26. Wallow thyself. An expression of extreme grief. To sprinkle the person, especially the head, with ashes was a token of grief, humiliation, or penitence (see 2 Sam. 13:19; Neh. 9:1). At times the afflicted or penitent one sat in ashes (see Job 2:8; 42:6; Jonah 3:5, 6). Utter wretchedness or prostration might be expressed by wallowing in ashes.
An only son. The cutting off of one’s posterity among a people who placed extreme emphasis upon the possession of children would result in extreme grief.