Chapter XXXV.
1–19 (= 1 Esdras i. 1–22; compare 2 Kings xxiii. 21–23).
Josiah’s Passover.
Regarding the reference to 1 Esdras i. in the heading above, see the Introduction [§ 10], s.v. Greek Versions, where the important fact is noted that in 1 Esdras we have an old LXX. text, earlier than the so-called LXX. of Chronicles, and representing a Hebrew text older than the present Masoretic form. For introduction and notes on the text of 1 Esdras see the edition by S. A. Cook in Charles’ Apocrypha, vol. I.
¹And Josiah kept a passover unto the Lord in Jerusalem: and they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month.
1. the first month] The legal month was Nisan, or as it was called in pre-exilic times Abib; compare Exodus xii. Compare also xxx. 2 (with note).
²And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the Lord.
2. in their charges] i.e. at their duties.
encouraged them] As Hezekiah had done; compare xxix. 5–11, xxx. 22.
³And he 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; there shall no more be a burden upon your shoulders: now serve the Lord your God, and his people Israel.
3. that taught all Israel] Compare Nehemiah viii. 7, 9.