דברי הימים ב, פרק ל״ה, פסוק כ״ד

The sudden fall of a leader can instantly turn the chaos of war into a period of deep national grief. Following a severe injury in battle, King Josiah's servants quickly evacuate him from the front lines and head toward Jerusalem in a desperate attempt to save his life. During this retreat, the king is transferred from his primary chariot to a secondary one. This switch aligns with standard royal practices, as a king traditionally travels to war with two chariots: a main vehicle used for directing the battle and a backup reserved for emergencies [רש״י]. In this critical moment, his servants move him to the second chariot because it provides a faster and more comfortable ride, making it far more suitable for a wounded man [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Despite their efforts, Josiah passes away upon reaching Jerusalem and is buried there. The intense national mourning that follows highlights his profound impact. The widespread grief proves that he was not merely a capable and righteous ruler, but a leader deeply cherished and respected by his people [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This sorrow does not fade as a passing historical event. The prophet Jeremiah composes a lament for the fallen king, which is quickly adopted and sung by all the nation's male and female singers. This specific expression of grief is preserved for future generations within the Book of Lamentations, recognized by the phrase, "How the gold has become dim." To this day, Israel continues to chant this elegy alongside the other laments that mourn the destruction of the Temple [מלבי״ם].