Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Josiah, however, would not turn away from him, but disguised himself to engage him in battle. He would not listen to what Necho had said at God’s command but went to fight him on the plain of Megiddo. New Living Translation But Josiah refused to listen to Neco, to whom God had indeed spoken, and he would not turn back. Instead, he disguised himself and led his army into battle on the plain of Megiddo. English Standard Version Nevertheless, Josiah did not turn away from him, but disguised himself in order to fight with him. He did not listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, but came to fight in the plain of Megiddo. Berean Standard Bible Josiah, however, did not turn away from him; instead, in order to engage him in battle, he disguised himself. He did not listen to Neco’s words from the mouth of God, but went to fight him on the Plain of Megiddo. Berean Literal Bible And Josiah did not turn his face from him. But he disguised himself to fight against him, and he did not listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God; and he came to fight on the Plain of Megiddo. King James Bible Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo. New King James Version Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself so that he might fight with him, and did not heed the words of Necho from the mouth of God. So he came to fight in the Valley of Megiddo. New American Standard Bible However, Josiah would not turn away from him, but disguised himself in order to fight against him; nor did he listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, but he came to wage war on the plain of Megiddo. NASB 1995 However, Josiah would not turn away from him, but disguised himself in order to make war with him; nor did he listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, but came to make war on the plain of Megiddo. NASB 1977 However, Josiah would not turn away from him, but disguised himself in order to make war with him; nor did he listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, but came to make war on the plain of Megiddo. Legacy Standard Bible However, Josiah would not turn away from him, but disguised himself in order to make war with him; nor did he listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, but came to make war on the plain of Megiddo. Amplified Bible Yet Josiah would not turn away from him, but disguised himself in order to fight against him. He did not listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, but came to fight against him on the plain of Megiddo. Berean Annotated Bible Josiah, however (whom YHWH heals), did not turn away from him; instead, in order to engage him in battle, he disguised himself. He did not listen to Neco’s (lame) words from the mouth of God {Elohim}, but went to fight him on the Plain of Megiddo (place of crowds). Christian Standard Bible But Josiah did not turn away from him; instead, in order to fight with him he disguised himself. He did not listen to Neco’s words from the mouth of God, but went to the Valley of Megiddo to fight. Holman Christian Standard Bible But Josiah did not turn away from him; instead, in order to fight with him he disguised himself. He did not listen to Neco’s words from the mouth of God, but went to the Valley of Megiddo to fight. American Standard Version Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Neco from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo. Contemporary English Version But Josiah ignored Neco's warning, even though it came from God! Instead, he disguised himself and marched into battle against Neco in the valley near Megiddo. English Revised Version Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Neco, from the month of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo. GOD'S WORD® Translation But Josiah would not stop his attack. He disguised himself as he went into battle. He refused to listen to Neco's words, which came from God, and he went to fight in the valley of Megiddo. Good News Translation But Josiah was determined to fight. He refused to listen to what God was saying through King Neco, so he disguised himself and went into battle on the plain of Megiddo. International Standard Version But Josiah wouldn't turn around. In fact, he put on a disguise so he could fight Neco. He wouldn't listen to what God told him through what Neco had to say, and as a result, Josiah came to attack Neco on the Megiddo plain. NET Bible But Josiah did not turn back from him; he disguised himself for battle. He did not take seriously the words of Necho which he had received from God; he went to fight him in the Plain of Megiddo. New Heart English Bible Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and did not listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo. Webster's Bible Translation Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself that he might fight with him, and hearkened not to the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleJosiah, however, did not turn away from him; instead, in order to engage him in battle, he disguised himself. He did not listen to Neco’s words from the mouth of God, but went to fight him on the Plain of Megiddo. World English Bible Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and didn’t listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Josiah has not turned around his face from him, but has disguised himself to fight against him, and has not listened to the words of Necho, from the mouth of God, and comes to fight in the Valley of Megiddo; Berean Literal Bible And Josiah did not turn his face from him. But he disguised himself to fight against him, and he did not listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God; and he came to fight on the Plain of Megiddo. Young's Literal Translation And Josiah hath not turned round his face from him, but to fight against him hath disguised himself, and hath not hearkened unto the words of Necho, from the mouth of God, and cometh in to fight in the valley of Megiddo; Smith's Literal Translation And Josiah turned not his face from him, but to fight with him he disguised himself, and he heard not to the words of Necho from the mouth of God; and he will go forth to fight in the valley of Megiddo. