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
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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.