Old Testament
2 Kings 23:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The king gave an order to all the people: "Celebrate the Passover to the LORD your God, exactly as it is written in this Book of the Covenant."
Compare translations
And the king commanded all the people, saying, Keep the passover unto the LORD your God, as it is written in the book of this covenant.
What 2 Kings 23:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, King Josiah is taking a significant step to restore the worship practices of the Israelites. He commands the people to celebrate the Passover, a festival that commemorates their liberation from slavery in Egypt. This celebration is not just a tradition; it is a vital part of their identity and relationship with God. By instructing them to follow the guidelines laid out in the Book of the Covenant, Josiah emphasizes the importance of adhering to God's commands. This act of obedience is meant to bring the community together in remembrance and gratitude. It serves as a reminder of their history and the faithfulness of God. Josiah's leadership highlights the need for collective worship and the importance of remembering their roots. The Passover is a time for reflection, renewal, and commitment to living according to God's ways, ensuring that the lessons of the past are not forgotten. This moment is a call to unity and faithfulness among the people, encouraging them to embrace their covenant with God.
How to apply 2 Kings 23:21 to your life
Consider how you can celebrate your own faith and heritage. Reflect on the importance of traditions in your life and how they connect you to your past. Engage with your community in meaningful ways that honor your shared beliefs and values. Make time for reflection and gratitude in your daily routine, remembering the lessons learned from your history. Embrace opportunities to grow in your faith together with others, just as the Israelites did during Passover.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 2 Kings 23:21
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 2 Kings 23:21
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of 2 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What is the significance of Passover in 2 Kings 23:21?
In 2 Kings 23:21, Passover is significant as it represents the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt. King Josiah's command to celebrate it underscores the importance of remembering their history and God's faithfulness. The festival serves as a reminder of their covenant with God and the necessity of obedience to His commands, fostering a sense of community and shared identity among the people.
How did King Josiah restore worship practices according to this verse?
King Josiah restored worship practices by commanding the people to celebrate Passover as outlined in the Book of the Covenant. This act was part of a broader reform to return the Israelites to proper worship of God, emphasizing adherence to His laws and traditions. By doing so, Josiah aimed to unify the community in their faith and reinforce their commitment to God's commands.
What does 'Book of the Covenant' refer to in this context?
The 'Book of the Covenant' refers to the collection of laws and guidelines given to the Israelites, which includes instructions for worship, moral conduct, and community living. In 2 Kings 23:21, it serves as the authoritative source for how the Passover should be celebrated, highlighting the importance of following God's directives in their worship and daily lives.
How can we apply the message of 2 Kings 23:21 today?
We can apply the message of 2 Kings 23:21 by actively engaging in our faith traditions and community worship. This involves reflecting on our heritage, participating in collective celebrations, and honoring the teachings of our faith. By making time for gratitude and remembrance, we can strengthen our relationship with God and foster unity within our communities, just as the Israelites did during Passover.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.