2 Chronicles 35:21 – “But Necho sent messengers to him, saying, ‘What quarrel is there, king of Judah, between you and me? It is not you I am attacking at this time, but the house with which I am at war. God has told me to hurry; so stop opposing God, who is with me, or he will destroy you.’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Necho, the Pharaoh of Egypt, sends a message to King Josiah, warning him not to interfere with his military campaign. Necho makes it clear that he has no conflict with Josiah or Judah, but is instead focused on fighting another nation. He claims that God has instructed him to carry out this mission and urges Josiah to back off, warning that opposing him would be equivalent to opposing God’s plan, which would bring destruction on Josiah.
Necho’s message is surprising because it implies that God was directing a foreign king’s military actions, even though Necho was not a worshiper of the God of Israel. Necho seems to recognize God’s sovereignty in this matter and tries to dissuade Josiah from entering into a conflict that is not his own. Despite this warning, Josiah continues with his decision, which ultimately leads to his downfall.
Historical Context
This event took place during a period of political and military turmoil in the ancient Near East. The Assyrian Empire, which had long been the dominant power in the region, was weakening, and Babylon was emerging as a new rival. Necho, the king of Egypt, was marching north to assist the Assyrians in their fight against Babylon at Carchemish, a critical battle for control of the region.
King Josiah of Judah had previously led a spiritual revival and religious reforms in his kingdom, but his decision to confront Necho was a political and military move, not a spiritual one. Necho’s warning to Josiah indicates that Josiah’s interference in this conflict was not part of God’s plan, even though Josiah may have thought he was acting in the best interests of his nation. The outcome of this conflict would soon lead to Josiah’s death and the eventual decline of Judah, which would culminate in its conquest by Babylon.
Theological Implications
This verse raises important questions about discerning God’s will and the consequences of acting against it. Necho’s message suggests that even foreign rulers, who do not follow Israel’s God, can be used by God to carry out His purposes. This highlights God’s sovereignty over all nations and rulers, showing that He can work through people outside of Israel to accomplish His plans.
It also points to the danger of ignoring God’s warnings. Josiah had been a faithful king, but in this instance, he did not listen to the warning given to him. Even though the message came from an unexpected source, it was still a message from God. Josiah’s failure to heed this warning led to his untimely death, showing that no one is exempt from the consequences of disregarding God’s guidance.
Literary Analysis
This verse serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative. It contrasts the religious devotion of Josiah’s earlier reforms with his fateful decision to enter a political conflict without seeking God’s counsel. Necho’s message is direct and to the point, emphasizing that Josiah’s actions are not aligned with God’s will. The repetition of the idea that Necho is acting on God’s instructions reinforces the gravity of the situation and highlights the consequences of Josiah’s disobedience.
The structure of the verse also builds tension. Necho’s message includes both an explanation of his mission and a warning to Josiah, urging him to reconsider his course of action. The clear warning that “God is with me” and “He will destroy you” underscores the seriousness of the decision Josiah is facing and the consequences of ignoring divine direction.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Proverbs 16:9: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” This verse reminds us that while we may make plans, God’s will ultimately prevails, as seen in Necho’s message to Josiah.
- Isaiah 45:1-5: In this passage, God calls Cyrus, a foreign king, to fulfill His purposes, showing that God can use non-Israelite rulers to accomplish His will, just as He did with Necho.
- Romans 13:1: This verse speaks to the idea that God establishes rulers and authorities, implying that even foreign powers can be under God’s control.
- Jonah 1:1-3: Like Josiah, Jonah initially resisted God’s direction, which led to negative consequences. Both stories highlight the importance of obeying God’s instructions, even when they seem unexpected or come from unlikely sources.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a warning about the importance of seeking God’s will in all decisions, especially when we are faced with difficult or unexpected situations. Josiah, who had been a faithful king, made the mistake of ignoring a warning that came from an unlikely source. This reminds us that God can speak to us in ways we may not expect, and it is important to remain open to His direction, even if it challenges our own plans or assumptions.
This verse also underscores the sovereignty of God over all nations and events. Necho, a foreign ruler, claimed to be acting under God’s direction, and the narrative confirms that God was indeed using him for His purposes. This shows us that God is in control of history, and His plans will prevail, even if they don’t align with our immediate understanding.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in this verse through His desire to warn Josiah, even if the warning came through an unexpected source. Necho’s message was a chance for Josiah to avoid unnecessary conflict and harm. God’s warnings are acts of love, given to guide us away from danger and toward His will. Although Josiah did not listen, the warning itself was a sign of God’s care and concern for His people.
God’s love is also seen in His patience and willingness to guide people, even when they are on the wrong path. Josiah had led his nation in a spiritual revival, but even in this moment of misjudgment, God reached out to him through Necho. This reflects God’s ongoing love and desire for His people to follow His guidance, even in moments of weakness or confusion.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ in the sense that it highlights the importance of listening to God’s direction and obeying His will, themes that are central to Jesus’ life and ministry. Jesus often spoke of doing the will of His Father (John 5:30), and He modeled perfect obedience, even to the point of death on the cross.
Furthermore, Necho’s role as a foreign ruler being used by God points to the broader biblical theme of God working through unexpected means to accomplish His purposes. Jesus Himself was an unexpected Savior—born in humble circumstances and not fitting the mold of a typical king—yet He was the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan for redemption.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Josiah’s failure to listen to Necho’s warning challenge us to consider how we respond to unexpected or unlikely sources of wisdom or guidance in our own lives?
- What can this verse teach us about the importance of seeking God’s direction in every decision, especially in situations that seem uncertain or complicated?
- How does the idea of God using a foreign ruler like Necho to accomplish His will deepen our understanding of God’s sovereignty over all nations and events?
- In what ways does this passage encourage us to be more attentive to God’s warnings and guidance in our daily lives?
- How does Josiah’s mistake contrast with Jesus’ perfect obedience to God’s will, and what can we learn from Jesus’ example in our own walk with God?
This verse from 2 Chronicles 35:21 reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s will and being open to His guidance, even when it comes from unexpected sources. It challenges us to remain humble and attentive to God’s direction in all areas of life. Ultimately, it points us to Jesus Christ, whose perfect obedience to God’s will brings us into a restored relationship with God, offering us a model of faithfulness that we can strive to follow in our own lives.