2 Chronicles 35:22

KJV

Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nevertheless Josiah {H2977} would not turn {H5437} his face {H6440} from him, but disguised {H2664} himself, that he might fight {H3898} with him, and hearkened {H8085} not unto the words {H1697} of Necho {H5224} from the mouth {H6310} of God {H430}, and came {H935} to fight {H3898} in the valley {H1237} of Megiddo {H4023}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Nevertheless, Yoshiyahu was determined to go after him. He disguised himself in order to fight against him and wouldn't listen to what N'kho said, which was from the mouth of God. Then he went to fight in the Megiddo Valley.

Berean Standard Bible

Josiah, however, did not turn away from him; instead, in order to engage him in battle, he disguised himself. He did not listen to Neco’s words from the mouth of God, but went to fight him on the Plain of Megiddo.

American Standard Version

Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Neco from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 35:22 records the pivotal and tragic decision of King Josiah of Judah to engage Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt in battle at Megiddo. Despite receiving a direct divine warning, explicitly stated to be "from the mouth of God" through Necho, Josiah stubbornly refused to turn back, choosing instead to disguise himself and confront the Egyptian forces. This act of disobedience, from an otherwise righteous king, set in motion the events leading to his untimely death and marked a devastating turning point for the kingdom of Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the latter part of 2 Chronicles 35, which details the final, tragic events of King Josiah's reign. The preceding verses (2 Chronicles 35:20-21) set the stage, describing Pharaoh Necho's march through Judah to fight against Carchemish on the Euphrates and his direct warning to Josiah not to interfere, stating his mission was divinely sanctioned. Josiah's refusal in 2 Chronicles 35:22 directly leads to his fatal injury in [2 Chronicles 35:23](/2_chronicles/35-23 "2 Chronicles 35:23 - Josiah is Wounded") and subsequent death and national mourning described in [2 Chronicles 35:24-25](/2_chronicles/35-24 "2 Chronicles 35:24-25 - Josiah's Death and Mourning"). The Chronicler emphasizes Josiah's disobedience to "the words of Necho from the mouth of God" as the direct cause of his demise, contrasting sharply with his earlier faithfulness and extensive reforms detailed in [2 Chronicles 34](/2_chronicles/34 "2 Chronicles 34 - Josiah's Reforms").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah reigned during a tumultuous period in the late 7th century BC (c. 640-609 BC). The once-dominant Assyrian Empire was in decline, creating a power vacuum that Babylon and Egypt sought to fill. Pharaoh Necho II was leading Egyptian forces north to aid the remnants of the Assyrian army against the rising Babylonian power at Carchemish. Judah, under Josiah, had enjoyed a period of spiritual revival and national independence, largely due to Assyria's weakness. Josiah's decision to intercept Necho at Megiddo, a strategic battleground in the Jezreel Valley, is often interpreted as an attempt to prevent Egyptian passage, perhaps to protect Judah's newfound autonomy or to align with Babylon against Egypt. Culturally, it was highly unusual for a divine message to be conveyed through a pagan king, yet the text explicitly states its divine origin, highlighting God's sovereignty over all nations and His ability to communicate through unexpected channels.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme underscored by this verse is the **consequences of disobedience to divine counsel**, even for a righteous king. Josiah, despite his exemplary devotion and extensive reforms (see [2 Kings 22-23](/2_kings/22 "2 Kings 22-23 - Josiah's Reign and Reforms")), demonstrates a profound failure of discernment and humility by rejecting a clear warning from God, albeit delivered by an unlikely messenger. This highlights the theme of **God's sovereignty operating through unexpected channels**, as God uses a pagan pharaoh to communicate His will, similar to how He spoke through [Balaam's donkey in Numbers 22:28](/numbers/22-28 "Numbers 22:28 - Balaam's Donkey Speaks"). The verse also contributes to the tragic theme of **the fall of a good king**, demonstrating that even the most devout can make fatal errors in judgment when pride or a misinterpretation of God's will takes precedence over clear divine guidance. Josiah's death at Megiddo marks the end of Judah's spiritual revival and foreshadows the impending Babylonian exile, underscoring the severe **consequences of rash decisions** and the fragile nature of national well-being when divine warnings are ignored.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"hearkened not" (Hebrew, _lo'-hesev_):** This phrase, derived from the root סבב (*savav*), meaning "to turn, go around," implies more than simply "not listening." It conveys a deliberate and stubborn refusal to turn away from a chosen path or to change one's mind. Josiah's action was not an oversight but an active rejection of the divine warning, indicating a hardened resolve to proceed with his plan despite clear instruction.
