At the end of Josiah's reign, Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt marched up to help the king of Assyria at the Euphrates River. King Josiah went out to confront him, but Neco faced him and killed him at Megiddo. At that timeThis phrase situates the events within a specific historical context. The period is the late 7th century BC, a time of significant geopolitical upheaval in the Near East. The Assyrian Empire, once dominant, was in decline, and Egypt sought to assert its influence. Understanding this context helps us appreciate the strategic movements of nations and the fulfillment of God's sovereign plan in history. Pharaoh Neco
Pharaoh Neco II was a prominent Egyptian ruler from the 26th Dynasty, known for his military campaigns and efforts to expand Egyptian influence. His involvement in the affairs of the Near East reflects Egypt's desire to control trade routes and counter the rising power of Babylon. Neco's actions are part of the larger narrative of God's use of nations to accomplish His purposes, even when they are unaware of His hand. king of Egypt
Egypt, a significant power in the ancient world, often played a pivotal role in the biblical narrative. Its interactions with Israel and Judah were complex, ranging from periods of alliance to enmity. The mention of Egypt here reminds us of the recurring theme of reliance on foreign powers versus trust in God, a lesson repeatedly emphasized in the prophetic writings. marched up to the Euphrates River
The Euphrates River was a critical geographical marker, representing the northern boundary of the Assyrian Empire. Pharaoh Neco's march to this region indicates a strategic military campaign, likely aimed at supporting Assyria against the rising Babylonian threat. This movement underscores the shifting alliances and power struggles that characterized the ancient Near East. to help the king of Assyria
The Assyrian Empire, once a dominant force, was in decline, facing threats from the Babylonians and Medes. Pharaoh Neco's decision to assist Assyria highlights the complex political alliances of the time. This alliance, however, was ultimately futile, as God's judgment on Assyria was irrevocable, demonstrating His control over the rise and fall of empires. King Josiah
Josiah was one of Judah's most righteous kings, known for his religious reforms and dedication to the covenant with God. His decision to confront Pharaoh Neco, despite the potential risks, reflects his commitment to protecting Judah's sovereignty and his desire to align with God's will. Josiah's reign is a testament to the blessings of obedience and the tragic consequences of missteps. marched out to confront him
Josiah's confrontation with Pharaoh Neco was a bold move, driven by his desire to prevent Egyptian interference in Judah's affairs. This action, however, was not sanctioned by God, as indicated by the outcome. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of seeking divine guidance in decision-making, even for the most righteous leaders. but when Pharaoh Neco saw him
This phrase suggests a direct encounter between Josiah and Neco, highlighting the personal nature of leadership and the weight of decisions made by those in power. The meeting of these two leaders on the battlefield underscores the human element in the unfolding of divine plans, where individual choices have significant consequences. he killed him at Megiddo
The location of Megiddo is significant, known as a strategic military site throughout history. Josiah's death at Megiddo marks a turning point for Judah, leading to a period of decline and eventual exile. This event fulfills prophetic warnings and serves as a somber reminder of the cost of disobedience and the inevitability of God's judgment when His people stray from His path. Persons / Places / Events 1. Pharaoh NecoThe king of Egypt during this period, who was involved in military campaigns in the region, particularly against the Assyrians. 2. King JosiahThe king of Judah known for his religious reforms and dedication to the Lord. His death at Megiddo marks a significant turning point for Judah. 3. MegiddoA strategic location in ancient Israel, often associated with significant battles. It is here that Josiah met his untimely death. 4. AssyriaA dominant empire during this time, which was in decline. Pharaoh Neco's campaign was likely in support of Assyria against the rising Babylonian power. 5. River EuphratesA major river in the region, often marking the boundary of significant military campaigns and political influence. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceJosiah's decision to confront Pharaoh Neco, despite warnings, led to his death. This serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance and heeding His warnings. The Sovereignty of God in HistoryDespite human plans and actions, God's purposes prevail. Josiah's death, though tragic, was part of the unfolding of God's plan for Judah and the surrounding nations. The Importance of Spiritual LeadershipJosiah's reforms were significant, but his death left a leadership vacuum. This highlights the need for consistent and godly leadership in guiding a nation or community. The Role of Prophecy and FulfillmentJosiah's death and the subsequent events align with prophetic warnings given to Judah, emphasizing the reliability of God's word. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from Josiah's decision to confront Pharaoh Neco, and how does it apply to our decision-making processes today? 2. How does the account of Josiah's death at Megiddo connect with the broader account of God's judgment and mercy in the Old Testament? 3. In what ways does the account of Josiah challenge us to consider the legacy we leave behind, especially in terms of spiritual leadership? 4. How does the interaction between Egypt, Assyria, and Judah in this passage reflect the dangers of political alliances that are not aligned with God's will? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision that required discernment and reliance on God's guidance. How did the outcome compare to Josiah's experience? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 35:20-24Provides a parallel account of Josiah's death, offering additional details about the confrontation with Pharaoh Neco. Jeremiah 46:2Mentions the battle at Carchemish, which is related to the broader context of Egyptian and Babylonian conflicts during this period. Deuteronomy 17:16Warns against returning to Egypt for help, which can be seen as a broader theme of reliance on God rather than foreign alliances. People Ahaz, Ammonites, Ashtoreth, Ben, Chemosh, Eliakim, Hamutal, Hilkiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah, Jeroboam, Joshua, Josiah, Manasseh, Melech, Milcom, Moabites, Molech, Nathan, Nathanmelech, Nebat, Pedaiah, Pharaoh, Pharaohnechoh, Sidonians, Sodomites, Solomon, Zebudah, ZidoniansPlaces Assyria, Beersheba, Bethel, Egypt, Euphrates River, Geba, Hamath, Jerusalem, Kidron, Libnah, Megiddo, Moab, Riblah, Rumah, Samaria, Topheth, Valley of HinnomTopics Armies, Asshur, Assyria, Battle, Death, Egypt, Euphrates, Euphra'tes, Faced, Josiah, Josi'ah, Killed, Marched, Meet, Megiddo, Megid'do, Nechoh, Neco, Necoh, Pharaoh, Pharaohnechoh, Pharaoh-nechoh, Pharaoh-necoh, Phrat, Putteth, River, SlewDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 23:29 4260 rivers and streams
