His servants therefore took him out of that chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he had; and they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died, and was buried in one of the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.

2 CHRONICLES 35:24KJV
Know the Bible

2 Chronicles 35:24 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 35:24 mean?

2 Chronicles 35:24 describes how Josiah’s servants removed him from his chariot after he was wounded, placed him in a second chariot, and brought him back to Jerusalem, where he died and was buried with his ancestors. The verse also notes that all of Judah and Jerusalem mourned deeply for King Josiah.

This verse is part of the account of King Josiah’s final moments after being fatally wounded in battle. The narrative focuses on the care his servants showed by moving him to a different chariot, likely for comfort or speed, and ensuring he was brought home to die and be buried with honor. The widespread mourning shows how much Josiah was loved and respected by his people.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 35:24

  • "Servants" (עֶבֶד, ʿeved, H5650) refers to Josiah’s attendants or officials, highlighting their loyalty and personal care for the king in his final moments.
  • "Chariot" (מֶרְכָּבָה, merkavah, H4818) and "second chariot" (שֵׁנִי, sheni, H4932 + רֶכֶב, rekhev, H7393) show that Josiah had more than one vehicle, possibly indicating a special or faster chariot was used to bring him home quickly.
  • "Mourned" (סָפַד, safad, H56) means to lament or grieve deeply, emphasizing the genuine sorrow felt by the entire community over Josiah’s death.

Why 2 Chronicles 35:24 matters

  • This verse clarifies the respect and affection Josiah’s people had for him, shown by the collective mourning of both Judah and Jerusalem.
  • The detail about moving Josiah to a second chariot suggests urgency and care, showing the seriousness of his wounds and the efforts to save or honor him.
  • By mentioning Josiah’s burial with his ancestors, the verse connects his death to the tradition of honoring kings, reinforcing his place in the line of Judah’s rulers.

Where else these words appear

“second” Hebrew H4932 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 41:43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.
  • 1 Samuel 23:17 And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.
  • Ezra 1:10 Thirty basons of gold, silver basons of a second sort four hundred and ten, and other vessels a thousand.

“mourned” Hebrew H56 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 37:34 And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.
  • Nehemiah 8:9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.
  • Jeremiah 23:10 For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right.

“chariot” Hebrew H4818 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 41:43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.
  • 1 Kings 20:33 Now the men did diligently observe whether any thing would come from him, and did hastily catch it: and they said, Thy brother Benhadad. Then he said, Go ye, bring him. Then Benhadad came forth to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot.
  • Song of Solomon 6:12 Or ever I was aware, my soul made me like the chariots of Amminadib.

“Josiah” Hebrew H2977 · used in 48 verses

  • 1 Kings 13:2 And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:25 But the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his stead.
  • Jeremiah 3:6 The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.