Welcome to “Ehrman Errs,” a blog series devoted to using our conversational AI to refute each alleged biblical contradiction that is posed in the article on Bart Ehrman’s website: 50 Contradictions in the Bible: The Biggest, Most Shocking Differences.
Today’s alleged contradiction:
#8 – The Passover Celebrations of Hezekiah and Josiah
A notable example of the contradictions in the Bible arises when comparing the accounts of Passover celebrations under the reigns of King Hezekiah and King Josiah. In 2 Kings 23:21-23, it’s stated that during Josiah’s reign, the Passover was celebrated for the first time since the era of the judges, explicitly noting that no such observance occurred during the time of the kings of Israel and Judah. However, in 2 Chronicles 30, we find an account of an earlier Passover celebrated under King Hezekiah. This celebration is described as extraordinarily large and marked by great joy, involving participants from both Judah and remnants of the northern kingdom of Israel.
How Does Ehrman Err?
Bart Ehrman’s observation is a common one, but a careful, context-sensitive reading of the biblical texts, using the historical-grammatical method, helps resolve the apparent contradiction.
1. The TextsThe Passages in Question
2 Kings 23:21-23 (ESV):
“And the king commanded all the people, ‘Keep the Passover to the LORD your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant.’ For no such Passover had been kept since the days of the judges who judged Israel, or during all the days of the kings of Israel or of the kings of Judah. But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah this Passover was kept to the LORD in Jerusalem.”
2 Chronicles 30:1, 25-26 (ESV):
“Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the LORD at Jerusalem to keep the Passover to the LORD, the God of Israel… The whole assembly of Judah, and the priests and the Levites, and the whole assembly that came out of Israel, and the sojourners who came out of the land of Israel, and the sojourners who lived in Judah, rejoiced. So there was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem.”
Understanding the Context and Language
1. Different Standards of Comparison
- Josiah’s Passover (2 Kings 23): The text emphasizes that Josiah’s Passover was unique “as it is written in this Book of the Covenant.” The focus is on the strict observance of the Mosaic Law as rediscovered in the Book of the Law (likely Deuteronomy). The passage highlights that no Passover had been kept in such a manner—with such faithfulness to the Law—since the days of the judges.
- Hezekiah’s Passover (2 Chronicles 30): Chronicles describes a great Passover, but it also notes that it was celebrated in the second month (2 Chronicles 30:2-3), not the first as prescribed in Exodus 12, due to ritual uncleanness and lack of preparation. The Chronicler himself says, “since the time of Solomon… there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem” (2 Chronicles 30:26), not that it was the first since the judges.
2. Emphasis on Lawful Observance
- Josiah’s Passover is unique because it was done “as it is written in this Book of the Covenant” (2 Kings 23:21). The rediscovery of the Law led to a Passover that strictly adhered to the Mosaic requirements, which had been neglected or altered for centuries.
- Hezekiah’s Passover, while remarkable for its inclusiveness and joy, was an extraordinary event but not in full accordance with the Law’s timing and procedures.
3. Historical Perspective
- The Chronicler, writing after the exile, is interested in highlighting Hezekiah’s efforts to unify Israel and Judah in worship, even if all the details were not strictly according to the Law.
- The author of Kings, focusing on Josiah, is emphasizing the restoration of covenant faithfulness and obedience to the Law as rediscovered.
Supporting Verses
- 2 Kings 23:25 (ESV): “Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him.”
- 2 Chronicles 35:16-18 (NET): “So all the preparations for the LORD’s service were made that day, as the Passover was observed… A Passover like this had not been observed in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet. None of the kings of Israel had observed a Passover like the one celebrated by Josiah…”
- 2 Chronicles 30:26 (ESV): “So there was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the time of Solomon… there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem.”
Conclusion
There is no contradiction when we recognize that:
- Hezekiah’s Passover was remarkable for its scale and inclusiveness, but not for its strict adherence to the Law.
- Josiah’s Passover was unique in its faithful observance of the Law as rediscovered, something not done since the judges.
The biblical authors are making different points: one about the spirit and inclusiveness of worship (Hezekiah), and the other about covenant faithfulness and obedience (Josiah). Both are celebrated, but for different reasons.
In summary: The texts are not in conflict, but rather highlight different aspects of Israel’s spiritual history and the importance of both heartfelt worship and faithful obedience to God’s Word.
References:
“Day 202, Episode 191”: “The Scripture tells us that ‘none of the kings of Israel had ever celebrated such a Passover.’ This public declaration of faith was a turning point for Judah. Josiah didn’t keep the Word to himself; he shared it with the entire nation. It’s so important to understand that revival begins when God’s Word is proclaimed and embraced.”
2 Kings 23:21-25
2 Chronicles 30:1-27; 35:16-18