Josiah, driven by his zeal for God, holds a Passover. His Passover is done by the book. There are no irregularities like those which marked Hezekiah’s Passover. This Passover is held at the right time, in the first month (see Leviticus 23:4–8). The priests and Levites carry out their duties.

The phrase, “Put the sacred ark in the temple” (2 Chronicles 35:3) is puzzling: Was the ark removed when repairs were made in the temple? The narrative, however, stresses how well prepared and organised Josiah’s Passover is: the temple is repaired; the ark is back in its place; and the Levites are divided into groups to minister to the different families attending the Passover.

Josiah, his officials, and the leaders among the Levites contribute thousands of animals for sacrifice (vv. 7–9); the animals are slaughtered and the meat distributed to the people. Everyone has to work hard, but all that needs to be done is done. The musicians and gatekeepers carry out their roles.

This was a Passover such as had not been seen since Samuel’s day (v. 18): Josiah’s Passover surpassed those held in the reigns of all previous kings: not only Hezekiah’s, but even David’s and Solomon’s, apparently.

One thing is missing, however. The account of Hezekiah’s Passover noted that, in spite of the irregularities, God heard their prayers, and healed and blessed the people (30:18–20, 27). There is nothing corresponding to that in today’s text.

A question remains in our minds, then. Huldah has prophesied disaster (34:24–28), and Josiah has responded by organising massive public demonstrations of commitment to God, holding a covenant renewal ceremony (vv. 29–33), and then a Passover. But has the prophecy of disaster been set aside?

Pharaoh Necho marches through Judah, intent on fighting a battle at Carchemish.¹⁵ Josiah confronts him, but the Pharaoh tells him to step aside and “stop opposing God”, for he marches at God’s command (35:21). Perhaps Josiah did not take these words spoken by a pagan king as a message from God. After all, has he not been promised that he will be buried “in peace” (34:28)? He refuses to give ground and prepares to fight.

The description of the battle that follows reminds us of Ahab’s doomed attack on Ramoth Gilead (18:28–34). Like Ahab, Josiah disguises himself before the battle, suggesting that he is not certain that God is with him. And, like Ahab, he is wounded by archers and carried away from the battle on a chariot. We may ask ourselves why the Chronicler links Ahab and Josiah in this way: What did the godly Josiah have in common with the apostate Ahab?

Josiah dies in Jerusalem. He is honoured in his death: buried with his royal ancestors and mourned by the people. The Chronicler notes his devotion to the Lord. But we suspect that with his death, the prophesied disaster will soon fall.

See also 2 Kings 23:21–30

¹⁵ Egypt was on its way to fight against Babylon: see J. G. McConville, Chronicles (Edinburgh: St Andrew Press, 1984), 263.