviticus 3:9-11

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