Every family apart] indicating the deep personal significance of the mourning. Such had doubtless been the mourning for Josiah, whose death was one of the greatest calamities that could have befallen the Jewish nation. The depth and reality of the mourning is shown by the singling out of certain leading families. Nathan] a son of David and Bathsheba. Levi] a son of Jacob, and progenitor of the priestly tribe which bears his name.

Shimei] son of Gershon (Exodus 6:17; Numbers 3:11). LXX reads, 'the family of Simeon.'

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