None of the kings of Israel had kept such a passover as was kept by Josiah and the priests and the Levites and the men of Judah and all of Israel who were dwelling in Jerusalem: In the phrase the kings of Israel, Israel may refer to the northern kingdom of Israel, which broke away after the death of Solomon. Since Josiah was a king of Judah, the writer could be saying that no northern king had ever done anything as impressive as this Passover celebration. However, some scholars believe this phrase refers to all the former kings of Israel and Judah (so Good News Bible, Contemporary English Version). Following the first interpretation, we may begin verse 21 with “In the northern kingdom of Israel there had never been such a Passover as this one that Josiah kept….” Following the second one, we may say “None of the kings before Josiah had ever kept a Passover like he did….” All of Israel who were dwelling in Jerusalem refers to people of northern Israel who were in Jerusalem at the time, and who joined in the celebration.

In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah this passover was kept: Good News Bible combines verses 21 and 22, so it does not need to repeat the phrase this passover was kept. Contemporary English Version, on the other hand, makes verse 22 a more general statement, summarizing what has already been said in the text as follows: “This Passover was in the eighteenth year of Josiah’s rule in Judah.” Like Good News Bible, we prefer to combine these verses. Other models that do this are:

• In the northern kingdom of Israel there had never been such a Passover as this one that King Josiah held in the eighteenth year of his rule as king. The priests and the Levites joined in the ceremonies, Israelites from the north, who were living in Jerusalem [at that time], joined with the people of Judah in celebrating the feast.

• Not a single king in the northern kingdom of Israel had ever held a Passover such as this one….

• None of the kings before Josiah had ever kept a Passover like he did in the eighteenth year that he reigned in Judah. The priests and….

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Esdras. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.