Question 1

Why was Josiah’s Passover described as unlike any since the days of Samuel?

Accepted Answer

The passage says there had been no Passover like Josiah’s since the days of Samuel. This points to how fully and carefully it was kept. It was held at the right time, in the first month on the fourteenth day, in the place God chose, Jerusalem. The priests and Levites followed the written law, the king and princes gave huge numbers of animals so everyone could join, and people from Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem were there. It was a wide, united, and ordered return to what God had commanded.

Question 2

What roles did the priests and Levites have in Josiah’s Passover?

Accepted Answer

The priests and Levites each had clear jobs. Josiah set the priests in their charges and encouraged them in the service of the house of the Lord. The priests stood in their place, sprinkled the blood from the sacrifices, and stayed busy at the altar until night. The Levites taught Israel, handled the ark, killed the Passover animals, skinned them, boiled and roasted the meat, and prepared portions for the people, the priests, the singers, and the gatekeepers. They served according to their courses and family divisions, just as the law and the writings of David and Solomon directed.

Question 3

Why did Josiah and the leaders give so many animals for the Passover?

Accepted Answer

Josiah gave thirty thousand lambs and kids and three thousand bullocks from his own resources. The princes and chief Levites also gave thousands of animals. This generosity meant that all who were present could keep the Passover and the other offerings, not just the wealthy. It shows a king and leaders who wanted the whole nation to join in true worship without being held back by cost. By providing freely, they helped make obedience to God’s commands about Passover possible for every family, including the poor.

Question 4

What does the end of this passage teach about ignoring God’s warning?

Accepted Answer

After the great Passover, Necho king of Egypt marched to fight at Carchemish. Josiah went out against him. Necho sent a message saying he was not attacking Judah but another house, and that God had commanded him to hurry. He warned Josiah not to meddle with God’s work, so God would not destroy him. Josiah did not listen to these words, which the passage says were from the mouth of God. He disguised himself, went into battle at Megiddo, was shot by archers, and died. This shows that even a godly king can fall into trouble when he refuses a clear warning from God.

Question 5

Who was Necho in this passage, and why did he speak of God’s command?

Accepted Answer

Necho was the king of Egypt who came up to fight against Carchemish by the Euphrates. When Josiah went out against him, Necho sent messengers saying he had no quarrel with Judah that day. He said he was at war with another house and added that God had commanded him to make haste. The passage shows that God can direct the actions of foreign rulers and use them to carry out his purposes. Necho’s warning to Josiah is presented as coming from God, even though Necho was not part of Israel.

Question 6

Why did Jeremiah and the people mourn so deeply for Josiah?

Accepted Answer

When Josiah died, all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him. Jeremiah lamented for Josiah, and singing men and women spoke of him in their laments and made it an ordinance in Israel. This shows how much the people loved and respected him. He had led them back to proper worship, repaired the temple, and kept a careful Passover that united the nation. His death in battle felt like a great loss of a good and faithful king. Their ongoing laments show that his life and his death left a deep mark on the people’s hearts.

Question 7

What does this passage show about true worship and preparation?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that true worship is not careless. Josiah told the Levites to put the ark in its place, to sanctify themselves, and to prepare their brothers. The priests and Levites served in order, by their families and courses, and did everything “as it is written in the book of Moses” and according to the writings linked to David and Solomon. The Passover animals were killed, the blood was sprinkled, and the offerings were cooked and shared quickly so all could take part. Careful preparation, obedience to God’s written word, and willing service all stand out as marks of proper worship.

Question 8

How can Josiah’s example of leadership in this chapter guide spiritual leaders today?

Accepted Answer

Josiah’s leadership in this chapter shows a leader who cares about God’s word and the people’s worship. He encourages priests and Levites, gives clear instructions, and makes sure the ark and the temple are treated rightly. He gives from his own resources so that others can obey God, and he involves princes and Levites in generous giving. He honors the order God set up for priests, Levites, singers, and gatekeepers. At the same time, his later choice to ignore God’s warning through Necho is a sober reminder that leaders must keep listening to God and not trust their own plans above his word.

2 Chronicles 35:1

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

Josiah Restores the Passover

The Death of Josiah

Laments over Josiah

Josiah Restores the Passover

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2 Chronicles 35:1

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

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Josiah Restores the Passover

The Death of Josiah

Laments over Josiah

Josiah Restores the Passover

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