And they roasted the passover with fire according to the ordinance: but the other holy offerings sod they in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans, and divided them speedily among all the people.
roasted
Exodus 12:8,9 And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it…
Deuteronomy 16:7 And thou shalt roast and eat it in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: and thou shalt turn in the morning, and go unto thy tents.
Psalm 22:14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.
sod
Leviticus 6:28 But the earthen vessel wherein it is sodden shall be broken: and if it be sodden in a brasen pot, it shall be both scoured, and rinsed in water.
Numbers 6:19 And the priest shall take the sodden shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them upon the hands of the Nazarite, after the hair of his separation is shaven:
1 Samuel 2:13-15 And the priests' custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand; …
Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
and they boiled the other holy offerings in pots, kettles, and bowls
This part of the verse highlights the preparation of additional offerings that were part of the Passover celebration. The boiling of these offerings in various vessels indicates the practical aspects of preparing large quantities of food for the people. The use of pots, kettles, and bowls suggests a communal effort and the importance of hospitality and provision during the feast. This practice aligns with Deuteronomy 16:2, which allows for the consumption of other sacrifices during the festival, emphasizing the communal and celebratory nature of Passover.
and quickly brought them to all the people
The swift distribution of the offerings to the people demonstrates the efficiency and organization of the Levites and priests during the Passover. This act ensured that everyone could partake in the meal, reflecting the inclusivity and unity of the community in worship. The phrase also highlights the role of the Levites as servants of the people, facilitating their worship and participation in the feast. This mirrors the New Testament concept of servanthood, as seen in Mark 10:45, where Jesus serves others, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover in Christ.
The chronicler highlights simple, literal obedience to God’s original Passover pattern.
• Exodus 12:8–9 says, “Eat the meat … roasted over the fire”; Deuteronomy 16:7 reaffirms it.
• Roasting keeps the lamb whole, picturing the completeness of the sacrifice (cf. Exodus 12:46).
• Josiah’s priests follow the command precisely, demonstrating their renewed devotion (2 Chronicles 35:1, 6).
• The fire also speaks of judgment borne by the substitute, previewing Christ’s work (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7).
The phrase shows their worship was not casual but governed by God’s revealed standards.
• “As it is written in the Book of Moses” appears in 2 Chronicles 35:6, anchoring the ceremony in Scripture.
• Numbers 9:12 and Exodus 12:14-17 outline details—timing, menu, and attitude—now being honored.
• Careful conformity guards the people from innovation that once led to idolatry (Judges 21:25).
• It also echoes Jesus’ later affirmation that every “jot and tittle” of the Law matters (Matthew 5:17-18).
Not every sacrifice was a Passover lamb; fellowship and freewill offerings accompanied the feast.
• Leviticus 6:28 notes that certain portions are to be “boiled in a pot”.
• 1 Samuel 2:13-15 shows priests normally handled boiled meat for communal meals.
• The variety of vessels—pots, kettles, bowls—signals large-scale preparation for thousands (2 Chronicles 35:7-9).
• Separating roasted Passover lambs from boiled offerings keeps each symbol clear and intact.
Speedy distribution allowed everyone to eat while the meat was hot and the hearts were ready to rejoice.
• Deuteronomy 16:11 commands celebration “you, your sons and daughters, your servants, and the Levite”.
• 2 Chronicles 35:16 notes that priests and Levites “stood in their places” so worship flowed smoothly.
• Sharing food underscores covenant unity; no one is left out (Acts 2:46 mirrors this spirit).
• Practical service by Levites models how New-Covenant believers serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13).
2 Chronicles 35:13 records meticulous obedience during Josiah’s Passover. The lambs were roasted exactly as God first commanded, other sacrifices were prepared appropriately, and everything was served promptly to the gathered nation. The verse pictures wholehearted submission to God’s Word, joyful fellowship among His people, and a foreshadowing of the perfect Passover Lamb who would one day fulfill every regulation on their behalf.
(13) According to the ordinance.--Exodus 12:8-9.Boasted with fire.--Cooked in the fire.
But the other holy offerings sod they . . . pans.--And the consecrated things they cooked in the pots, and in the caldrons, and in the pans.--"The consecrated things" are the oxen (2Chronicles 29:33). Their flesh was boiled or fried, and handed with all due haste by the Levites to the laity.
The author tells us here not only what was done on the evening of the fourteenth Nisan, the Passover proper, but also during the seven following days of the Feast of Mazzoth, or Unleavened Bread. On the Passover evening only the paschal lambs and kids would be eaten; the oxen were slain as peace offerings during the subsequent festivities (Deuteronomy 16:1-8), and furnished forth the sacrificial meals.
And divided them speedily . . . the people.--And brought them quickly to all the sons of the people, so that the meat did not get cold. (Comp. Genesis 41:14.) This little touch of realism calls up a picture. We see the whole busy scene, the different groups of the people scattered here and there about the sacred court, and the Levites bringing them their portions of the savoury meat. . . .
Verse 13. - Roasted. (For the emphatic and repeated command to roast, see Exodus 12:8, 9; Deuteronomy 16:7.) Sod. The sodden or boiled offerings, peace offerings, were ordinarily eaten on the days of unleavened bread, and then particularly on the first and seventh (Leviticus 23:4-8, etc.). Divided them speedily among all the people. The marginal rendering of the original, and the Revised Version rendering, carried them quickly, may be noted; nevertheless attention is invited, probably not so much to the speed or quickness in question, but to the fact that "all the people" were carefully attended to.