2 Chronicles 35:24

KJV

His servants therefore took him out of that chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he had; and they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died, and was buried in [one of] the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.

KJV (with Strong's)

His servants {H5650} therefore took {H5674} him out of that chariot {H4818}, and put {H7392} him in the second {H4932} chariot {H7393} that he had; and they brought {H3212} him to Jerusalem {H3389}, and he died {H4191}, and was buried {H6912} in one of the sepulchres {H6913} of his fathers {H1}. And all Judah {H3063} and Jerusalem {H3389} mourned {H56} for Josiah {H2977}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So his servants took him out of the chariot, transferred him to his second chariot and brought him to Yerushalayim. But he died, and he was buried in the tombs of his ancestors. All Y'hudah and Yerushalayim mourned Yoshiyahu.

Berean Standard Bible

So his servants took him out of his chariot, put him in his second chariot, and brought him to Jerusalem, where he died. And Josiah was buried in the tomb of his fathers, and all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him.

American Standard Version

So his servants took him out of the chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he had, and brought him to Jerusalem; and he died, and was buried in the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 35:24 vividly records the immediate aftermath of King Josiah's fatal injury at Megiddo, detailing his urgent transport to Jerusalem, his subsequent death, and his burial in the royal sepulchres. This verse encapsulates a moment of profound national tragedy, marking the abrupt end of a significant era of spiritual revival under Judah's most righteous king and initiating a period of widespread, heartfelt mourning across the entire kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic and tragic conclusion to the narrative of King Josiah's reign, particularly the events detailed in [2 Chronicles 35](/2_chronicles/35 "2 Chronicles 35 - Josiah's Passover and Death"). Immediately preceding it, [2 Chronicles 35:23](/2_chronicles/35-23 "2 Chronicles 35:23 - Josiah Wounded") describes Josiah being severely wounded by archers in the ill-fated battle against Pharaoh Necho at Megiddo. Following this verse, [2 Chronicles 35:25](/2_chronicles/35-25 "2 Chronicles 35:25 - Jeremiah's Lament for Josiah") recounts the profound lamentations for Josiah, including those composed by the prophet Jeremiah, solidifying the depth of national grief. The Chronicler presents Josiah's reign as the pinnacle of faithfulness since David, culminating in the grand Passover celebration in [2 Chronicles 35:1-19](/2_chronicles/35 "2 Chronicles 35 - Josiah's Passover"). His death, therefore, represents a devastating turning point, signaling the rapid decline of Judah towards exile, a narrative arc also paralleled in [2 Kings 23:29-30](/2_kings/23-29 "2 Kings 23:29-30 - Josiah's Death in 2 Kings").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah reigned from 640-609 BC, a period marked by the decline of the Assyrian Empire and the rise of Babylon and Egypt. Josiah capitalized on Assyria's weakness to implement extensive religious reforms, cleansing Judah and Israel of idolatry and restoring the worship of Yahweh, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 34](/2_chronicles/34 "2 Chronicles 34 - Josiah's Reforms"). His encounter with Pharaoh Necho II at Megiddo occurred as Necho was marching to aid the Assyrians against the Babylonians. Megiddo, located in the Jezreel Valley, was a historically significant battleground. Culturally, royal burials in ancestral tombs were crucial for legitimizing a king's reign and ensuring his place in the dynastic line. The widespread mourning described reflects the deep personal and national impact of a beloved and righteous king's death, often accompanied by professional mourners and public lamentations, as was customary in the ancient Near East.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Tragedy of Righteousness**, demonstrating that even the most devout and obedient kings are not immune to suffering or a premature end, raising complex questions about divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **National Loss and Grief**, as Josiah's death precipitates a profound and widespread mourning across Judah and Jerusalem, signifying the abrupt end of an era of spiritual revival and relative peace. This national lament foreshadows the deeper sorrows to come. Lastly, it implicitly touches upon the **Consequences of Disobedience or Misjudgment**. While Josiah's intentions may have been patriotic, his decision to engage Pharaoh Necho, despite a warning that some interpret as divinely inspired ([2 Chronicles 35:21](/2_chronicles/35-21 "2 Chronicles 35:21 - Pharaoh Necho's Warning")), ultimately led to his downfall, serving as a sobering reminder of the need for discernment and wisdom in all actions, even those seemingly noble.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chariot (Hebrew, _merkâbâh'_):** This term (H4818) refers to a war-chariot, a significant piece of military equipment and a symbol of royal status and power in ancient warfare. The mention of "the second chariot that he had" suggests either a backup vehicle, a more comfortable transport for a wounded king, or perhaps a less conspicuous one to avoid further attack. It emphasizes the urgency and severity of Josiah's condition, requiring immediate extraction from the battlefield.
