Jeremiah wrote and sang some funeral songs for Josiah. And the men and women singers still sing those sad songs today. It became something the people of Israel always do—they sing a sad song for Josiah. Those songs are written in the book, Funeral Songs.
The king of Assyria {\cf2\super [118]} says, “I am very wise. By my own wisdom and power I have done many great things. I have defeated many nations. I have taken their wealth. And I have taken their people to be slaves. I am a very powerful man.
The Lord says:\par “Wise men must not brag\par about their wisdom.\par Strong men must not brag\par about their strength.\par Rich men must not brag\par about their money.\par
A fire started in the large branch\par and spread to destroy all of its\par vines and fruit.\par So there was no strong walking stick.\par There was no king’s scepter.’ {\cf2\super [137]} \par
“This is a sad song that people will sing for Egypt. The daughters (cities) in other nations will sing this sad song about Egypt. They will sing it as a sad song about Egypt and all its people.” The Lord my Master said those things!
“Now, Son of man, {\cf2\super [400]} tell the family of Israel about the temple. Then, when they learn about the plans for the temple, they will be ashamed of their sins.
\{And this message is against\} Hamath which borders Hadrach’s country. \{And this message is against\} Tyre and Sidon, even though those people have been so wise and skillful.
So, brothers and sisters, choose seven of your own men. They must be men that people say are good. They must be full of wisdom and full of the Spirit. {\cf2\super [109]} We will give them this work to do.
I must be sure that the poor people in Jerusalem get all this money that has been given for them. After I finish this work, then I will leave for Spain. While I am traveling to Spain, I will stop and visit you.
Why? Because the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. It is like the Scriptures {\cf2\super [21]} say, “He (God) catches the wise (smart) people when they use their sneaky ways.” {\cf2\super [22]}
He put his mark on us to show that we are his. And he put his Spirit {\cf2\super [5]} in our hearts to be a guarantee—\{a proof that he will give us what he promised\}.