King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 35:13 Mean?

2 Chronicles 35:13 in the King James Version says “And they roasted the passover with fire according to the ordinance: but the other holy offerings sod they in pots, and i...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Chronicles 35:13 · KJV

Context

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.

15

And the singers the sons of Asaph were in their place, according to the commandment of David, and Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun the king's seer; and the porters waited at every gate; they might not depart from their service; for their brethren the Levites prepared for them. place: Heb. station

Read 2 Chronicles 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 13 words
בִּשְּׁל֗וּ1 of 13

“And they roasted”

H1310

properly, to boil up; hence, to be done in cooking; figuratively to ripen

הַפֶּ֛סַח2 of 13

“the passover”

H6453

a pretermission, i.e., exemption; used only techically of the jewish passover (the festival or the victim)

בָּאֵ֖שׁ3 of 13

“with fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

כַּמִּשְׁפָּ֑ט4 of 13

“according to the ordinance”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

וְהַקֳּדָשִׁ֣ים5 of 13

“but the other holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

בִּשְּׁל֗וּ6 of 13

“And they roasted”

H1310

properly, to boil up; hence, to be done in cooking; figuratively to ripen

בַּסִּיר֤וֹת7 of 13

“they in pots”

H5518

a thorn (as springing up rapidly); by implication, a hook

וּבַדְּוָדִים֙8 of 13

“and in caldrons”

H1731

a pot (for boiling); also (by resemblance of shape) a basket

וּבַצֵּ֣לָח֔וֹת9 of 13

“and in pans”

H6745

something protracted or flattened out, i.e., a platter

וַיָּרִ֖יצוּ10 of 13

“and divided them speedily”

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

לְכָל11 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בְּנֵ֥י12 of 13

“among all 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

הָעָֽם׃13 of 13
H5971

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

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 35:13 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 35:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 12:8-91 Samuel 2:13-15Leviticus 6:28Deuteronomy 16:7Lamentations 1:12-13Psalms 22:14

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