King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 35:26 Mean?

2 Chronicles 35:26 in the King James Version says “Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his goodness, according to that which was written in the law of the LORD, goodne...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his goodness, according to that which was written in the law of the LORD, goodness: Heb. kindnesses”

2 Chronicles 35:26 · KJV

Context

24

His servants therefore took him out of that chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he had; and they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died, and was buried in one of the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah. in one: or, among the sepulchres

25

And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and the singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and made them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they are written in the lamentations.

26

Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his goodness, according to that which was written in the law of the LORD, goodness: Heb. kindnesses

27

And his deeds, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.

Read 2 Chronicles 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his goodness, according to that which was written in the law of the LORD,

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 · 7 words
וְיֶ֛תֶר1 of 7

“Now the rest”

H3499

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

דִּבְרֵ֥י2 of 7

“of the acts”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יֹֽאשִׁיָּ֖הוּ3 of 7

“of Josiah”

H2977

joshijah, the name of two israelites

וַֽחֲסָדָ֑יו4 of 7

“and his goodness”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

כַּכָּת֖וּב5 of 7

“according to that which was written”

H3789

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

בְּתוֹרַ֥ת6 of 7

“in the law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

יְהוָֽה׃7 of 7

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

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 35:26 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 35:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 31:202 Chronicles 32:32

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