Definition: So all the service of the LORD was prepared the same day, to keep the passover, and to offer burnt offerings upon the altar of the LORD, according to the commandment of king Josiah.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse together. It’s a really important part of the Old Testament Bible and it tells us about how God planned things for Israel back in ancient times. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse describes a plan to celebrate Passover and offer sacrifices to God. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “So all the service of the LORD was prepared the same day…” - This means that God actively started preparing for these events – Passover and offerings – on one particular day. It wasn’t a gradual process; it was a deliberate start. “…to keep the passover…” - The “passover” was a Jewish festival celebrating freedom from slavery, and it involved a special meal. This verse means God wanted to make this celebration happen. “…and to offer burnt offerings upon the altar of the LORD…” – This is where the sacrifices come in. "Burnt offerings" meant that the people were to bring gifts (like lambs or animals) to the altar of God, showing reverence and devotion. They were a way for them to give thanks and acknowledge God's power. "...according to the commandment of king Josiah." - This is crucially important . King Josiah was a leader in ancient Israel. The verse says that this plan was established by him – he gave a specific instruction or command. It’s like saying, "This is how we are meant to do this!" In short, it's a story about God setting up a beautiful and meaningful celebration for his people, with a clear purpose: to remember their freedom and show their devotion through offerings. Why is this verse significant? It’s one of the oldest parts of the Bible that tells us about a time when Israel was deeply focused on worshiping God. It shows that the people were trying to live in a way that honored Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a specific event in biblical history? Give you a little more context about the time period?