זכריה, פרק י״ב, פסוק י״ג

The profound mourning enveloping Jerusalem touches every level of society, reaching the highest ranks of national leadership. As the people gather to grieve, they do so with a sense of deep personal reflection, keeping families separated during the eulogy.

The leadership of the Temple, embodied by the lineage of Levi, includes both the priests and the Levites [רש״י]. Alongside these religious leaders, the royal bloodline is distinctly noted. The lineage of the Shimeites refers specifically to the descendants of Shammua, a son of David [רש״י]. The focus on this specific branch follows a broader stylistic pattern, first addressing the royal house of David in a general sense before detailing its various branches one by one [רש״י].

Together, these groups represent the elite nobility of Jerusalem, encompassing both the crown and the priesthood. Yet, this intense period of grief is not limited to the upper classes or the national leaders. The sorrow extends throughout the entire society, as all the remaining families of the nation will ultimately take part in the mourning [ביאור שטיינזלץ].