Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 34 - Verse 5

Jeremiah 34:5 speaks about the prophecy given to King Zedekiah of Judah regarding his death. The passage foretells that although Zedekiah will die in peace and honor, he will still receive the traditional burial rites and honors accorded to former kings, including the burning of fragrant incense. This practice was a way to pay respect and homage to the deceased, showing that despite his mistakes and failings, he would still be honored in death. The verse emphasizes the importance of honoring the dead and acknowledging their place in history, even if their reign was not without its flaws. The mentioning of the Lord's role in pronouncing this fate serves as a reminder of the divine authority and control over the lives and destinies of individuals, including kings and rulers. It shows that even in death, the kings are subject to the will and judgment of the Lord.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is delivering a message from the Lord to King Josiah, foretelling his death. The phrase "die in peace" might seem contradictory since death is often associated with turmoil and sadness, but in this context, it is a way of saying that Josiah will not die in battle or face a violent death. The reference to "the burnings of thy fathers" alludes to the traditional funeral rituals practiced by Josiah's predecessors, showing that he will be honored and mourned in a similar way. The use of incense or "burning odours" was a common practice in ancient times to honor and pay respects to the deceased. The people will lament Josiah's passing, acknowledging his role as a righteous leader. This verse demonstrates the divine authority of the Lord's message and foreshadows the respect and mourning that will follow Josiah's death.