Definition: Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah; They shall not lament for him, [saying], Ah my brother! or, Ah sister! they shall not lament for him, [saying], Ah lord! or, Ah his glory!

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 22:18. It’s a really powerful and somewhat unsettling passage about the future of King Josiah. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse says that God will not allow the people of Judah to mourn or lament for King Josiah after his death. He’s essentially saying, “Don’t grieve, don’t mourn. Don’t feel bad about him.” Let's unpack it further: “Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah…” : This tells us who is speaking – God himself. He’s offering a specific message to someone who was previously in charge of Judah. “…They shall not lament for him, [saying], Ah my brother! or, Ah sister! they shall not lament for him, [saying], Ah lord! or, Ah his glory!” : This is the heavy part. It uses figurative language to express this point: “Ah my brother!” - This suggests that Josiah was a good king, perhaps a just one. “Ah sister!” – This implies that Josiah might have made mistakes or been flawed in his judgment. “Ah lord!” – This is a very serious declaration of God’s power and control. It's saying that God is not allowing any sorrow to come about for him. “Ah his glory!” - This is the most striking part. It means Josiah’s reign was divinely blessed, and his glory (his good deeds, his leadership) was secure. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse has been interpreted in several ways throughout history. Some believe it signifies that God will ultimately replace Josiah with a new king who will be more righteous. Others suggest it’s about the inevitable consequence of Josiah's actions – his rebellion against God, which ultimately leads to his downfall and the destruction of Judah. Important Note: This is a complex passage filled with symbolism. It’s important to remember that it's written in a very specific historical context and draws on Old Testament imagery and themes. --- Resources for Further Exploration: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2022%2C18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2022%2C18) The Bible Project: [https://thebibletproject.com/jeremiah-22-18/](https://thebibletproject.com/jeremiah-22-18/) Do you want me to delve into any particular aspect of this verse further, like its historical context or possible interpretations?