2 Chronicles 35:16-27

a Fatal Conflict

2 Chronicles 35:16

The huge masses of people were admitted according to their families into the sacred courts, and the gates were closed as soon as these were filled. Thus all the fathers' houses came, one after another, in solemn procession to the altar, offering such part of the sacred victims as was required and receiving part for their own use. While this was in progress the Levite choir chanted Psalms 113:1; Psalms 114:1; Psalms 115:1; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 117:1; Psalms 118:1.

What a misfortune that so auspicious a reign should end so disastrously! Josiah opposed Pharaoh, because Palestine was under the tutelage of Babylon, and had become the cockpit of the two warring nations, which were then contending for the mastery of the world. It would seem from 2 Chronicles 35:21, as if the Egyptian kings acknowledged the supremacy of one over-ruling Deity and considered that they were inspired by him. Blame appears to be attached to Josiah for not recognizing the voice of God. The lamentation over his death became proverbial for its excessive grief, Zechariah 12:11. Josiah's reign was the last gleam of light in his doomed country, but it was good for him to be removed before the storm burst.