His servants carried him dead in a chariot from Megiddo, brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own tomb. The people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father’s place.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 30. Sepulchre. Chronicles 35. in the monument (or mausoleum) of his fathers. Such was the end of Josias: he fell gloriously in defence of his country, as he had spent his life in promoting religion. God therefore withdrew him from the sight of the miseries which were shortly to fall on his devoted people. Calmet. 22:20. Bible.—He was a prince of most excellent disposition, and receives the highest encomium, verse 25 and Sirach 49:1. Jeremias composed his funeral canticle, which was sung on his anniversary for many years. 2 Chronicles 35:24. The mourning for this pious king became proverbial, and resembled that which should be made for the Messias. Zechariah 12:11. The life and death of Josias prefigured those of Jesus Christ; who should be long expected as the restorer of the true religion, the teacher of a more excellent law, and the most innocent victim for the sins of the people. The glorious Phase under Josias, was but a faint representation of the eucharistic sacrifice. Calmet.