This verse, 2 Chronicles 35:2, describes King Josiah's actions during a period of religious reform in Judah. Let's break it down:
"He set the priests in their offices...": This means Josiah reinstated or confirmed the priests in their proper roles and responsibilities within the Temple. Prior to Josiah's reign, under his predecessors Manasseh and Amon, there had been a decline in the proper worship of Yahweh and a rise in the worship of foreign gods. This likely led to neglect or corruption in the priestly duties. Josiah is ensuring that the priests are properly organized and fulfilling their prescribed functions.
"...and encouraged them in the service of Yahweh’s house.": This indicates that Josiah didn't just put the priests back in their positions; he also motivated and inspired them to perform their duties with zeal and dedication. This encouragement might have included providing them with resources, offering words of support, and leading by example through his own commitment to Yahweh. "Service of Yahweh's house" refers to the rituals, sacrifices, prayers, and general upkeep of the Temple, all performed according to the Law.
In essence, the verse means that King Josiah revitalized the priesthood and inspired them to diligently and enthusiastically perform their religious duties in the Temple, restoring proper worship of Yahweh.
Context and Significance:
This verse is part of a larger narrative about Josiah's reforms, which were prompted by the discovery of the Book of the Law (likely Deuteronomy) in the Temple. This discovery shocked Josiah and led him to recognize how far the nation had strayed from Yahweh's commands. He then initiated a widespread effort to purge idolatry and restore proper worship. Setting the priests back in their offices and encouraging them was a vital part of this reform. It underscored Josiah's desire to return Judah to a state of religious purity and obedience to God. The reforms were important and timely in forestalling the looming judgment of God on the nation of Judah.
This verse, 2 Chronicles 35:2, describes King Josiah's actions during a period of religious reform in Judah. Let's break it down:
"He set the priests in their offices...": This means Josiah reinstated or confirmed the priests in their proper roles and responsibilities within the Temple. Prior to Josiah's reign, under his predecessors Manasseh and Amon, there had been a decline in the proper worship of Yahweh and a rise in the worship of foreign gods. This likely led to neglect or corruption in the priestly duties. Josiah is ensuring that the priests are properly organized and fulfilling their prescribed functions.
"...and encouraged them in the service of Yahweh’s house.": This indicates that Josiah didn't just put the priests back in their positions; he also motivated and inspired them to perform their duties with zeal and dedication. This encouragement might have included providing them with resources, offering words of support, and leading by example through his own commitment to Yahweh. "Service of Yahweh's house" refers to the rituals, sacrifices, prayers, and general upkeep of the Temple, all performed according to the Law.
In essence, the verse means that King Josiah revitalized the priesthood and inspired them to diligently and enthusiastically perform their religious duties in the Temple, restoring proper worship of Yahweh.
Context and Significance:
This verse is part of a larger narrative about Josiah's reforms, which were prompted by the discovery of the Book of the Law (likely Deuteronomy) in the Temple. This discovery shocked Josiah and led him to recognize how far the nation had strayed from Yahweh's commands. He then initiated a widespread effort to purge idolatry and restore proper worship. Setting the priests back in their offices and encouraging them was a vital part of this reform. It underscored Josiah's desire to return Judah to a state of religious purity and obedience to God. The reforms were important and timely in forestalling the looming judgment of God on the nation of Judah.