The Meaning of 2 Chronicles 35:2 Explained

2 Chronicles 35:2

KJV: And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the LORD,

YLT: and he stationeth the priests over their charges, and strengtheneth them for the service of the house of Jehovah,

Darby: And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of Jehovah.

ASV: And he set the priests in their offices, and encouraged them to the service of the house of Jehovah.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And he set  the priests  in their charges,  and encouraged  them to the service  of the house  of the LORD, 

What does 2 Chronicles 35:2 Mean?

Context Summary

2 Chronicles 35:1-15 - A Memorable Passover
This Passover was memorable, not only for the imposing grandeur of the ceremonial, and the concourse of worshipers, but because of the strict adherence, even in minute particulars, to the prescriptions of the Law. Josiah was the soul and life of the movement. First the Levites were addressed, and reminded that as they were not required to carry the Ark from place to place, as in the days of the Exodus, they might fitly undertake other work and assist the priests, who were likely to be overwhelmed by the demands of the approaching celebration. Let us not cling to stereotyped conditions, but adapt ourselves cheerfully to new demands. One of their first duties was to bring the Ark out of the side chamber to which neglect had relegated it, and re-establish it in the Most Holy Place.
Vast preparations were made for the poor and those unable to provide for themselves. Munificent offerings were made by the king and the princes. True love to God is always accompanied by unselfish care for others. If you really love God, you will desire to promote the knowledge of, and participation in, His love. Never forget to leave a place for worship and praise! [source]

Chapter Summary: 2 Chronicles 35

1  Josiah keeps a most solemn Passover
20  He provoking Pharaoh Neco, is slain at Megiddo
25  Lamentations for Josiah

What do the individual words in 2 Chronicles 35:2 mean?

And he set the priests in their duties and encouraged them for the service of the house of Yahweh
וַיַּעֲמֵ֥ד הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים עַל־ מִשְׁמְרוֹתָ֑ם וַֽיְחַזְּקֵ֔ם לַעֲבוֹדַ֖ת בֵּ֥ית יְהוָֽה

וַיַּעֲמֵ֥ד  And  he  set 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Verb, Hifil, Consecutive imperfect, third person masculine singular
Root: עָמַד  
Sense: to stand, remain, endure, take one’s stand.
הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים  the  priests 
Parse: Article, Noun, masculine plural
Root: כֹּהֵן  
Sense: priest, principal officer or chief ruler.
מִשְׁמְרוֹתָ֑ם  their  duties 
Parse: Noun, feminine plural construct, third person masculine plural
Root: מִשְׁמֶרֶת  
Sense: guard, charge, function, obligation, service, watch.
וַֽיְחַזְּקֵ֔ם  and  encouraged  them 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Verb, Piel, Consecutive imperfect, third person masculine singular, third person masculine plural
Root: חָזַק  
Sense: to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore.
לַעֲבוֹדַ֖ת  for  the  service 
Parse: Preposition-l, Noun, feminine singular construct
Root: עֲבֹדָה  
Sense: labour, service.
בֵּ֥ית  of  the  house 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular construct
Root: בַּיִת 
Sense: house.
יְהוָֽה  of  Yahweh 
Parse: Proper Noun, masculine singular
Root: יהוה 
Sense: the proper name of the one true God.