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleJosias would not return, but prepared to fight against him, and hearkened not to the words of Nechao from the mouth of God, but went to fight in the field of Mageddo. Catholic Public Domain Version Josiah was not willing to return. Instead, he prepared for war against him. Neither would he agree to the words of Neco from the mouth of God. In truth, he traveled so that he might do battle in the field of Megiddo. New American Bible But Josiah would not withdraw from him, for he was seeking a pretext to fight with him. Therefore he would not listen to the words of Neco that came from the mouth of God, but went out to fight in the plain of Megiddo. New Revised Standard Version But Josiah would not turn away from him, but disguised himself in order to fight with him. He did not listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, but joined battle in the plain of Megiddo. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him; for he had gone to fight with him. And he did not listen to the words of Pharaoh the lame; for Josiah did not know that it was from the LORD, so he went forth to fight against him in the plain of Megiddo. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Yoshiah did not turn his face from him, because he was going to fight and do battle, and he did not listen to the words of Pharaoh the Cripple, and Yoshiah had not known that it was from before LORD JEHOVAH, and he went out to fight with him in the plain of Magdo. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Neco, from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo. Brenton Septuagint Translation However, Josias turned not his face from him, but strengthened himself to fight against him, and hearkened not to the words of Nechao by the mouth of God, and he came to fight in the plain of Mageddo. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Death of Josiah…21But Neco sent messengers to him, saying, “What is the issue between you and me, O king of Judah? I have not come against you today, but I am fighting another dynasty. God told me to hurry; so stop opposing God, who is with me, or He will destroy you!” 22Josiah, however, did not turn away from him; instead, in order to engage him in battle, he disguised himself. He did not listen to Neco’s words from the mouth of God, but went to fight him on the Plain of Megiddo. 23There the archers shot King Josiah, who said to his servants, “Take me away, for I am badly wounded!”… Cross References Josiah, however, did not turn away from him; 2 Chronicles 25:17 Then Amaziah king of Judah took counsel and sent word to the king of Israel Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu. “Come, let us meet face to face,” he said. 2 Kings 14:8 Then Amaziah sent messengers to the king of Israel Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu. “Come, let us meet face to face,” he said. Proverbs 29:1 A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery. instead, in order to engage him in battle, he disguised himself. 1 Kings 22:30 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your royal robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle. 2 Chronicles 18:29 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your royal robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle. 1 Kings 20:38 and the prophet went and waited on the road for the king, disguising himself with a bandage over his eyes. He did not listen to Neco’s words from the mouth of God, 2 Chronicles 36:15-16 Again and again the LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to His people through His messengers because He had compassion on them and on His dwelling place. / But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy. Deuteronomy 18:19 And I will hold accountable anyone who does not listen to My words that the prophet speaks in My name. 1 Kings 22:14 But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever the LORD tells me.” but went to fight him on the Plain of Megiddo. 2 Kings 23:29-30 During 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. / From Megiddo his servants carried his body in a chariot, brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own tomb. Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah, anointed him, and made him king in place of his father. Judges 5:19 Kings came and fought; then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo, but they took no plunder of silver. Zechariah 12:11 On that day the wailing in Jerusalem will be as great as the wailing of Hadad-rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. 1 Kings 22:29-35 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead. / And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your royal robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle. / Now the king of Aram had ordered his thirty-two chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.” … Isaiah 31:1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD. Jeremiah 46:2 concerning Egypt and the army of Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt, which was defeated at Carchemish on the Euphrates River by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah: Ezekiel 13:10 Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and whitewashing any flimsy wall that is built, Treasury of Scripture Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and listened not to the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo. 2 Chronicles 26:6 And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines. but disguised 2 Chronicles 18:29 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and will go to the battle; but put thou on thy robes. So the king of Israel disguised himself; and they went to the battle. 