King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 35:8 Mean?

“And his princes gave willingly unto the people, to the priests, and to the Levites: Hilkiah and Zechariah and Jehiel, rulers of the house of God, gave unto the priests for the passover offerings two thousand and six hundred small cattle, and three hundred oxen. gave willingly: Heb. offered, etc”

Context

So kill the passover, and sanctify yourselves, and prepare your brethren, that they may do according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

And Josiah gave to the people , of the flock, lambs and kids , all for the passover offerings, for all that were present, to the number of thirty thousand, and three thousand bullocks: these were of the king's substance. gave: Heb. offered

And his princes gave willingly unto the people, to the priests, and to the Levites: Hilkiah and Zechariah and Jehiel, rulers of the house of God, gave unto the priests for the passover offerings two thousand and six hundred small cattle, and three hundred oxen. gave willingly: Heb. offered, etc

Conaniah also, and Shemaiah and Nethaneel, his brethren, and Hashabiah and Jeiel and Jozabad, chief of the Levites, gave unto the Levites for passover offerings five thousand small cattle, and five hundred oxen. gave: Heb. offered

So the service was prepared, and the priests stood in their place, and the Levites in their courses, according to the king's commandment.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **And his princes . . . Levites.**—*And his princes for a free-will offering* (Leviticus 7:16) *to the people, to the priests, and to the Levites had presented* heave-offerings. How many victims they gave is not specified. Some words may have fallen out of the text. (Comp. 2Chronicles 30:24.) Hilkiah is introduced quite abruptly in the text as it stands. **Rulers of the house of God.**—2Chronicles 31:13; 1Chronicles 9:11. Hilkiah was high priest (2Chronicles 34:9); Zechariah perhaps his deputy, “the second priest” (2Kings 25:18); Jehiel may have been the head of the line of Ithamar, which still existed even after the return (Ezra 8:2). **Oxen,** *i.e., *“bullocks” (2Chronicles 35:7).

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 35:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.