5366 king Library Reformation Lessons
Eversley. 1861. 2 Kings xxiii. 3, 4, 25, 26. "And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the Lord, to "walk after the Lord, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant. And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the door, to bring forth out …
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other SermonsWhether the Old Law was Suitably Given at the Time of Moses?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law was not suitably given at the time of Moses. Because the Old Law disposed man for the salvation which was to come through Christ, as stated above ([2068]AA[2],3). But man needed this salutary remedy immediately after he had sinned. Therefore the Law should have been given immediately after sin. Objection 2: Further, the Old Law was given for the sanctification of those from whom Christ was to be born. Now the promise concerning the "seed, which is Christ" …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Christ Should have Been Born in Bethlehem?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ should not have been born in Bethlehem. For it is written (Is. 2:3): "The law shall come forth from Sion, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem." But Christ is truly the Word of God. Therefore He should have come into the world at Jerusalem. Objection 2: Further, it is said (Mat. 2:23) that it is written of Christ that "He shall be called a Nazarene"; which is taken from Is. 11:1: "A flower shall rise up out of his root"; for "Nazareth" is interpreted "a flower." …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Prophets Always Know the Things which they Prophesy?
Objection 1: It would seem that the prophets always know the things which they prophesy. For, as Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. xii, 9), "those to whom signs were shown in spirit by means of the likenesses of bodily things, had not the gift of prophecy, unless the mind was brought into action, so that those signs were also understood by them." Now what is understood cannot be unknown. Therefore the prophet is not ignorant of what he prophesies. Objection 2: Further, the light of prophecy surpasses …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Prophecy which is Accompanied by Intellective and Imaginative vision is More Excellent than that which is Accompanied by Intellective vision Alone?
Objection 1: It would seem that the prophecy which has intellective and imaginative vision is more excellent than that which is accompanied by intellective vision alone. For Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. xii, 9): "He is less a prophet, who sees in spirit nothing but the signs representative of things, by means of the images of things corporeal: he is more a prophet, who is merely endowed with the understanding of these signs; but most of all is he a prophet, who excels in both ways," and this refers …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Fall of Solomon
'For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. 7. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Rediscovered Law and Its Effects
'And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord: and Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. 9. And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the Lord. 10. And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Entering the Covenant: with all the Heart
"And they entered into the covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart, and all their soul."--2 CHRON. xv. 12 (see xxxiv. 31, and 2 Kings xxiii. 3). "The Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul."--DEUT. xxx. 6. "And I will give them an heart to know Me, that I am the Lord; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God: for they shall turn to Me with their whole heart."--JER. xxiv. 7 (see xxix. 13). …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants How Shall one Make Use of Christ as the Life, when Wrestling with an Angry God Because of Sin?
That we may give some satisfaction to this question, we shall, 1. Shew what are the ingredients in this case, or what useth to concur in this distemper. 2. Shew some reasons why the Lord is pleased to dispense thus with his people. 3. Shew how Christ is life to the soul in this case. 4. Shew the believer's duty for a recovery; and, 5. Add a word or two of caution. As to the first, There may be those parts of, or ingredients in this distemper: 1. God presenting their sins unto their view, so as …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished.
"Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation." This is predicated of the judgments of God on those who had shed the blood of his saints. The Savior declares that all the righteous blood which had been shed on the earth from that of Abel down to the gospel day, should come on that generation! But is not this unreasonable and contrary to the Scriptures? "Far be wickedness from God and iniquity from the Almighty. For the work of man shall be render unto him, and cause every …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects The Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
THE FALL OF NINEVEH AND THE RISE OF THE CHALDAEAN AND MEDIAN EMPIRES--THE XXVIth EGYPTIAN DYNASTY: CYAXARES, ALYATTES, AND NEBUCHADREZZAR. The legendary history of the kings of Media and the first contact of the Medes with the Assyrians: the alleged Iranian migrations of the Avesta--Media-proper, its fauna and flora; Phraortes and the beginning of the Median empire--Persia proper and the Persians; conquest of Persia by the Medes--The last monuments of Assur-bani-pal: the library of Kouyunjik--Phraortes …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant.
"Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before Me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place."--2 Kings …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 23:29 NIV2 Kings 23:29 NLT2 Kings 23:29 ESV2 Kings 23:29 NASB2 Kings 23:29 KJV
2 Kings 23:29 Commentaries
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