1 Kings 1:2 Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat. 1 Kings 22:30,34 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and enter into the battle; but put thou on thy robes. And the king of Israel disguised himself, and went into the battle… the mouth 2 Kings 9:27 But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled by the way of the garden house. And Jehu followed after him, and said, Smite him also in the chariot. And they did so at the going up to Gur, which is by Ibleam. And he fled to Megiddo, and died there. 2 Kings 23:30 And his servants carried him in a chariot dead from Megiddo, and brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own sepulchre. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father's stead. Zechariah 12:11 In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. Megiddon Revelation 16:16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon. Armageddon Jump to Previous Attention Command Disguised Engage Face Fight Fighting Forward God's Hearkened However Joined Josiah Keeping Megiddo Mouth Necho Neco Nevertheless Order Purpose Round Turn Turned Valley War WordsJump to Next Attention Command Disguised Engage Face Fight Fighting Forward God's Hearkened However Joined Josiah Keeping Megiddo Mouth Necho Neco Nevertheless Order Purpose Round Turn Turned Valley War Words2 Chronicles 35 1. Josiah keeps a most solemn Passover20. He provoking Pharaoh Neco, is slain at Megiddo 25. Lamentations for Josiah Josiah, however, did not turn away from him; Josiah, the king of Judah, was known for his religious reforms and dedication to God. Despite his piety, he chose not to heed the warning from Pharaoh Neco of Egypt. This decision marks a significant moment in Josiah's reign, highlighting a departure from his usual adherence to divine guidance. The phrase suggests a deliberate choice to confront Neco, indicating a potential lapse in judgment or a misunderstanding of God's will. instead, in order to engage him in battle, he disguised himself. He did not listen to Neco’s words from the mouth of God, but went to fight him on the Plain of Megiddo. Persons / Places / Events 1. JosiahThe King of Judah known for his religious reforms and dedication to God. Despite his faithfulness, he made a critical error in judgment by not heeding God's warning through Pharaoh Necho. 2. Pharaoh Necho The Egyptian king who was on a campaign against the Assyrians. He warned Josiah not to interfere, claiming his mission was ordained by God. 3. Megiddo A strategic location in ancient Israel where Josiah confronted Necho. It is historically significant as a site of many battles. 4. God’s Command The divine instruction conveyed through Necho, which Josiah chose to ignore, leading to his downfall. 5. Disguise Josiah's attempt to conceal his identity in battle, which reflects his determination but also his disregard for divine warning. Teaching Points Heeding Divine WarningsJosiah's failure to listen to God's warning through Necho serves as a reminder of the importance of discerning and obeying divine guidance, even when it comes from unexpected sources. The Danger of Pride Josiah's decision to disguise himself and engage in battle reflects a prideful heart that led to his downfall. We must guard against pride and remain humble before God. The Consequences of Disobedience Disobedience to God's commands, even when they come through others, can lead to dire consequences. We should strive to align our actions with God's will. The Importance of Discernment Josiah's account teaches us the need for spiritual discernment to recognize God's voice, especially when it challenges our plans or desires. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 35:22?2. Why did Josiah disregard God's warning through Necho in 2 Chronicles 35:22? 3. How can we discern God's voice in unexpected situations like Josiah's encounter? 4. What lessons from Josiah's actions can we apply to our decision-making? 5. How does Josiah's story connect with Proverbs 3:5-6 about trusting God? 6. What are the consequences of ignoring divine warnings in our lives today? 7. Why did Josiah ignore God's warning through Necho in 2 Chronicles 35:22? 8. How does 2 Chronicles 35:22 challenge the concept of divine guidance? 9. What does Josiah's decision in 2 Chronicles 35:22 reveal about human free will? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 35? 11. Who was Josiah in the Bible? 12. How do the mourning rites described in Zechariah 12:10–14 compare to other Old Testament passages, and why do some scholars see inconsistencies in the depiction of national lamentation? 