2 Chronicles 35:25

KJV

And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and the singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and made them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they [are] written in the lamentations.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jeremiah {H3414} lamented {H6969} for Josiah {H2977}: and all the singing men {H7891} and the singing women {H7891} spake {H559} of Josiah {H2977} in their lamentations {H7015} to this day {H3117}, and made {H5414} them an ordinance {H2706} in Israel {H3478}: and, behold, they are written {H3789} in the lamentations {H7015}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yirmeyahu composed a lament for Yoshiyahu; and all the men and women singers have sung of Yoshiyahu in their laments till this day. They made singing them a law in Isra'el, and they are recorded in the Laments.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jeremiah lamented over Josiah, and to this day all the choirs of men and women sing laments over Josiah. They established them as a statute for Israel, and indeed they are written in the Book of Laments.

American Standard Version

And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations unto this day; and they made them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they are written in the lamentations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 35:25 poignantly records the profound national grief that followed the tragic death of King Josiah. It highlights the unprecedented and enduring nature of the mourning, led by the prophet Jeremiah, and involving professional singing men and women who composed and performed dirges in Josiah's honor. These lamentations became a customary practice in Israel, signifying the deep impact of Josiah's righteous reign and the irreparable loss his passing represented for the nation, with their existence documented in a collection of such elegies.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the solemn conclusion to the narrative of King Josiah's reign, immediately following the account of his death in battle at Megiddo against Pharaoh Necho of Egypt ([2 Chronicles 35:20-24](/2_chronicles/35-20 "2 Chronicles 35:20-24 - Josiah's Fatal Battle at Megiddo")). Josiah is depicted as Judah's last truly righteous king, whose extensive reforms and restoration of proper worship are detailed in [2 Chronicles 34](/2_chronicles/34 "2 Chronicles 34 - Josiah's Reforms and Covenant Renewal"). His death, despite his piety, is a shocking and tragic turning point, signaling the rapid decline of Judah towards exile, a trajectory that the Chronicler emphasizes as a consequence of the people's ultimate failure to uphold the covenant, even under a good king. The widespread and lasting lamentation described in this verse underscores the immense spiritual and political void left by his demise, setting the stage for the subsequent, less faithful reigns and the eventual Babylonian captivity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Josiah's reign (640-609 BC) occurred during a period of significant geopolitical upheaval. The Assyrian Empire, which had long dominated the region, was in decline, creating a power vacuum. Egypt, under Pharaoh Necho II, sought to assert its influence in the Levant, while the rising power of Babylon loomed to the east. Josiah's fatal encounter with Necho at Megiddo was an attempt to intercept the Egyptian army, likely to prevent them from aiding Assyria or consolidating power that would threaten Judah. The practice of composing and performing lamentations or dirges (Hebrew: *qinot*) for deceased kings and national figures was common in the ancient Near East, serving as public expressions of grief, tributes to the deceased, and often as a way to process national trauma. The involvement of professional "singing men and singing women" indicates a formalized, culturally embedded practice, and the mention of these lamentations becoming an "ordinance" speaks to their unusual and enduring significance in Israelite memory.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully conveys several key themes central to the book of Chronicles and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **profound national grief** and the devastating impact of losing a righteous leader. Josiah's death was not merely a personal tragedy but a collective catastrophe for Judah, signaling the end of an era of revival and the onset of judgment. Secondly, it underscores the **legacy of a righteous king**, demonstrating that a life devoted to God can leave an indelible mark, even if the immediate outcomes are not what one might expect. Josiah's reforms had brought about a temporary spiritual renewal, as seen in [2 Kings 23:25](/2_kings/23-25 "2 Kings 23:25 - No King Like Josiah"). Thirdly, the involvement of **prophetic acknowledgment** through Jeremiah lends immense spiritual weight to the event, confirming its theological significance. Jeremiah, who began his ministry during Josiah's reign ([Jeremiah 1:2](/jeremiah/1-2 "Jeremiah 1:2 - Jeremiah's Prophetic Call")), understood the impending doom for Judah, and Josiah's death was a clear sign of the nation's accelerating decline towards divine judgment, as hinted at in [2 Kings 23:26-27](/2_kings/23-26 "2 Kings 23:26-27 - God's Unwavering Judgment on Judah"). Finally, the passage illustrates the **cultural practice of lamentation** as a legitimate and important expression of faith and communal identity in the face of loss, a theme echoed throughout the Psalms and the prophetic books.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lamented (Hebrew, _sāp̄aḏ'_):** This verb signifies a deep, public expression of grief, often involving wailing, beating the breast, and ritualistic mourning. It is more than just sadness; it implies a profound, demonstrative sorrow, indicating the immense impact Josiah's death had on Jeremiah and the nation. The term is used in various contexts of mourning, emphasizing the intensity and public nature of the grief.