* **Sepulchres (Hebrew, _qeber'_):** This word (H6913) denotes a grave, tomb, or burial place. The phrase "sepulchres of his fathers" specifically refers to the royal burial grounds in Jerusalem, likely within or near the City of David, where the kings of Judah were traditionally interred. This detail confirms Josiah's legitimate lineage and ensures he received an honorable, royal burial despite his tragic death, affirming his place among the Davidic kings.
* **Mourned (Hebrew, _ʼâbal'_):** This verb (H56) describes a deep, public, and often ritualized lamentation or bewailing for the dead. It implies a profound expression of sorrow, often involving wailing, tearing of clothes, and other outward signs of grief. The declaration that "all Judah and Jerusalem mourned" indicates the widespread and intense nature of the national sorrow, underscoring Josiah's immense popularity and the devastating impact of his loss on the entire kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"His servants therefore took him out of that chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he had;":** This clause reveals the immediate action taken by Josiah's loyal attendants after he was mortally wounded. The transfer from one chariot to another highlights the critical nature of his injury and the urgency to remove him from the direct line of battle. The "second chariot" might have been a more secure or less damaged vehicle, or simply one designated for transporting a wounded king, indicating a desperate attempt to save his life or at least ensure his dignified removal.
* **"and they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died,":** This phrase details the journey from Megiddo to Jerusalem, a distance of approximately 60 miles. The fact that he died either en route or immediately upon arrival in Jerusalem underscores the severity of his wounds. Dying in Jerusalem, the capital and spiritual heart of Judah, was significant, allowing him to be buried in the royal necropolis and emphasizing the national impact of his death.
* **"and was buried in [one of] the sepulchres of his fathers.":** This confirms Josiah received a proper royal burial in the established tombs of the Davidic kings in Jerusalem. This was a critical aspect of validating a king's reign and ensuring his place in the ancestral line. The Chronicler emphasizes this detail to show that despite the tragic circumstances, Josiah was afforded the full honor due to a legitimate king.
* **"And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.":** This final clause emphasizes the profound and widespread grief that swept across the entire kingdom. "All Judah and Jerusalem" signifies a national outpouring of sorrow, reflecting the deep love and respect the people had for Josiah, who had led them in a significant spiritual revival. This collective lament underscores the magnitude of the loss and the end of a golden age for the nation.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several powerful literary devices in [2 Chronicles 35:24](/2_chronicles/35-24 "2 Chronicles 35:24 - Josiah's Death and Burial") to convey the gravity of the moment. **Pathos** is profoundly evident, as the narrative evokes deep sorrow and pity for Josiah, a righteous king who meets a tragic, untimely end. The scene is designed to elicit an emotional response from the reader, emphasizing the unfairness of his demise and the profound loss for the nation. There is an element of **Irony** in Josiah's death; despite his unwavering devotion and extensive reforms, he falls in battle, possibly due to a misjudgment or a failure to discern divine will. This contrasts sharply with the expected divine protection for a righteous king, highlighting the complexities of God's ways and human responsibility. Furthermore, the widespread mourning described serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, signaling the imminent decline and eventual destruction of Judah. Josiah's death marks the end of the last great period of revival and stability, setting the stage for the subsequent judgments and exile. The Chronicler's account also exhibits **Parallelism** with the narrative in [2 Kings 23:29-30](/2_kings/23-29 "2 Kings 23:29-30 - Josiah's Death in 2 Kings"), reinforcing the historical veracity and significance of Josiah's death as a pivotal moment in Judah's history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The death of Josiah, as recounted in [2 Chronicles 35:24](/2_chronicles/35-24 "2 Chronicles 35:24 - Josiah's Death and Burial"), presents a profound theological challenge: how could such a righteous and devoted king meet such a tragic end? This tension highlights the complexities of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While God had promised Josiah that he would be gathered to his fathers in peace and not see the coming disaster ([2 Kings 22:20](/2_kings/22-20 "2 Kings 22:20 - Josiah's Peaceful Death Prophecy")), his death in battle at Megiddo seems to contradict this. Some interpretations suggest Josiah's decision to engage Pharaoh Necho was a misjudgment, perhaps even a direct disobedience to a divine warning delivered through Necho ([2 Chronicles 35:21](/2_chronicles/35-21 "2 Chronicles 35:21 - Pharaoh Necho's Warning to Josiah")). Regardless, his death underscores that even the most faithful individuals are not immune to hardship, the consequences of human choices, or the broader sweep of God's judgment on a nation. It serves as a stark reminder that God's promises often operate within the framework of human actions and the unfolding of His larger redemptive plan, which sometimes involves the suffering of the righteous.