* **"from the mouth of God" (Hebrew, _mi-pi Elohim_):** This critical phrase explicitly attributes the origin of Necho's words to God Himself. It removes any ambiguity about the source of the warning, emphasizing that Josiah's disregard was not merely a political miscalculation or a rejection of a human adversary's advice, but a direct affront to the divine will. The use of "Elohim," a general term for God, rather than YHWH, might subtly underscore God's universal sovereignty, extending even to the affairs of pagan nations and their rulers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him,"**: This clause immediately highlights Josiah's unyielding determination. Despite Necho's clear warning in the previous verse, Josiah refused to avert his gaze or change his course of action. This signals a stubborn resolve, perhaps rooted in pride, a miscalculation of his own strength, or a misguided sense of divine mission.
* **"but disguised himself, that he might fight with him,"**: Josiah's decision to disguise himself suggests an awareness of the danger or a tactical attempt to avoid being a primary target. It implies a strategic, yet ultimately futile, effort to control the outcome of a battle he was divinely warned against. This act underscores his determination to engage in conflict, even under deceptive pretenses, rather than heed the warning.
* **"and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God,"**: This is the theological crux of the verse. The Chronicler explicitly states that Necho's words were divinely inspired, making Josiah's refusal a direct act of disobedience to God. This phrase elevates the political confrontation to a spiritual rebellion, revealing the gravity of Josiah's error. It emphasizes that God can speak through any channel, and His message remains authoritative regardless of the messenger.
* **"and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo."**: This final clause states the tragic outcome of Josiah's stubbornness. Megiddo, a strategically important location, became the site of Josiah's fatal battle. The simple statement of his arrival underscores the inevitability of the consequences once he chose to ignore the divine warning, leading directly to the events of the subsequent verses.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several potent literary devices in 2 Chronicles 35:22 to underscore the tragedy and theological significance of Josiah's actions. **Irony** is prominent, as Josiah, Judah's most righteous king, known for his zealous obedience to God's law, meets his end through an act of direct disobedience to a divine warning. This stark contrast between his general character and this specific fatal decision deepens the tragedy. There is also clear **Foreshadowing**, as Josiah's stubborn refusal to "turn his face" from Necho directly foreshadows his imminent death, which is a direct consequence of this defiance. The narrative also employs **Emphasis** through the explicit statement "from the mouth of God," leaving no doubt about the divine origin of the warning and thus magnifying the culpability of Josiah's disobedience. This verse serves as a **Turning Point** in the narrative of Judah, marking the abrupt end of a period of revival and setting the stage for the kingdom's rapid decline and eventual exile, making Josiah's death a deeply **Tragic** event.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound theological implication of 2 Chronicles 35:22 lies in its stark portrayal of the consequences of human disobedience to divine revelation, even when the messenger is unexpected. Josiah's otherwise exemplary life and reign of reform are tragically overshadowed by this single, fatal act of defiance. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating His capacity to communicate His will through any means, including a pagan ruler, and holding His people accountable to that revealed will. This incident serves as a powerful reminder that piety and past faithfulness do not grant immunity from the consequences of present disobedience. It also highlights the critical importance of discernment—recognizing God's voice regardless of the channel—and humility in leadership, emphasizing that even the most devout can fall prey to pride or misjudgment, leading to devastating outcomes for themselves and their people.

