2 Chronicles 35:25

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.

Study Bible

Then Jeremiah
The mention of Jeremiah here is significant, as he is one of the major prophets in the Old Testament. His role as a prophet was to call the people of Judah back to faithfulness to God. The Hebrew name "Yirmeyahu" means "Yahweh will exalt" or "Yahweh throws," indicating his divine mission. Jeremiah's involvement in lamenting Josiah underscores the deep spiritual and national impact of Josiah's death. Historically, Jeremiah's ministry was marked by sorrow over the spiritual decline of Judah, and his lament for Josiah reflects his grief over the loss of a godly leader.

chanted a lament
The Hebrew word for "lament" is "qinah," which refers to a dirge or a song of mourning. Lamentations were a common cultural practice in ancient Israel, used to express profound grief and sorrow. Jeremiah's lamentation for Josiah would have been a formal and public expression of mourning, highlighting the king's significance and the tragedy of his untimely death. This practice of lamentation is deeply rooted in the Jewish tradition, serving as a means to process communal grief and loss.

for Josiah
Josiah was one of the most righteous kings of Judah, known for his reforms and efforts to restore true worship of Yahweh. His death in battle at Megiddo was a significant blow to the nation, as he was seen as a beacon of hope for spiritual renewal. The lament for Josiah reflects the collective sorrow of the people who had lost a leader committed to God's covenant. Historically, Josiah's reign marked a brief period of religious revival, and his death signaled the beginning of the end for the kingdom of Judah.

and to this day
This phrase indicates the lasting impact of Josiah's death and the lamentation composed by Jeremiah. It suggests that the memory of Josiah and the sorrow over his passing continued to resonate with the people of Israel long after the event. The enduring nature of this lamentation highlights the importance of remembering and honoring those who have faithfully served God and the community.

all the male and female singers
The inclusion of both male and female singers in the commemoration of Josiah's death points to the communal nature of mourning in ancient Israel. Singing was an integral part of worship and public expression, and the participation of both genders underscores the widespread grief felt throughout the nation. This practice of communal lamentation would have served to unite the people in their shared loss and reinforce their cultural and religious identity.

commemorate Josiah in the laments
The act of commemoration through laments indicates a formalized tradition of remembering Josiah's legacy. The Hebrew word "zakar" means to remember or to recall, emphasizing the importance of keeping Josiah's memory alive. This tradition of lamentation would have served as a reminder of the values and reforms Josiah championed, encouraging future generations to uphold his commitment to God.

These became a tradition in Israel
The establishment of lamentations as a tradition signifies the deep impact of Josiah's life and death on the nation. Traditions in ancient Israel were often rooted in significant historical events and served to preserve the collective memory and identity of the people. This tradition of lamentation would have been a way to honor Josiah's legacy and ensure that his contributions to the spiritual life of Israel were not forgotten.

and are written in the Laments
The reference to "the Laments" suggests a collection of written works dedicated to mourning and remembrance. This could refer to a specific book or collection of lamentations that were preserved as part of Israel's sacred literature. The act of writing these laments down indicates the importance of documenting and preserving the expressions of grief and the memory of significant figures like Josiah. This written record would have served as a lasting testament to the impact of Josiah's life and the sorrow of his passing.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies and lamentations. He mourned the death of King Josiah, highlighting the king's significance and the impact of his death on the nation.

2. Josiah
The King of Judah who was known for his reforms and dedication to God. His death was a significant event for the nation, leading to national mourning.

3. Laments
A form of mourning or expression of grief, often in poetic form. The lament for Josiah became a tradition in Israel, signifying the deep sorrow felt by the people.

4. Male and Female Singers
These individuals played a role in commemorating Josiah through song, indicating the cultural practice of using music and poetry to express collective grief.

5. Israel
The nation that mourned Josiah's death, reflecting the communal aspect of grief and the importance of Josiah's leadership.

Teaching Points

The Power of Lament
Lament is a biblical way to express grief and sorrow. It allows individuals and communities to process loss and seek comfort in God.

The Legacy of Godly Leadership
Josiah's life and reforms left a lasting impact on Israel. Godly leadership can inspire and guide a nation, leaving a legacy that endures beyond one's lifetime.

The Role of Community in Mourning
The communal aspect of mourning Josiah's death highlights the importance of supporting one another in times of grief. The community's shared sorrow can bring healing and unity.

Tradition and Memory
The tradition of lamenting Josiah serves as a reminder of the past and the lessons learned from it. Traditions can help preserve important memories and values for future generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the practice of lament in 2 Chronicles 35:25 compare to other instances of lament in the Bible, such as in the book of Lamentations?

2. What can we learn from Josiah's leadership and reforms that can be applied to our own lives and communities today?

3. In what ways can we, as a community, support each other in times of grief and loss, following the example of the Israelites mourning Josiah?

4. How do traditions and communal practices help us remember and honor the past, and how can they be used to strengthen our faith?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced loss. How did your faith and community support you during that time, and what role did lament play in your healing process?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Lamentations
The book traditionally attributed to Jeremiah, which contains poetic laments over the destruction of Jerusalem, showing a thematic connection to the lament for Josiah.

2 Kings 23:29-30
Provides additional context on Josiah's death and the national mourning that followed, emphasizing the impact of his loss on the people of Judah.

Jeremiah 22:10-11
Offers insight into the mourning for Josiah, as Jeremiah advises the people to weep for the king who is gone, underscoring the depth of their loss.