* **Lamentations (Hebrew, _qînôṯ'_):** This noun refers to dirges, elegies, or funeral songs. These were typically poetic compositions, often structured with a mournful rhythm, designed to express sorrow, praise the deceased, and reflect on the tragedy of loss. The mention of "the lamentations" (definite article) suggests a known collection or genre of such songs, possibly even a specific written work dedicated to Josiah, distinct from the canonical Book of Lamentations.
* **Ordinance (Hebrew, _ḥōq'_):** This word denotes a statute, decree, custom, or established practice. When applied to the lamentations for Josiah, it signifies that the practice of mourning him became a fixed and enduring custom in Israel. This elevates the mourning from a spontaneous outpouring of grief to a formalized, lasting memorial, underscoring the unparalleled reverence and sorrow associated with Josiah's passing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah:"** This clause highlights the personal and prophetic sorrow of Jeremiah, a significant figure whose ministry began during Josiah's reign. His lament adds immense weight to the national tragedy, indicating that even God's prophet recognized the profound loss and the impending doom that Josiah's death foreshadowed for Judah. It suggests a deep personal connection and shared vision between the prophet and the king.
* **"and all the singing men and the singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day,"** This part describes the widespread and professional nature of the mourning. "Singing men and singing women" were likely professional mourners or musicians skilled in composing and performing dirges. The phrase "to this day" (likely the Chronicler's own time, centuries later) emphasizes the enduring legacy of Josiah and the lasting impact of his death, suggesting that these lamentations were remembered and perhaps still performed or recited long after the event.
* **"and made them an ordinance in Israel:"** This signifies that the practice of lamenting Josiah became a formalized, customary tradition. It was not a fleeting moment of grief but an established ritual, a permanent fixture in the collective memory and perhaps the liturgical practices of Israel. This underscores the unparalleled esteem in which Josiah was held and the profound, irreparable nature of his loss for the nation.
* **"and, behold, they [are] written in the lamentations."** This final clause confirms the existence of a written record of these dirges. The use of the definite article "the lamentations" suggests a known collection or book, possibly a historical archive of such elegies. This not only validates the historical claim but also emphasizes the importance of preserving the memory of Josiah's life and death, ensuring his legacy endured through recorded history.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Pathos** is powerfully evoked, drawing the reader into the profound sorrow experienced by Jeremiah and the entire nation. The description of "all the singing men and singing women" engaging in lamentation creates a vivid image of widespread, communal grief, emphasizing the scale of the tragedy. The phrase "to this day" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Historical Marker**, underscoring the enduring impact and memory of Josiah's death, suggesting that the lamentations persisted for a significant period, perhaps even into the Chronicler's own time. The mention of the lamentations becoming an "**ordinance**" and being "**written in the lamentations**" serves as a form of **Verisimilitude** or **Historical Validation**, lending credibility to the account and emphasizing the importance of this event in Israelite collective memory and historical record-keeping. Finally, the entire verse functions as a poignant **Foreshadowing** of Judah's impending doom, as the loss of such a righteous king left the nation vulnerable to divine judgment and eventual exile.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The lament for Josiah, led by Jeremiah and formalized as an "ordinance," profoundly illustrates the biblical understanding of grief and the significance of godly leadership. Theologically, it reminds us that even righteous individuals and nations are not immune to tragedy and loss in a fallen world. Josiah's death, despite his faithfulness, served as a divine judgment upon the nation for its deeper, persistent idolatry, even as it was a personal tragedy. It highlights the importance of lament as a legitimate and necessary expression of faith, allowing individuals and communities to process sorrow, acknowledge loss, and bring their pain before God. The enduring nature of the lamentations also speaks to the lasting impact of a life lived in devotion to God, emphasizing that true legacy is often measured not just in immediate success but in the spiritual imprint left on a people.