* [2 Kings 23:29-30](/2_kings/23-30 "Parallel Account of Josiah's Death")
* [Jeremiah 22:10](/jeremiah/22-10 "Lament for Josiah")
* [Zechariah 12:11](/zechariah/12-11 "Mourning at Megiddo")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic end of King Josiah, despite his exemplary righteousness, offers profound lessons for believers today. It challenges our often-simplistic assumptions that faithfulness guarantees an easy or prosperous life, reminding us that even those who walk closely with God may face unexpected suffering, loss, or untimely ends. Josiah's story calls us to trust in God's sovereignty even when circumstances are perplexing and to recognize that divine wisdom may not always align with our immediate understanding of justice or reward. His decision to engage in battle, despite a potential divine warning, underscores the critical importance of spiritual discernment and seeking God's will in all decisions, especially those with significant consequences. We are called to lead with integrity and devotion, as Josiah did, but also to exercise humility and wisdom, recognizing that even noble intentions require divine guidance. Ultimately, Josiah's legacy of reform and the profound national mourning for him highlight the lasting impact of a life lived wholeheartedly for God, inspiring us to pursue righteousness and leave a spiritual legacy that transcends our earthly lifespan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Josiah's tragic death challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice and sovereignty in the lives of the righteous?**
* **What role does discernment play in your decision-making process, especially when faced with choices that seem noble but carry significant risks?**
* **In what ways can we, like Josiah, strive to lead lives of spiritual reform and devotion, even when the broader cultural or historical context is challenging?**
* **How do you reconcile the widespread mourning for Josiah with the biblical truth that God works all things for good for those who love Him?**

### FAQ

**Why did Josiah, a good king, die so tragically?**

Answer: The death of Josiah is one of the more perplexing events in the Old Testament, precisely because he is consistently portrayed as one of Judah's most righteous kings. While the text doesn't offer a single definitive reason for his death, several factors are considered. Some scholars interpret Pharaoh Necho's warning to Josiah in [2 Chronicles 35:21](/2_chronicles/35-21 "2 Chronicles 35:21 - Pharaoh Necho's Warning to Josiah") as a divinely inspired message that Josiah failed to heed, making his death a consequence of disobedience or misjudgment. Others see it as a tragic outcome of war, highlighting that even righteous individuals are not immune to the dangers of conflict. It also serves a theological purpose within the Chronicler's narrative: Josiah's death marks the end of Judah's last great spiritual revival and signals the imminent divine judgment and exile, fulfilling prophecies of doom on a nation that had largely turned away from God despite Josiah's efforts. His death, therefore, underscores the gravity of Judah's sin and the inevitability of God's judgment.

