2 Chronicles 35:20

After all this, when Josiah had set the temple in order, Neco king of Egypt marched up to fight at Carchemish by the Euphrates, and Josiah went out to confront him.

Study Bible

After all this
This phrase indicates a transition from the preceding events, specifically the religious reforms and the Passover celebration led by King Josiah. It suggests a period of spiritual renewal and national restoration. The Hebrew root here implies a sequence of events, emphasizing that Josiah's actions were part of a divine plan. Historically, this marks a shift from internal religious focus to external political and military concerns.

when Josiah had prepared the temple
Josiah's preparation of the temple signifies his dedication to restoring proper worship in Judah. The Hebrew word for "prepared" conveys a sense of establishing or making ready, highlighting Josiah's commitment to ensuring that the temple was a place of holiness and order. This preparation was not merely physical but also spiritual, aligning the nation with God's covenant.

Necho king of Egypt
Necho II was a significant historical figure, ruling Egypt during a time of geopolitical tension. His mention here introduces a foreign element into the narrative, representing the broader international conflicts of the era. Necho's campaign was part of Egypt's efforts to assert dominance in the region, particularly against the rising power of Babylon.

went up to fight at Carchemish on the Euphrates
Carchemish was a strategic city located on the Euphrates River, serving as a critical military and trade hub. The phrase "went up to fight" indicates a deliberate military campaign, reflecting the historical reality of shifting alliances and power struggles in the ancient Near East. This battle was pivotal, as it involved major powers of the time, including Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon.

and Josiah marched out to confront him
Josiah's decision to confront Necho is significant, reflecting his boldness and perhaps a sense of divine mission. The Hebrew term for "marched out" suggests a proactive and courageous action, though it ultimately led to Josiah's downfall. This confrontation can be seen as a tragic turning point, where Josiah's zeal for God and his nation led him into a conflict with far-reaching consequences.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Josiah
The King of Judah known for his religious reforms and dedication to restoring the worship of Yahweh. He is noted for his efforts to purify the temple and reinstate the Passover.

2. Necho
The Pharaoh of Egypt during this period, who was on a military campaign to assist the Assyrians against the Babylonians at Carchemish.

3. Carchemish
A significant city located on the Euphrates River, known for its strategic importance in ancient military campaigns.

4. Euphrates
A major river in the Near East, often associated with significant historical and biblical events.

5. Temple
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which Josiah had restored and set in order as part of his religious reforms.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Discernment
Josiah's decision to confront Necho, despite warnings, highlights the need for discernment and seeking God's guidance in our decisions.

Understanding God's Sovereignty
The events remind us of God's overarching plan and sovereignty over nations and leaders, even when His purposes are not immediately clear to us.

The Consequences of Actions
Josiah's actions, though well-intentioned, led to his untimely death, illustrating that even righteous intentions must align with God's will.

The Role of Prophecy and Warning
The account encourages us to heed prophetic warnings and seek God's counsel, recognizing that His ways are higher than ours.

Legacy and Leadership
Josiah's life and reforms left a lasting impact, teaching us about the importance of godly leadership and the legacy we leave behind.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Josiah's decision to confront Necho, and how can we apply this to our decision-making processes today?

2. How does the account of Josiah's confrontation with Necho illustrate the importance of seeking God's guidance in our lives?

3. In what ways does the account of Josiah and Necho challenge us to consider the consequences of our actions, even when our intentions are good?

4. How can we apply the lessons from Josiah's life and leadership to our roles and responsibilities in our communities and churches?

5. What other biblical examples can you think of where leaders faced consequences for not aligning their actions with God's will, and what can we learn from these examples?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 23:29-30
Provides a parallel account of Josiah's confrontation with Necho and his subsequent death, offering additional context to the events in 2 Chronicles 35:20.

Jeremiah 46:2
Mentions the battle of Carchemish, providing a prophetic perspective on the events and their significance in the broader account of God's dealings with the nations.

Isaiah 31:1-3
Warns against relying on Egypt for help, which can be seen as a broader theme of misplaced trust in human alliances rather than in God.