2 Kings 2

26-27 Nevertheless. . . The account of Josiah’s godly life ends on a somber note. In spite of Josiah’s efforts, the people were not inwardly changed; the effects of Manasseh’s sins could not be removed that quickly. As soon as Josiah was gone, the people reverted to their pagan ways. Therefore, the Lord’s anger against Judah continued to burn. The punishment that had come upon Israel more than a century before would now finally come upon Judah. God’s judgment against Judah had been postponed but not canceled (2 Kings 22:15-20). God was even going to reject Jerusalem, which He had chosen (1 Kings 11:13), and its temple where He had put His Name⁸⁷ (1 Kings 8:29; 9:3). So great were the sins of the people of Judah!

The question arises: Was Josiah a failure? As a political and religious leader, he did fail to bring about lasting reform. But as an individual, he was faithful to God, and in God’s sight that is what counts most. God does not require us to be successful; He does, however, require us to be faithful and to serve Him with all our heart and soul (Deuteronomy 10:12-13; 2 Kings 23:3).

28-30 Here in verses 29-30, the writer briefly describes Josiah’s death. Neco king of Egypt was passing through Israel on his way to help Assyria fight the Babylonians,⁸⁸ who were gaining more and more power in the Middle East. But Josiah did not want Assyria helped; Assyria had been threatening Israel and Judah’s independence for two centuries, and he wanted to prevent any renewal of Assyrian power.

According to 2 Chronicles 35:21-24, Neco tried to dissuade Josiah from fighting him, claiming he was under the direction of God. But Josiah would not listen to him. He disguised himself so that he wouldn’t be a target in his kingly robes, but he was shot by archers anyway. The writer of 2 Chronicles explains that God was indeed directing Neco, and that Josiah’s opposition to God’s plan thus resulted in his death (2 Chronicles 35:22).

The writer of 2 Chronicles also notes that the prophet Jeremiah composed laments in honor of Josiah; these were then written down in a book called “Laments,” which has since been lost.

Jehoahaz King of Judah (23:31-35)

(2 Chronicles 36:1-4)

31-35 When Josiah died, the people chose his fourth son, Shallum, to succeed him (1 Chronicles 3:15); Shallum took the throne name Jehoahaz. But after three months on the throne, he was captured by Neco, the Egyptian king (verse 33), and carried off to Egypt. Neco then placed Josiah’s second son on the throne of Judah and changed his name to Jehoiakim (verse 34); this demonstrated that Jehoiakim was only a vassal ruling Judah at Neco’s pleasure; indeed, Neco exacted heavy tribute from Judah, which Jehoiakim raised by taxing the people.

How was Neco able to subjugate Judah in this way? First, he had joined with the Assyrians in a major battle against Babylon (verse 29); in that battle the Assyrians were defeated, and their empire came to an end. This left Neco in complete control of the territory west and north of Israel. MeanwhiletheBabylonianshadbecomethedominant power in the Middle East, replacing the Assyrians. It was to Neco’s advantage, therefore, to take control of Israel and Judah in order to use their resources in his ongoing struggle against Babylon.

Jehoiakim King of Judah (23:36-37)

(2 Chronicles 36:5)

36-37 Jehoiakim began his reign as a vassal of Neco king of Egypt. He continued the evils begun during his brother’s brief reign (verse 32), and was later severely condemned by the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 22:13-23).