13. Why would Josiah ignore Necho’s explicit warning in 2 Chronicles 35:21 if it was truly from God? 14. Does 2 Chronicles 35:20–22, where Necho’s message is reportedly from God, conflict with the broader biblical narrative of prophets and divine warnings? What Does 2 Chronicles 35:22 Mean Josiah, however, did not turn away from him• The chronicler contrasts Josiah’s long record of humble obedience (2 Chronicles 34:26–28) with this single, tragic refusal to step aside. • Pharaoh Neco had no quarrel with Judah (2 Chronicles 35:21), yet Josiah pressed forward, ignoring the obvious path of peace—echoing the warning of Proverbs 14:12 about a way that “seems right” but ends in death. • The verse reminds readers that even a godly king can stumble when self-confidence overrides prayerful discernment (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:12). Instead, in order to engage him in battle, he disguised himself • Josiah imitated the earlier folly of King Ahab, who also masked his identity in battle and died anyway (2 Chronicles 18:29–34). • Disguise suggests reliance on strategy rather than on the LORD (Psalm 20:7). • Stepping out of one’s God-given role never ends well; compare Saul donning priestly duties (1 Samuel 13:8–14). He did not listen to Neco’s words from the mouth of God • God can speak through unexpected messengers: Balaam (Numbers 22:38), Cyrus (Isaiah 45:1), even Caiaphas (John 11:49–52). • Rejecting a divine warning, regardless of the source, violates the command to heed God’s voice (Deuteronomy 18:19). • Josiah’s earlier tenderness toward God (2 Chronicles 34:27) highlights the seriousness of his present deafness. But went to fight him on the Plain of Megiddo • Megiddo had witnessed previous judgments against kings who trusted in human schemes (2 Kings 23:29). • Its strategic location made it a crossroads of empires, yet in Scripture it also becomes a symbol of ultimate confrontation (Revelation 16:16). • Josiah’s death here hastened Judah’s decline, fulfilling the warning of Leviticus 26:17 that disobedience would place the nation “under the power of the sword.” summary 2 Chronicles 35:22 records a sobering turn in Josiah’s life: a faithful king chooses self-reliance, rejects a divinely sent warning, and perishes on a battlefield he need never have entered. The verse underscores that no past devotion exempts God’s people from present obedience, that the Lord may speak through unlikely voices, and that ignoring His counsel brings ruin—even to the best of leaders. (22) But disguised himself.--Like Ahab (2Chronicles 18:29). The LXX. reads, "he strengthened himself," or "persisted" (??????????). (Comp. 3 Esdr. 1:28.) This implies the reading hithchazzaq instead of hithchappesh. It is wholly unlikely that "disguised himself" is used in the figurative sense of "departed from his true cha racter," as Keil and Z”ckler think.The words of Necho from the mouth of God.--The warning of Necho was really divine, as the event proved. For "words of Necho," 3 Esdr. 1:26 has, "words of the prophet Jeremiah;" but there is no trace of such a warning in the extant prophecies bearing his name. In the valley of Megiddo.--The valley of the Kishon, where Deborah and Barak had fought in the olden time against Jabin and Sisera. Herodotus (ii. 159) calls the place Magdolus. (See on 2Kings 23:29.) Verse 22. - Would not turn his face (so 2 Chronicles 25:17 and its parallel, 2 Kings 14:8). Disguised himself. This is, possibly enough, the intention of the word, but it is more probable that the simple meaning is fully armed himself. The Septuagint has strengthened himself. Hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God. Unless these words are intended to convey really their patent and most natural import, it is tenfold strange that they should find a place in the compilation of the Chronicles. It is indeed possible that they might purport, from the pen of the writer of Chronicles, that in point of fact the words of Necho had been the permitted warning, though not the actually dictated language of God. The genius of the whole passage strongly reminds us of 2 Chronicles 25:17, 19-21; and its parallel in 2 Kings 14. In the valley of Megiddo; i.e. among those hills which separate the country of the coast from Esdraelon - a valley as that "of Kishon" (see Stanley's 'Sinai and Palestine,' pp. 356, 339, 347; but see also Conder's 'Handbook,' p. 287, where a different view is taken).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Josiah, however,יֹאשִׁיָּ֨הוּ (yō·šî·yā·hū) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 2977: Josiah -- 'Yah supports', two Israelites did not וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no turn away הֵסֵב֩ (hê·sêḇ) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5437: To turn about, go around, surround from him; מִמֶּ֗נּוּ (mim·men·nū) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of instead, כִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction in order to engage him in battle, לְהִלָּחֵֽם־ (lə·hil·lā·ḥêm-) Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle he disguised himself. הִתְחַפֵּ֔שׂ (hiṯ·ḥap·pêś) Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2664: To seek, to conceal oneself, mask He did not וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no listen שָׁמַ֛ע (šā·ma‘) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Neco’s נְכ֖וֹ (nə·ḵōw) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5224: Neco -- a king of Egypt words דִּבְרֵ֥י (diḇ·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause from the mouth מִפִּ֣י (mip·pî) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to of God, אֱלֹהִ֑ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative but went וַיָּבֹ֕א (way·yā·ḇō) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to fight him לְהִלָּחֵ֖ם (lə·hil·lā·ḥêm) Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle on the Plain בְּבִקְעַ֥ת (bə·ḇiq·‘aṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 1237: A split, a wide level valley between mountains of Megiddo. מְגִדּֽוֹ׃ (mə·ḡid·dōw) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4023: Megiddo -- a tower Links 2 Chronicles 35:22 NIV2 Chronicles 35:22 NLT 2 Chronicles 35:22 ESV 2 Chronicles 35:22 NASB 2 Chronicles 35:22 KJV 2 Chronicles 35:22 BibleApps.com 2 Chronicles 35:22 Biblia Paralela 2 Chronicles 35:22 Chinese Bible 2 Chronicles 35:22 French Bible 2 Chronicles 35:22 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Chronicles 35:22 Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) |
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