2 Chronicles 35:24

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

2 Chronicles 35:24 details the immediate aftermath of King Josiah's mortal wounding in battle against Pharaoh Necho of Egypt. This verse marks a poignant moment in Judah's history, as one of its most righteous kings meets a tragic end, leading to widespread national grief.

Context of 2 Chronicles 35:24

King Josiah was a pivotal figure, renowned for his extensive religious reforms and his fervent devotion to the Lord, beginning his reign at a young age and cleansing the land of idolatry (2 Chronicles 34:3). Chapter 35 highlights his meticulous restoration of the Passover celebration, demonstrating his commitment to God's law. However, his life tragically concluded when he confronted Pharaoh Necho at Megiddo. Despite a warning from Necho, which some interpret as divinely ordained (2 Chronicles 35:21), Josiah pressed into battle. He was wounded by archers (2 Chronicles 35:23) and subsequently died, as recounted in this verse and paralleled in 2 Kings 23:29-30.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Tragic End of a Righteous King: Josiah is consistently portrayed as one of Judah's most pious and effective kings, yet his life ended prematurely and violently. This serves as a powerful reminder that even the most devout individuals are not immune to hardship or consequences of human decisions.
  • National Mourning and Loss: The phrase "all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah" underscores the profound impact of his death. His leadership had brought about significant spiritual revival, and his loss was deeply felt across the nation, signifying the end of an era of reform and relative peace.
  • Consequences of Disobedience or Misjudgment: While Josiah's intentions were likely patriotic, his decision to engage Pharaoh Necho, despite the warning, led to his downfall. This highlights the importance of discerning God's will and exercising wisdom, even when pursuing seemingly noble goals.

Linguistic Insights

The term "sepulchres" (Hebrew: qever, ืงึถื‘ึถืจ) refers to a grave or tomb, typically a prepared burial place. The mention of "sepulchres of his fathers" indicates that Josiah received a traditional royal burial in the established burial grounds for the kings of Judah in Jerusalem, affirming his legitimate lineage and status even in death.

Practical Application

Josiah's story, culminating in this verse, offers several lessons for believers today:

  • The Value of Godly Leadership: Josiah's life exemplifies the lasting positive influence of a leader who genuinely seeks God and leads his people in righteousness.
  • The Reality of Life's Unpredictability: Even when one is walking faithfully with God, life can present unexpected challenges and tragic outcomes. This calls for trust in God's sovereignty amidst difficult circumstances.
  • The Importance of Discernment: Josiah's engagement in battle, despite a warning, prompts reflection on the need for careful discernment and seeking divine wisdom in all decisions, especially those with significant consequences.

The widespread mourning for Josiah is further elaborated in 2 Chronicles 35:25, where it's noted that the prophet Jeremiah composed laments for him, a testament to his profound legacy.

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Cross-References

  • Zechariah 12:11 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ยถ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • 2 Chronicles 34:28 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ยถ 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.