2 Chronicles 35:25

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

This verse concludes the narrative of King Josiah's tragic death. Josiah was one of Judah's most righteous kings, known for his sweeping religious reforms and restoration of true worship, as detailed in 2 Chronicles 34. Despite his piety, he met an untimely end in battle against Pharaoh Necho of Egypt at Megiddo (2 Chronicles 35:22-24). His death was a profound blow to the nation, marking the beginning of Judah's rapid decline towards exile. The immediate and widespread lamentation described here underscores the deep respect and love the people, including the prophet Jeremiah, had for him.

Key Themes

  • Profound National Grief: The verse highlights the immense sorrow felt throughout Judah at the loss of their beloved king. It wasn't just personal mourning but a communal, national expression of grief.
  • Legacy of a Righteous King: Josiah's death prompted an unprecedented and lasting form of lamentation, signifying the deep impact of his righteous reign and devotion to God. His reforms had brought a period of spiritual revival to the land.
  • Prophetic Acknowledgment: The involvement of the prophet Jeremiah in leading the lamentation lends significant weight and solemnity to the event, confirming the spiritual magnitude of Josiah's passing. Jeremiah, who began his prophetic ministry during Josiah's reign, understood the catastrophic implications of losing such a leader.
  • Cultural Practice of Lamentation: This passage illustrates the ancient Israelite practice of composing and performing dirges or funeral songs to honor the deceased, especially prominent figures. It became an "ordinance," meaning a customary and enduring practice, underscoring the enduring memory of Josiah.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "lamentations" used here is qinot (קִינוֹת), which refers to dirges or elegies—poetic expressions of grief. While the prophet Jeremiah famously authored the canonical Book of Lamentations, which mourns the destruction of Jerusalem, the "lamentations" mentioned in 2 Chronicles 35:25 likely refer to a collection of specific mourning songs composed for Josiah. These were likely preserved in a historical record, indicating their significance and permanence, as noted by the phrase "they are written in the lamentations."

Significance and Application

This verse teaches us several important lessons:

  • The Value of Godly Leadership: Josiah's life and death serve as a powerful reminder of the profound impact a righteous leader can have on a nation. His efforts to turn the people back to God were so significant that his loss was considered an irreparable tragedy.
  • The Reality of Loss, Even for the Righteous: Even faithful servants of God are not immune to hardship or death. Josiah, despite his piety, faced a tragic end, reminding us of the complexities of God's providence and the fallen nature of the world.
  • The Importance of Grieving: The extensive and formalized mourning for Josiah highlights the biblical allowance and even necessity for expressing grief. It was a communal act that acknowledged the loss and honored the departed.
  • Enduring Legacy: The fact that these lamentations became an "ordinance" and were recorded speaks to the enduring nature of Josiah's legacy. It encourages us to live lives that leave a lasting positive impact, particularly in our spiritual walk and service to God.

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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 22:10 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Matthew 9:23 (3 votes)

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

  • Jeremiah 22:20 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.