And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah, &c.— It was usual with the Jews to make lamentations, or mournful songs, upon the death of great men, princes, and heroes, who had distinguished themselves in arms, or by any civil arts had merited well of their country. From the expression, Behold they are written in the Lamentations, it may be inferred, that they had certain collections of this kind of composition. The author of the book of Samuel has preserved those which David made upon the death of Saul and Jonathan, of Abner and Absalom. But this mournful piece, which the disconsolate prophet made upon the immature death of Josiah, is nowhere extant; which is a loss the more to be deplored, because, in all probability, it was a master-piece in its kind, as there never was an author more deeply affected with his subject, or more capable of carrying it through all the tender sentiments of sorrow and compassion, than Jeremiah. See Calmet.
REFLECTIONS.—1st, The passover being among the most solemn ordinances that God had instituted, Josiah, having removed every known abomination, prepares to keep it with great devotion.
1. He set the priests in their courses, encouraged them to diligence and fidelity in their work; commanded the ark, which, during the repairs of the temple, had probably been removed, to be replaced; enjoined the Levites, who taught the people, to exercise with zeal their ministry, for the glory of God and the good of his Israel; and, in order thereto, he exhorts them to sanctify themselves, that they might be fitted for the work; and to prepare their brethren for the solemnity of the passover by their admonitions, instructions, and directions how to kill and order the lamb according to the law of Moses. Note; (1.) They who would prepare others for God's service, must first set the example of that holiness which they preach. (2.) Encouragement is very needful where ministers meet with so many difficulties.
2. The king and his princes, with the chief of the priests, liberally contributed on this occasion; the king giving 30,000 lambs for those poor families who came to keep the passover; and 3000 bullocks for sacrifices of peace-offerings, to feast upon during the seven days. The great officers of God's house also provided handsomely for their poorer brethren, that the feast might be kept with affluence and gladness. Note; (1.) They who are hearty in the service of men's souls grudge no expence. (2.) Though we must beware not to make men hypocrites for the sake of advantage, yet it becomes us to encourage those who are sincere. (3.) They who enjoy the largest revenues of the church, are especially called upon liberally to distribute them for the support of their poorer brethren.
3. The whole was conducted with great exactness and regularity. The priests and Levites discharged their office diligently, delivering out the paschal lambs to the several families, after sprinkling the blood on the altar. These were roasted whole, according to God's ordinance; and the peace-offerings, which belonged to the offerers, they boiled and divided among those to whom the king had given the oxen for sacrifice. And when they had served the people, the priests and Levites prepared the passover for themselves; some of their body being appointed for this service, while the rest were busied in their ministrations in the temple, or employed in praising God, or watching at the gates. Thus was this remarkable passover kept, like unto which there was none from the days of the judges; so exact was their observance, and so singular the liberality of the king and the priests. Note; (1.) Let not those who minister to others forget the great concern of their own souls. (2.) It is not the greatness of the gift, but the temper of the person who offers, that makes the service honourable and acceptable.
2nd, After all this, we might have expected to hear of the singular prosperity of Judah; but alas! in just displeasure for their hypocrisy and unprofitableness, God removes from them their good king, and with him dies all this appearance of godliness.
1. He imprudently went out to battle against Necho king of Egypt, who was on his march against the king of Assyria. Fain would he, by his ambassadors, have persuaded him to desist, assuring him that he meant nothing hostile against Judah; that the expedition he had undertaken was at God's command; and therefore, if he perversely opposed him, he would suffer for it. Josiah, however, believed him not, and, neglecting to inquire of God, resolved to oppose him. The battle was fought near Megiddo; and though the king of Judah, for greater safety, had disguised himself, the archers wounded him, and he quickly died in his chariot, Note; (1.) In an unjust cause we must not hope to prosper. (2.) When we have fair warning, our death lies at our own door. (3.) If we neglect to inquire of God, no wonder that we involve ourselves in mischief.
2. His death exceedingly afflicted the nation, and the people in mournful poems annually commemorated his unhappy fall. Though they had not heartily joined him in his fidelity when alive, they felt their loss of him when dead, and strove to honour his memory. Note; (1.) When our blessings are removed, we are then often led to lament, too late, our folly and sin in not improving them. (2.) God's prophets, who see the approaching evils, cannot but mourn for the poor sinners who provoke them.