Josiah Dies in Battle

II Chronicles 35:1–27
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Josiah commanded that the Passover be celebrated in Jerusalem (v. 1). He made sure the priests knew what their duties were in the temple (v. 2). He called the Levites together and instructed them as too their Passover duties (vv. 3-6). Josiah donated the sheep and goats from his flock for the sacrifices and gave them to the people in charge (vv. 7-8). When everything was ready the priests and Levites stood where Josiah had told them (vv. 9-10). Then the Levites killed the lambs and the bulls and handed some of the blood to the priests who splattered it on the altar (vv. 11-12). They boiled the meat for other offerings and for the people to eat (v. 13). The priests and Levites were busy all day and when finished prepared Passover for themselves and the musicians and guards (vv. 14-15). The Passover was celebrated to honor the Lord just as Josiah had commanded (v. 16). The Festival of Thin Bread was celebrated for seven days and people from all over Judah came which was the greatest Passover celebration in Israel’s history (vv. 17-19). 

King Neco led his Army from Egypt to Carchemish on the Euphrates River, and Josiah met his troops there (v. 20). Neco sent a message to Josiah that he was not attacking him, but that God had told him to quickly attack his enemy (v. 21). He said that God is on his side, so if Josiah tried to stop him, He would punish him. But Josiah ignored Neco’s warning, disguised himself, and marched into battle against Neco in the valley of Megiddo (v. 22). During the battle Josiah was shot with an arrow (v. 23). His servants carried him out of his chariot and transported him quickly back to Jerusalem where he died (v. 24). H was buried beside his ancestors, and everyone mourned his death. The prophet Jeremiah wrote a funeral song in honor of Josiah, and since then anyone who mourns his death sings that song (v. 25). 

Application

Everyone is going to die physically unless the rapture of the Church comes first. “And as it is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgment (Heb. 9:27). However, everyone who repents of their sin (Lk. 13:3) and believeth in Jesus Christ payment for sin shall have everlasting life (Jn. 3:16).