2 Chronicles 35:22

22 But Josiah did not turn away from him; instead, in order to fight with him he disguised himself.[a] He did not listen to Neco's words from the mouth of God, but went to the Valley of Megiddo to fight.

2 Chronicles 35:22 Meaning and Commentary

2 Chronicles 35:22

Nevertheless, Josiah would not turn his face from him
Or withdraw his forces, and go back:

but disguised himself that he might fight with him;
without being personally known, and aimed at, see ( 1 Kings 22:30 )

and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God:
not believing that what he said came from the Lord, though it might; and his infirmity was, that he did not inquire of the Lord about it:

and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo;
which was in the tribe of Manasseh, thought to be the Magdolum of Herodotus, where he says Necho fought the battle F26; (See Gill on 2 Kings 23:29).


FOOTNOTES:

F26 Gale in Herodot. ut supra. (Euterpe, sive, l. 2. c. 159. & Galei not. in ib.)

2 Chronicles 35:22 In-Context

20 After all this that Josiah had prepared for the temple, Neco king of Egypt marched up to fight at Carchemish by the Euphrates, and Josiah went out to confront him.
21 But Neco sent messengers to him, saying, "What is [the issue] between you and me, king of Judah? I have not come against you today but to the dynasty I am fighting. God told me to hurry. Stop opposing God who is with me; don't make Him destroy you!"
22 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.
23 The archers shot King Josiah, and he said to his servants, "Take me away, for I am severely wounded!"
24 So his servants took him out of the war chariot, carried him in his second chariot, and brought him to Jerusalem. Then he died, and they buried him in the tomb of his fathers. All Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. LXX reads he was determined
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