2 Chronicles 35:20 – “After all this, when Josiah had set the temple in order, Necho king of Egypt went up to fight at Carchemish on the Euphrates, and Josiah marched out to meet him in battle.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse marks a significant turning point in the life of King Josiah. After all the spiritual reforms and the grand celebration of the Passover, Josiah now faces a military situation. Necho, the king of Egypt, was marching toward Carchemish to engage in a battle unrelated to Judah, but Josiah decided to intervene. This decision was a pivotal and ultimately tragic moment in Josiah’s reign, as it would lead to his death in battle.
Josiah had been a faithful and godly king, restoring the worship of God and leading the nation of Judah in a period of spiritual revival. However, his choice to confront Necho was one that would cost him dearly, as it seems he did not seek God’s guidance before taking action. This moment introduces a shift from the religious focus of Josiah’s reign to the political and military challenges that he faced, leading to his eventual downfall.
Historical Context
At this point in history, the Assyrian Empire was weakening, and Babylon was rising as a new power. Necho, the Pharaoh of Egypt, was marching north to aid the Assyrians in their battle against the Babylonians at Carchemish. This battle had significant geopolitical implications, but it did not directly involve Judah. Despite this, Josiah decided to intervene, perhaps to prevent Egypt from gaining more influence or power in the region.
Josiah’s decision to confront Necho is puzzling, especially given his past record of obedience to God. This action would lead to his untimely death, and Judah would soon fall into a period of decline under his successors, eventually leading to the Babylonian exile. The political landscape was shifting dramatically, and Josiah’s involvement in this battle placed him at the center of these larger events.
Theological Implications
This verse raises questions about the importance of seeking God’s guidance in all decisions, especially those that have far-reaching consequences. Josiah had been a faithful king in leading spiritual reforms, but this moment suggests that even the most devout leaders can make poor choices when they act without seeking God’s direction. It serves as a reminder that human wisdom alone is insufficient, and even leaders who have previously followed God faithfully need to rely on Him continually.
Theologically, it also points to the sovereignty of God over history. Even though Josiah’s actions led to his downfall, God’s plan for the nations was still unfolding. The rise and fall of kingdoms, including Egypt and Babylon, were part of the broader story of how God would work through history to bring about His purposes, including the eventual exile and return of His people.
Literary Analysis
This verse acts as a narrative shift in the story of Josiah. Up until this point, the focus has been on his religious reforms and his faithful leadership in restoring the proper worship of God. Now, the narrative turns to his involvement in political and military matters. The phrase “after all this” emphasizes that what follows happens after the spiritual achievements of Josiah’s reign, contrasting the spiritual renewal with the forthcoming political and military downfall.
The introduction of Necho, king of Egypt, shifts the attention to the broader international scene. The mention of Carchemish and the Euphrates suggests that this is not just a local conflict but part of a much larger geopolitical struggle between empires. Josiah’s involvement in this event brings Judah into the fray of these larger forces.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- 2 Kings 23:29-30: The parallel account of Josiah’s confrontation with Pharaoh Necho, which gives more details about his death in battle.
- Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” This passage underscores the importance of seeking God’s guidance in all decisions.
- Isaiah 31:1: Warns against relying on human power (like Egypt) instead of seeking God’s help, highlighting the dangers of political and military alliances without God’s direction.
- Jeremiah 46:2: Mentions the battle of Carchemish, showing its significance in the broader biblical narrative.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a warning about the dangers of acting on our own wisdom without seeking God’s guidance. Josiah was a godly and faithful king, but in this instance, he seemed to rely on his own understanding and made a decision that led to his downfall. It reminds us that no matter how faithful we have been in the past, we need to continually seek God’s direction in every area of our lives, especially in decisions that could have significant consequences.
This verse also speaks to the importance of discerning when and how to engage in broader political or worldly conflicts. Josiah’s involvement in a battle that did not directly concern Judah cost him his life, and it challenges us to consider how we approach the world’s conflicts today. Are we acting in accordance with God’s will, or are we driven by other motives or pressures?
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in His continual invitation for us to seek His guidance and rely on His wisdom. Even though Josiah was a faithful king, this moment reminds us that no one is immune to making mistakes or poor decisions. God’s love is constant, and He desires that we depend on Him for every decision, big or small.
God’s love is also evident in the broader context of the events that followed. Even though Josiah’s death marked the beginning of a difficult period for Judah, God was still at work in the larger story of redemption. His love for His people remained, even as they would eventually face exile. This points to the truth that God’s love and purposes endure, even in times of difficulty or judgment.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ by illustrating the need for reliance on God’s wisdom rather than our own. Jesus consistently sought the will of His Father in everything He did (John 5:19). His obedience to the Father’s plan, even unto death, contrasts with Josiah’s decision to act independently. Where Josiah’s actions led to his death, Jesus’ obedience led to His death on the cross, which brought life and salvation to all who believe.
Additionally, the larger political and military struggles in this verse point to the ultimate victory that Jesus would bring. While human kingdoms rise and fall, Jesus’ kingdom is eternal, and His reign is not marked by worldly conflict but by peace and righteousness (Isaiah 9:6-7).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does Josiah’s decision to confront Pharaoh Necho teach us about the importance of seeking God’s guidance in our own decisions?
- How can we avoid relying on our own understanding and instead trust in God’s wisdom, especially in difficult or complex situations?
- In what ways does this verse challenge us to think about how we engage with the world’s conflicts and political struggles? How should we seek God’s will in these areas?
- How does the contrast between Josiah’s actions and Jesus’ obedience to the Father help us understand the importance of following God’s plan in our own lives?
- How does this passage remind us of God’s sovereignty and love, even when human decisions lead to difficult consequences?
This verse from 2 Chronicles 35:20 serves as a reminder of the importance of continually seeking God’s wisdom and guidance, even for those who have been faithful in the past. It challenges us to trust in God’s direction rather than our own understanding, and it points us to the ultimate example of obedience in Jesus Christ, whose faithfulness brought salvation to the world. Through this, we are reminded of God’s enduring love and the importance of relying on Him in all things.