דברי הימים ב, פרק ל״ה, פסוק י״ג

Preparing and distributing the Passover sacrifices to a massive crowd required exceptional organization and strict attention to the specific laws governing each offering. A clear distinction had to be made between the preparation of the Passover offering itself and the other sacrifices brought alongside it. Following the requirements of the law, the Passover offering was roasted directly over a fire [רש"י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The way this preparation is described sparks a discussion among commentators, as the term used often translates broadly to "cooking." [רלב"ג] and [חומת אנך] explain that in biblical times, the general concept of cooking naturally included roasting, which is why other laws must specifically mention "cooked in water" when roasting is forbidden. Conversely, [רד"ק] points out that because the standard term for cooking usually implies boiling, the detail of doing so over a fire was explicitly added to ensure there was no confusion that the meat was roasted rather than boiled.

At the same time, the other holy offerings were being prepared. These consisted of the cattle brought as festival peace offerings alongside the Passover sacrifice [רלב"ג, מלבי"ם], or the remainder of the general sacrifices [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. In direct contrast to the roasted Passover sacrifice, these additional offerings were boiled in water [רלב"ג, רד"ק, מלבי"ם]. This massive cooking operation utilized an array of different vessels, including standard pots, enormous cauldrons, and deep bowls [מצודת ציון, רד"ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Once the food was fully prepared, the Levites moved swiftly to distribute the meat to the crowds [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. They dedicated their efforts to serving the portions for all the Israelites first. Only after the entire nation had received their food did the Levites turn to prepare meals for themselves and for the priests. Because the priests were completely consumed by the heavy labor of the sacrificial service, they had no time to prepare their own food, relying entirely on the Levites to serve them when the primary work was done [רש"י].