2 Chronicles 35:24

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.

Study Bible

So his servants took him out of his chariot
This phrase describes the immediate actions taken by King Josiah's attendants after he was wounded in battle. The chariot was a common mode of transportation for kings and military leaders in ancient times, symbolizing both status and mobility. The urgency of removing Josiah from the battlefield highlights the severity of his injuries and the loyalty of his servants. This moment reflects the chaos and desperation of the battlefield, as well as the devotion of Josiah's followers.

put him in his second chariot
The mention of a "second chariot" indicates a prepared contingency for emergencies, a common practice for kings to ensure their safety. This secondary chariot would have been less ornate and more functional, designed for speed and efficiency in transporting the wounded king away from danger. It underscores the foresight and preparedness of Josiah's administration.

and brought him to Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the capital city and spiritual center of Judah, was the logical destination for the wounded king. It was not only the seat of political power but also the location of the Temple, the heart of Jewish worship. Bringing Josiah to Jerusalem signifies the attempt to provide him with the best possible care and to ensure that he was surrounded by his people and the religious community in his final moments.

where he died
Josiah's death marks the end of a significant era in Judah's history. He was known for his religious reforms and efforts to return Judah to the worship of Yahweh, as detailed earlier in 2 Chronicles. His death in Jerusalem, the city he sought to purify and restore, is poignant. It also fulfills the prophecy given by Huldah the prophetess in 2 Kings 22:20, where she foretold that Josiah would die in peace, not witnessing the disaster that would come upon Judah.

And Josiah was buried in the tomb of his fathers
This burial phrase indicates that Josiah was laid to rest with honor among the previous kings of Judah. The "tomb of his fathers" suggests a royal burial site, likely in the City of David, where other kings were interred. This burial honors his legacy and connects him to the Davidic line, emphasizing his rightful place in the history of Judah's monarchy.

and all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him
The mourning of "all Judah and Jerusalem" reflects the deep impact of Josiah's death on the nation. His reforms and leadership had endeared him to the people, and his loss was felt profoundly across the kingdom. This collective mourning is reminiscent of the national grief for other significant leaders in Israel's history, such as Samuel (1 Samuel 25:1) and Moses (Deuteronomy 34:8). It underscores the unity and shared sorrow of the people, as well as the end of a period of religious revival and reform.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Josiah
The King of Judah, known for his religious reforms and dedication to God. His death marks a significant moment in Judah's history.

2. Servants
The individuals who attended to King Josiah, demonstrating loyalty and care in his final moments.

3. Chariot
The vehicle used in battle, symbolizing the king's role as a leader and warrior.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, a central place of worship and governance, where Josiah was brought after his injury.

5. Tombs of his fathers
The burial place for the kings of Judah, signifying honor and continuity with his ancestors.

Teaching Points

The Legacy of Leadership
Josiah's life and reforms left a lasting impact on Judah. Reflect on the importance of godly leadership and the legacy we leave behind.

The Reality of Mortality
Despite Josiah's righteousness, he faced death. This reminds us of the inevitability of mortality and the need to live with an eternal perspective.

Communal Grief and Mourning
The mourning of Judah and Jerusalem highlights the importance of communal support in times of loss. Consider how we can support others in their grief.

The Role of Servants
The actions of Josiah's servants demonstrate loyalty and service. Reflect on how we can serve others faithfully, even in difficult circumstances.

The Significance of Burial
Being buried in the tombs of his fathers signifies honor and respect. Consider how we honor those who have gone before us in our traditions and actions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Josiah's leadership and reforms influence your understanding of godly leadership today?

2. In what ways can we prepare for the reality of mortality while maintaining a focus on eternal values?

3. How can we, as a community, better support those who are grieving the loss of a loved one?

4. What lessons can we learn from the loyalty and service of Josiah's servants in our own roles and responsibilities?

5. How do our cultural practices around death and burial reflect our values and beliefs, and how can they be aligned with biblical principles?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 23:29-30
Provides a parallel account of Josiah's death, offering additional context and details about the events leading to his demise.

Lamentations 4:20
Reflects on the loss of a king and the impact on the nation, echoing the mourning for Josiah.

Deuteronomy 34:5-8
Describes the death of Moses and the mourning period, drawing a parallel to the communal grief experienced at Josiah's passing.