King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 35:3 Mean?

“And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; it shall not be a burden upon your shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel,”

Context

Moreover Josiah kept a passover unto the LORD in Jerusalem: and they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month.

And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the LORD,

And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; it shall not be a burden upon your shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel,

And prepare yourselves by the houses of your fathers, after your courses, according to the writing of David king of Israel, and according to the writing of Solomon his son.

And stand in the holy place according to the divisions of the families of the fathers of your brethren the people , and after the division of the families of the Levites. the families of the fathers: Heb. the house of the fathers the people: Heb. the sons of the people

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3-6) The king’s charge to the Levites. (3) **The Levites that taught all Israel.**—In the law (Nehemiah 8:7; comp. also 2Chronicles 17:8-9). **Which were holy unto the Lord.**—Separated to His service (Exodus 28:36, “Holiness to the Lord,” the inscription on Aaron’s mitre), **Put the holy ark in the house.**—This command implies that the ark had been removed from its place in the inner sanctuary. The removal probably took place under Manasseh or his son, with the object of saving the sacred symbol from profanation. Or perhaps the repair of the Temple under Josiah had necessitated such a step. A third explanation takes the words in the sense of “Let the ark be, where it stands, in its proper place. Do not give a thought to your ancient function of bearing it about; but set your minds upon present duties.” This, however, is too artificial. **It shall not be a burden.**—Literally, *hearing on the shoulder is not for you.* (Comp. the like statement in 1Chronicles 23:26; see also Numbers 4:15; Numbers 7:9; 1Chronicles 15:2.) **Serve now the Lord . . . and his people.**—In the manner indicated in 2Chronicles 35:4-6.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 35:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.