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 lamented over Josiah
Jeremiah, a major prophet in the Old Testament, is known for his deep emotional expressions and lamentations. His lament over Josiah signifies the profound impact Josiah's death had on the nation. Josiah was a reformer king who sought to bring Judah back to the worship of Yahweh, and his death marked the end of a period of religious revival. Jeremiah's lamentation reflects the sorrow and loss felt by the people, as Josiah's death was seen as a turning point leading to the eventual downfall of Judah. This lamentation is consistent with Jeremiah's role as a prophet who often mourned the spiritual state of his people.

and to this day all the male and female singers recite laments over Josiah
The tradition of lamentation was a significant cultural practice in ancient Israel. Male and female singers, often professional mourners, would perform these laments as a way to express collective grief. This practice highlights the communal aspect of mourning and the importance of Josiah's legacy. The phrase "to this day" suggests that this tradition continued for a significant period, indicating the lasting impact of Josiah's reign and the deep sense of loss felt by the community.

They established them as a statute for Israel
The establishment of these laments as a statute implies that they became an official part of Israel's cultural and religious practices. This formalization underscores the importance of remembering Josiah's contributions and the lessons from his reign. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of memorializing significant events and figures to instruct future generations, similar to the Passover or the Feast of Tabernacles.

and indeed they are written in the Book of Laments
The "Book of Laments" is likely a collection of dirges and lamentations, possibly similar to the Book of Lamentations attributed to Jeremiah. This reference indicates that there was a written record of these laments, preserving them for posterity. The existence of such a book suggests the importance of written tradition in maintaining the cultural and religious heritage of Israel. It also points to the broader biblical theme of recording God's dealings with His people, as seen in other historical and prophetic books of the Bible.

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.