Definition: He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 22:19. It's a really striking and somewhat unsettling passage. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it describes the death of King Josiah. Here’s a more detailed explanation: “He shall be buried with the burial of an ass…” – This is the key part. It’s referring to Josiah's final burial. The biblical tradition held that kings were buried alongside their favorite animals, especially asses (which were large and strong). “…drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem.” – This is where it gets really significant. Jeremiah prophesied that Josiah would be removed from the kingdom of Judah and banished to a remote location, far beyond the walls of Jerusalem. He was going to be "cast forth" – meaning he would be exiled. The word “drawn” suggests a forceful removal. So, what does this mean in terms of the story? This verse is a powerful message about divine judgment and consequence. It’s a prediction of Josiah’s downfall and a warning against idolatry (worshiping false gods). Josiah was a flawed king: Jeremiah prophesied that Josiah would become corrupted, unjust, and ultimately lead the people astray. The punishment is severe: The verse establishes a very harsh consequence for Josiah's actions – being buried alongside an ass in a remote location beyond Jerusalem’s walls. This symbolizes his removal from power and the destruction of his kingdom. Important Note: It's crucial to understand this verse within its historical context. Jeremiah was writing during a time of great political upheaval and religious turmoil. This prophecy was meant to warn against Josiah's actions and encourage repentance. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or perhaps explore the meaning within the broader context of the Old Testament? For example, we could talk about: The symbolism of the ass burial The significance of Josiah’s reign What this verse suggests about God's judgment and accountability