Jehoahaz, also known as Shallum, was the son of King Josiah of Judah. His reign was brief, lasting only three months in 609 BC. Jehoahaz ascended to the throne following the death of his father, Josiah, who was killed in battle at Megiddo by Pharaoh Neco of Egypt (2 Kings 23:29-30). The people of the land made Jehoahaz king in his father's place, despite him not being the eldest son, which indicates his popularity among the populace (2 Kings 23:30).

Jehoahaz's reign is noted for its departure from the religious reforms of his father. Unlike Josiah, who was known for his devotion to the LORD and his efforts to rid Judah of idolatry, Jehoahaz did evil in the sight of the LORD, following the ways of his predecessors who had led Judah into sin (2 Kings 23:32).

Pharaoh Neco, having established dominance over the region after defeating Josiah, did not recognize Jehoahaz's rule. Instead, Neco deposed him and imposed a tribute on the land of Judah. Jehoahaz was taken captive to Riblah in the land of Hamath, where Neco put him in chains (2 Kings 23:33). This act of deposition was a demonstration of Egypt's control over Judah during this period.

Pharaoh Neco then installed Eliakim, another son of Josiah, as king in place of Jehoahaz, changing his name to Jehoiakim (2 Kings 23:34). This renaming signified Neco's authority over the new king and the subjugation of Judah under Egyptian influence. Jehoahaz was taken to Egypt, where he eventually died, never returning to his homeland (2 Kings 23:34).

The brief reign of Jehoahaz and his subsequent deposition by Pharaoh Neco highlight the political instability and external pressures faced by the Kingdom of Judah during this era. The events surrounding Jehoahaz's rule are recorded in the historical books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, providing insight into the challenges Judah faced from foreign powers and the consequences of departing from the covenantal faithfulness exemplified by King Josiah.