What Is the Mourning of Hadadrimmon?

The Question:

In Zechariah 12:11, we read:

“In that day there shall be a great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning at Hadadrimmon in the plain of Megiddo.”

What is this mourning about, and why is it compared to Hadadrimmon?

The Historical Context of Hadadrimmon

Hadadrimmon was a place located in the valley of Megiddo in Israel—a site historically known for major battles. It is most famously associated with the death of King Josiah, one of Judah’s most righteous and reformative kings. Josiah’s reign was marked by religious revival and the eradication of idolatry (2 Kings 23:1–25). He is celebrated for restoring the covenant with God and leading the nation back to true worship.

Josiah’s death came unexpectedly in battle against Pharaoh Neco of Egypt, even though God had not sent him into that conflict. The Bible says:

“In his days Pharaoh Necho king of Egypt went to the aid of the king of Assyria, to the River Euphrates; and King Josiah went against him. And Pharaoh Necho killed him at Megiddo when he confronted him.”
—2 Kings 23:29 

The nation was devastated. The prophet Jeremiah and the people of Judah lamented Josiah’s death deeply. His mourning became a national memory.

“Jeremiah also lamented for Josiah. And to this day all the singing men and the singing women speak of Josiah in their lamentations. They made it a custom in Israel; and indeed, they are written in the Laments.”
—2 Chronicles 35:25 

Thus, Hadadrimmon became symbolic of a moment of great national grief—the loss of a righteous king and a fading hope for the nation.

The Prophetic Meaning in Zechariah 12

Zechariah 12 is a prophecy pointing to a future national mourning in Israel, far greater than that of Josiah. This time, the grief will be spiritual and redemptive. God declares that He will pour out:

“…the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son…”
—Zechariah 12:10 

This refers to Jesus Christ, the Messiah, whom the nation of Israel rejected and crucified (John 19:37). On this future day, the veil will be lifted from their eyes (2 Corinthians 3:14–16), and they will recognize Christ for who He is: their Messiah, the Son of God.

Their mourning will not just be for a fallen king like Josiah—but for the Messiah they pierced. This mourning will be personal, deep, and family by family:

“The land shall mourn, every family by itself: the family of the house of David by itself, and their wives by themselves…”
—Zechariah 12:12 

This is not simply regret—it is repentance (Hebrew: teshuvah), a turning back to God through the convicting work of the Holy Spirit.

What Does This Mean for Us Today?

Right now, we are living in the time of grace—a season when salvation through Jesus is available to all (Titus 2:11). But this age will not last forever. Jesus warned:

“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.”
—Matthew 24:32

The fig tree represents Israel (Jeremiah 24). The rebirth of the nation in 1948 and the return of Jews to their land are signs that the end-time clock is ticking. God is preparing to fulfill His promises to His people.

Are You Ready?

The Gospel has now reached the ends of the earth. The next great prophetic event is the rapture (1 Corinthians 15:51–52). If you’re waiting for another sign or emotional push, understand this: the opportunity is now. The window is narrowing.

“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”
—Luke 13:24 

If you’re saved, now is the time to live in holiness and readiness. If you’re not, don’t wait another day. God’s grace is available now—but one day, like in the days of Josiah, the nation and the world will mourn deeply. Don’t be among those who regret. Be among those who rejoice.

May the Lord open our eyes, soften our hearts, and help us recognize the times we are living in.

Print this post