King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 35:14 Mean?

2 Chronicles 35:14 in the King James Version says “And afterward they made ready for themselves, and for the priests: because the priests the sons of Aaron were busied in ...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Chronicles 35:14 · KJV

Context

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

16

So all the service of the LORD was prepared the same day, to keep the passover, and to offer burnt offerings upon the altar of the LORD, according to the commandment of king Josiah.

Read 2 Chronicles 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 19 words
וְאַחַ֗ר1 of 19

“And afterward”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הֵכִ֣ינוּ2 of 19

“prepared”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

לָהֶם֙3 of 19
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וְלַכֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים4 of 19

“because the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

כִּ֤י5 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

וְלַכֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים6 of 19

“because the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

בְּנֵ֥י7 of 19

“the sons”

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

אַֽהֲרֹֽן׃8 of 19

“of Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

בְּהַֽעֲל֛וֹת9 of 19

“were busied in offering”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

הָֽעוֹלָ֥ה10 of 19

“of burnt offerings”

H5930

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

וְהַֽחֲלָבִ֖ים11 of 19

“and the fat”

H2459

fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part

עַד12 of 19
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

לָ֑יְלָה13 of 19

“until night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

וְהַלְוִיִּם֙14 of 19

“therefore the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

הֵכִ֣ינוּ15 of 19

“prepared”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

לָהֶ֔ם16 of 19
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וְלַכֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים17 of 19

“because the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

בְּנֵ֥י18 of 19

“the sons”

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

אַֽהֲרֹֽן׃19 of 19

“of Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

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 35:14 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 35:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 6:2-4

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