2 Chronicles — Chapter 35

PONITE ARCAM IN SANCTUARIO TEMPLI — Lapide follows the Hebrew tradition that the Ark had been removed from the Holy of Holies in the time of Manasses or Amon (lest it stand among idols), hidden in the house of Sellum (avuncle of Jeremias and husband of Holda the prophetess), and now restored to its place by Josias after the idols were destroyed.

ASPERSERUNTQUE SACERDOTES MANU SUA SANGUINEM ET LEVITAE DETRAXERUNT PELLES HOLOCAUSTORUM — the priests sprinkled the blood upon the altar, the Levites flayed the burnt offerings, and the priests cut the flesh into pieces and arranged and burned them. In necessity the Levites assisted the priests who were too few for the great multitude of sacrifices.

NON FUIT PHASE SIMILE HUIC IN ISRAEL A DIEBUS SAMUELIS PROPHETAE — no Passover like this had been celebrated since the days of Samuel; none of all the kings of Israel had kept a Passover like that of Josias with all the priests and Levites and all Judah and Israel. The greatest liturgical celebration between Solomon and the Exile.

QUASI LEX OBTINUIT IN ISRAEL — the lament of Jeremias over Josias became so fixed a custom among the Israelites that it was like a law; singers and singers used it for any great funeral. Lapide notes the lament of Jeremias for Josias is likely hidden within the Lamentations (Threni), as ancient tradition holds.