King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 35:19 Mean?

2 Chronicles 35:19 in the King James Version says “In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this passover kept.” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this passover kept.”

2 Chronicles 35:19 · KJV

Context

17

And the children of Israel that were present kept the passover at that time, and the feast of unleavened bread seven days. present: Heb. found

18

And there was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a passover as Josiah kept, and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. present: Heb. found

19

In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this passover kept.

20

After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Carchemish by Euphrates: and Josiah went out against him. temple: Heb. house

21

But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? I come not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war: for God commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from meddling with God, who is with me, that he destroy thee not. the house: Heb. the house of my war

Read 2 Chronicles 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this passover kept.

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 · 8 words
בִּשְׁמוֹנֶ֤ה1 of 8

“In the eighteenth”

H8083

a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth

עֶשְׂרֵה֙2 of 8
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

שָׁנָ֔ה3 of 8

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

לְמַלְכ֖וּת4 of 8

“of the reign”

H4438

a rule; concretely, a dominion

יֹֽאשִׁיָּ֑הוּ5 of 8

“of Josiah”

H2977

joshijah, the name of two israelites

נַֽעֲשָׂ֖ה6 of 8

“kept”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַפֶּ֥סַח7 of 8

“was this passover”

H6453

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

הַזֶּֽה׃8 of 8
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

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 35:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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