**What was the significance of being buried "in the sepulchres of his fathers"?**

Answer: Being buried "in the sepulchres of his fathers" was highly significant for a king in ancient Judah. Firstly, it confirmed Josiah's legitimate kingship and his place in the unbroken Davidic lineage. This was the traditional burial ground for the kings of Judah, located within or near the City of David in Jerusalem. Secondly, it fulfilled the prophecy given to Josiah in [2 Kings 22:20](/2_kings/22-20 "2 Kings 22:20 - Prophecy of Josiah's Peaceful Death"), where God promised he would "be gathered to your fathers in peace, and your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place." While he died in battle, his burial in Jerusalem before the Babylonian exile meant he did not witness the ultimate destruction and suffering that befell his people, thus fulfilling the spirit of the prophecy. It signified a peaceful rest from the coming national catastrophe.

**How widespread was the mourning for Josiah?**

Answer: The text states that "all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah," indicating a profound and national outpouring of grief. This was not merely a localized or royal family lament, but a widespread expression of sorrow across the entire kingdom. Josiah had led the most extensive spiritual revival since David, cleansing the land of idolatry and restoring the Passover celebration ([2 Chronicles 34](/2_chronicles/34 "2 Chronicles 34 - Josiah's Reforms") and [2 Chronicles 35](/2_chronicles/35 "2 Chronicles 35 - Josiah's Passover")). His death was seen as a devastating loss, marking the end of an era of righteousness and stability. The depth of this national grief is further emphasized in [2 Chronicles 35:25](/2_chronicles/35-25 "2 Chronicles 35:25 - Jeremiah's Lament for Josiah"), which notes that the prophet Jeremiah composed laments for Josiah, indicating the profound and lasting impact of his passing on the spiritual and political landscape of Judah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic death of King Josiah and the profound national mourning it evoked in [2 Chronicles 35:24](/2_chronicles/35-24 "2 Chronicles 35:24 - Josiah's Death and Burial") find a poignant and ultimately triumphant fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Josiah, a righteous king, died prematurely, and his death marked the end of Judah's last great hope, ushering in a period of decline and judgment. This foreshadows, in a limited sense, the death of the truly righteous King, Jesus, who, though perfectly innocent, willingly laid down His life. However, the contrast is crucial: Josiah's death was a consequence of a battle and possibly misjudgment, leading to national despair, whereas Christ's death was a deliberate, atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world, leading to ultimate hope and salvation. The widespread mourning for Josiah, particularly the lamentations composed by Jeremiah, echoes the prophetic mourning for the Messiah, as foretold in [Zechariah 12:10-11](/zechariah/12-10 "Zechariah 12:10-11 - Mourning for the Pierced One"), where the mourning for the "one whom they have pierced" is compared to the mourning for Josiah at Megiddo. Unlike Josiah, whose burial in the "sepulchres of his fathers" signified a final resting place, Christ's burial in a borrowed tomb was temporary, leading to His glorious resurrection. His death transformed the deepest human sorrow into eternal joy, fulfilling His promise that though His disciples would mourn, their "sorrow will turn into joy" ([John 16:20](/john/16-20 "John 16:20 - Sorrow into Joy")). Through Christ's death and resurrection, the ultimate "mourning" for sin and death is overcome, and His victory ushers in an everlasting kingdom of peace and righteousness, far surpassing the temporary revival under Josiah ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Mourning")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Zechariah 12:11

In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon.

2 Kings 23:30

And his servants carried him in a chariot dead from Megiddo, and brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own sepulchre. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father's stead.

Ecclesiastes 9:1

¶ For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, [are] in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred [by] all [that is] before them.

Ecclesiastes 9:2

All [things come] alike to all: [there is] one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as [is] the good, so [is] the sinner; [and] he that sweareth, as [he] that feareth an oath.

Psalms 36:6

Thy righteousness [is] like the great mountains; thy judgments [are] a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.

2 Chronicles 34:28

Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again.

Ecclesiastes 8:14

¶ There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just [men], unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked [men], to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also [is] vanity.