* [Lamentations 1:1](/lamentations/1-1 "Lamentations 1:1 - Jerusalem's Desolation")
* [2 Samuel 1:17-27](/2_samuel/1-17 "2 Samuel 1:17-27 - David's Lament for Saul and Jonathan")
* [Psalm 78:67-72](/psalms/78-67 "Psalm 78:67-72 - God's Rejection of Ephraim and Choice of Judah and David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound and lasting lamentation for King Josiah offers a powerful lens through which to reflect on our own lives and communities. It compels us to consider the immense value of godly leadership, not just in political spheres but in families, churches, and workplaces. Josiah's life reminds us that a commitment to God's word and a courageous pursuit of righteousness can bring about significant, even if temporary, spiritual revival. His death, however, teaches us that even the most faithful among us are not exempt from suffering or loss, and that God's sovereign purposes often unfold in ways that defy our expectations. This passage also validates the importance of grief and lament in the Christian life. In a world marked by brokenness and loss, we are called not to deny our sorrow but to bring it before God, trusting in His presence even in our deepest pain. Finally, Josiah's enduring legacy, enshrined in song and memory, challenges us to live lives that leave a lasting spiritual impact, pointing others to the eternal truths of God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the national lament for Josiah inform our understanding of grief, both personal and communal, in a fallen world?**
* **What qualities of Josiah's leadership are most impactful, and how can we cultivate similar qualities in our own spheres of influence?**
* **In what ways do we, like ancient Israel, sometimes fail to fully embrace God's covenant, even when blessed with righteous leadership?**
* **How does the "ordinance" of lamenting Josiah encourage us to remember and honor those who have faithfully served God and left a spiritual legacy?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jeremiah lament for Josiah, and is this the same as the Book of Lamentations?**

Answer: Jeremiah's lament for Josiah (2 Chronicles 35:25) was a specific expression of personal and national grief over the death of a righteous king whom Jeremiah likely respected and collaborated with in his reforms. Jeremiah began his prophetic ministry during Josiah's reign ([Jeremiah 1:2](/jeremiah/1-2 "Jeremiah 1:2 - Jeremiah's Call")), and Josiah's death signaled a tragic turning point for Judah, leading to its rapid decline and eventual exile, a fate Jeremiah tirelessly warned against. While Jeremiah was indeed the author of the canonical Book of Lamentations, that book is a collection of dirges mourning the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Babylonians, not specifically Josiah's death. The "lamentations" mentioned in 2 Chronicles 35:25 refer to specific elegies composed for Josiah, which were evidently recorded and became a lasting memorial, distinct from the later, broader lament for Jerusalem's fall found in the biblical book of [Lamentations](/lamentations/1 "The Book of Lamentations").

**What does it mean that the lamentations became an "ordinance" and were "written"?**

Answer: The statement that the lamentations for Josiah "made them an ordinance in Israel" means that the practice of mourning Josiah through these specific dirges became an established and customary tradition or statute. It was not a fleeting expression of grief but a formalized, enduring memorial, perhaps even incorporated into national or religious observances for a significant period. This underscores the profound and lasting impact of Josiah's life and death on the collective memory and spiritual life of the nation. Furthermore, the phrase "they are written in the lamentations" indicates that these specific elegies for Josiah were recorded and preserved in a written collection of dirges. This suggests a significant historical and literary effort to document and perpetuate the memory of Josiah's unparalleled righteousness and the national sorrow surrounding his tragic demise, ensuring his legacy would not be forgotten.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound lamentation for King Josiah, a righteous but ultimately mortal king whose death plunged Judah into irreversible decline, points forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, whose reign and sacrifice bring eternal hope and an end to all lament. Josiah's reforms, though significant, were temporary, and his death, though tragic, could not prevent the judgment awaiting Judah. In contrast, Christ's perfect righteousness and His once-for-all sacrifice on the cross bring about an eternal and unshakeable kingdom ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")). While Josiah was lamented, Christ's death, though initially met with sorrow by His disciples, ultimately brought about the greatest triumph over sin and death ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose suffering, unlike Josiah's, was not a sign of national decline but the very means of salvation for all humanity ([Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - The Suffering Servant")). The enduring "ordinance" of lamenting Josiah foreshadows the ultimate, lasting comfort found in Christ, who promises to wipe away every tear from our eyes, and where death, sorrow, crying, and pain will be no more ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")). He is the King who lives forever, whose reign is eternal, and whose perfect leadership brings not temporary reprieve but everlasting peace and redemption ([Hebrews 7:23-25](/hebrews/7-23 "Hebrews 7:23-25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")).

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

Jeremiah 22:10

¶ Weep ye not for the dead, neither bemoan him: [but] weep sore for him that goeth away: for he shall return no more, nor see his native country.

Lamentations 4:20

The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.

Job 3:8

Let them curse it that curse the day, who are ready to raise up their mourning.

Matthew 9:23

And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,

Jeremiah 22:20

¶ Go up to Lebanon, and cry; and lift up thy voice in Bashan, and cry from the passages: for all thy lovers are destroyed.

Jeremiah 9:17

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Consider ye, and call for the mourning women, that they may come; and send for cunning [women], that they may come:

Jeremiah 9:21

For death is come up into our windows, [and] is entered into our palaces, to cut off the children from without, [and] the young men from the streets.