* [Numbers 22:28](/numbers/22-28 "God Speaks Through a Donkey")
* [1 Kings 13:20-22](/1_kings/13-20 "The Prophet Disobeys and Dies")
* [Isaiah 30:15](/isaiah/30-15 "In Repentance and Rest is Your Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic account of Josiah's death at Megiddo, precipitated by his refusal to heed a divine warning, offers profound lessons for believers today. It challenges us to cultivate a posture of humility and discernment, recognizing that God's wisdom often transcends our human understanding and may come through unexpected, even seemingly unconventional, channels. Our past faithfulness or good intentions do not exempt us from the need for present obedience. We must constantly examine our motives, ensuring that personal ambition, pride, or a misguided sense of strategy do not override clear divine guidance. The narrative serves as a sobering reminder that disobedience, even from a heart generally devoted to God, carries severe consequences, impacting not only the individual but also the community they lead. Ultimately, it calls us to a deeper trust in God's sovereign plan and a willingness to surrender our own agendas to His perfect will, understanding that true wisdom lies in hearkening to His voice above all others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be prone to ignoring God's warnings, especially if they come through unexpected or uncomfortable sources?**
* **How can I cultivate greater discernment to recognize God's voice amidst the clamor of my own desires or the counsel of others?**
* **What areas of my life might be driven by pride or a sense of self-sufficiency, rather than humble reliance on God's guidance?**
* **Considering Josiah's otherwise righteous reign, what does his fatal error teach me about the ongoing need for vigilance and obedience in my spiritual walk?**

### FAQ
**Why would God speak through a pagan king like Pharaoh Necho?**

Answer: God's sovereignty extends over all creation, including pagan nations and their rulers. The Bible consistently demonstrates God's ability to use anyone or anything to accomplish His purposes and communicate His will. In this instance, God chose to speak through Pharaoh Necho to warn Josiah, perhaps to emphasize the absolute divine origin of the message, making Josiah's disobedience even more egregious. This is not an isolated incident; God has used pagan rulers like Cyrus ([Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Cyrus as God's Shepherd")) and Nebuchadnezzar ([Jeremiah 27:6](/jeremiah/27-6 "Jeremiah 27:6 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")) as instruments of His will. It highlights that God is not limited by human conventions or religious boundaries when it comes to delivering His message or executing His plan. The critical factor is not the messenger's piety, but the message's divine origin, which the Chronicler explicitly affirms here.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic disobedience of King Josiah in 2 Chronicles 35:22, leading to his death, stands in stark contrast to the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate King. Josiah, despite his good intentions and righteous reign, chose to "hearken not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God," resulting in his demise and a period of decline for Judah. This human failure highlights the desperate need for a perfectly obedient King. Jesus, the true Son of David and the King of Kings, perfectly fulfilled this need. He consistently "hearkened" to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross, declaring, "[Not my will, but yours be done](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). Unlike Josiah, who sought to save his own life through disguise and battle, Christ willingly laid down His life, becoming the ultimate sacrifice, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His perfect obedience, even unto death, reversed the curse of disobedience and secured eternal life for all who believe, providing the true spiritual revival and lasting kingdom that Josiah's reign could only foreshadow but not fully achieve. Through Christ, the consequences of human rebellion are overcome, and humanity is offered reconciliation with God, not through a king's valiant but misguided efforts, but through the perfect, obedient sacrifice of the Son of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 5:19

The kings came [and] fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.

2 Chronicles 18:29

And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and will go to the battle; but put thou on thy robes. So the king of Israel disguised himself; and they went to the battle.

2 Chronicles 35:21

But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? [I come] not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war: for God commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from [meddling with] God, who [is] with me, that he destroy thee not.

1 Kings 22:30

And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and enter into the battle; but put thou on thy robes. And the king of Israel disguised himself, and went into the battle.

2 Kings 23:30

And his servants carried him in a chariot dead from Megiddo, and brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own sepulchre. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father's stead.

Revelation 16:16

And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

2 Kings 9:27

But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw [this], he fled by the way of the garden house. And Jehu followed after him, and said, Smite him also in the chariot. [And they did so] at the going up to Gur, which [is] by Ibleam. And he fled to Megiddo, and died there.