2 chronicles 35:20 - After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Neco king of Egypt went up to fight against Carchemish by the Euphrates, and Josiah went out against him.

Generated Verse: 2 chronicles 35:20

What does "2 chronicles 35:20" mean?


This verse from 2 Chronicles 35:20 sets the stage for King Josiah's tragic and untimely death. Let's break it down:

"After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple...": This refers to the extensive religious reforms that Josiah had undertaken. He had purged idolatry from Judah, reinstituted the proper worship of Yahweh, and celebrated a grand Passover. He had essentially restored the spiritual heart of the nation.

"...Neco king of Egypt went up to fight against Carchemish by the Euphrates...": Pharaoh Neco (also spelled Necho) of Egypt was leading an army north towards Carchemish, a strategically important city on the Euphrates River. Carchemish was under the control of the Neo-Babylonian empire, and Neco was likely allied with the waning Assyrian empire against the rising power of Babylon. Egypt's intent was to shore up the Assyrians, acting as a check to Babylonian expansion.

"...and Josiah went out against him.": This is the crucial part. King Josiah chose to confront Pharaoh Neco's army. It's important to understand the implications of this decision:
Josiah had no clear reason to intervene in a conflict between Egypt and Babylon. Judah was a relatively small kingdom caught between these larger powers.
Neco explicitly told Josiah he had no quarrel with him. Later in the chapter, we see Neco sending messengers to Josiah saying God had commanded him to move quickly and not to interfere.
Josiah's motives are not explicitly stated in the text. However, several theories are often proposed:
Loyalty to Babylon: Some scholars believe Josiah might have been allied with or subject to the Babylonian empire and thus felt obligated to oppose Egypt's advance. This is supported by the fact that Neco was fighting against Babylon.
Desire to Control Territory: Perhaps Josiah saw this as an opportunity to expand Judah's influence and territory, particularly in the region north towards the Euphrates.
Misguided Zeal: Some interpret Josiah's actions as a result of his fervent religious zeal, believing he was acting in the best interests of his people and his faith. He may have felt a duty to resist any foreign power he perceived as a threat.
Disobedience to God: Given Neco's message that God was with him, Josiah's action could be seen as a rejection of divine guidance. This interpretation is often drawn from Neco's claim that God ordered him to his mission.

In summary, the verse tells us that despite his earlier religious reforms, King Josiah made a fateful decision to confront Pharaoh Neco's army, likely leading to his death shortly after. The reasons for this decision are debated, but it ultimately had significant consequences for Judah, as Josiah's death led to a period of instability and, eventually, the Babylonian exile.