2 Chronicles 35:23

KJV

And the archers shot at king Josiah; and the king said to his servants, Have me away; for I am sore wounded.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the archers {H3384} shot {H3384} at king {H4428} Josiah {H2977}; and the king {H4428} said {H559} to his servants {H5650}, Have me away {H5674}; for I am sore {H3966} wounded {H2470}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There archers shot King Yoshiyahu. The king said to his servants, "Take me away, because I'm badly wounded."

Berean Standard Bible

There the archers shot King Josiah, who said to his servants, “Take me away, for I am badly wounded!”

American Standard Version

And the archers shot at king Josiah; and the king said to his servants, Have me away; for I am sore wounded.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 35:23 tragically recounts the mortal wounding of King Josiah by archers during his ill-advised engagement with Pharaoh Necho's forces at Megiddo. Despite his profound righteousness and extensive reforms, Josiah's decision to intervene in a conflict not his own, against what the Chronicler portrays as a divinely-inspired warning, led directly to his fatal injury and the subsequent decline of Judah, marking a pivotal and sorrowful moment in the kingdom's history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of Josiah's reign, immediately following his refusal to heed Pharaoh Necho's warning in [2 Chronicles 35:20-22](/2_chronicles/35-20 "2 Chronicles 35:20-22 - Pharaoh Necho's Warning to Josiah"). The Chronicler emphasizes that Necho's message was "from the mouth of God" ([2 Chronicles 35:22](/2_chronicles/35-22 "2 Chronicles 35:22 - Josiah's Refusal to Listen")), underscoring Josiah's culpability for his subsequent actions. Verse 23 details the direct consequence of his disobedience, leading into the king's death and the lamentations that follow in [2 Chronicles 35:24-25](/2_chronicles/35-24 "2 Chronicles 35:24-25 - Josiah's Death and Lamentation"). This tragic end serves as a stark theological commentary by the Chronicler on the consequences of even a righteous king ignoring divine counsel, setting the stage for Judah's rapid decline towards exile.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 2 Chronicles 35 occur around 609 BC, a tumultuous period in the ancient Near East. The Assyrian Empire, which had long dominated the region, was in decline, and new powers like Babylon and Egypt were vying for supremacy. Pharaoh Necho II was marching north to assist the remnants of the Assyrian army against the rising Babylonian power at Carchemish on the Euphrates. Megiddo, where the battle took place, was a strategically vital plain in northern Judah, a historical battleground (e.g., [Judges 5:19](/judges/5-19 "Judges 5:19 - Battle at Megiddo")). Josiah, a devout king who had purged idolatry and restored the Passover ([2 Chronicles 34-35](/2_chronicles/34 "2 Chronicles 34 - Josiah's Reforms")), may have seen an opportunity to assert Judah's independence or prevent Egyptian passage through his territory, aligning with his anti-Assyrian stance. However, his intervention against Necho, who claimed divine backing for his campaign, proved fatal.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative surrounding Josiah's death highlights several crucial themes. Firstly, it underscores the **consequences of disobedience**, even for a king as righteous as Josiah. His failure to discern or heed God's warning, delivered through an unexpected messenger, directly led to his demise, illustrating that piety does not exempt one from the repercussions of poor judgment or outright defiance. Secondly, it explores the theme of **divine sovereignty versus human responsibility**. While God's plan for Judah's judgment was unfolding (as seen in later chapters like [2 Chronicles 36](/2_chronicles/36 "2 Chronicles 36 - The Fall of Judah")), Josiah's specific choice to engage in battle was his own, with tragic results. Finally, the Chronicler uses Josiah's death to emphasize the **importance of heeding prophetic warnings** and the **fragility of even a reformed nation** when its leaders fail to walk in complete obedience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **shot (Hebrew, _yarah'_):** This verb (יָרָה) means "to cast," "to shoot," or "to throw." In this context, it specifically refers to the action of archers releasing arrows. The use of this word emphasizes the direct and intentional nature of the attack, highlighting that Josiah was specifically targeted or caught in the lethal volley of arrows, rather than suffering a random injury. It conveys the immediate and decisive nature of the blow.
* **sore wounded (Hebrew, _chalah me'od'_):** The Hebrew phrase חָלָה מְאֹד literally translates to "sick greatly" or "severely ill/wounded." The verb חָלָה (_chalah_) denotes being weak, sick, or diseased, often implying a critical or even mortal condition. The intensifier מְאֹד (_me'od_), meaning "greatly" or "very," underscores the severity of Josiah's injury. This is not a minor scratch but a wound of such gravity that it immediately incapacitates him and proves fatal, necessitating his urgent removal from the battlefield.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the archers shot at king Josiah;":** This clause immediately identifies the agents of Josiah's injury—the archers—and the direct action taken against him. It highlights the suddenness and lethality of ancient warfare, where a volley of arrows could quickly turn the tide of battle and fell even a king. The focus is on the direct cause of his critical state.
* **"and the king said to his servants, Have me away;":** This reveals Josiah's immediate response to being struck. His command, "Have me away" (literally "take me out"), indicates a clear recognition of the severity of his wound and the urgent need to be removed from the immediate danger of the battle. It shows his awareness of his incapacitation and his desire to preserve his life, or at least to die away from the chaos of the fight.
* **"for I am sore wounded.":** This final clause provides the explicit reason for Josiah's urgent command. It confirms the critical nature of his injury, conveying the king's own assessment that his wound is not merely painful but potentially mortal. This statement underscores the tragic reality of his situation and foreshadows his impending death.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Josiah's death in 2 Chronicles 35:23 is imbued with several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Tragedy**, as a righteous king, beloved by God and his people, meets an untimely and avoidable end due to a single, fatal error in judgment. This evokes **Pathos**, a deep sense of pity and sorrow for Josiah, whose zeal for the Lord ultimately led him to a misguided battle. There is also profound **Irony** in his death: a king who meticulously purged idolatry and restored proper worship, and who was known for his obedience, dies precisely because he disobeys a warning that the Chronicler explicitly states came "from the mouth of God" ([2 Chronicles 35:22](/2_chronicles/35-22 "2 Chronicles 35:22 - Josiah's Disobedience")). Furthermore, his death at Megiddo, a place associated with decisive battles and future eschatological conflicts, might be seen as **Foreshadowing** the inevitable doom awaiting Judah, as its last truly righteous king is removed, paving the way for the Babylonian exile.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The death of King Josiah, as depicted in 2 Chronicles 35:23, presents a profound theological paradox: a king who "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord" ([2 Chronicles 34:2](/2_chronicles/34-2 "2 Chronicles 34:2 - Josiah's Righteous Reign")) and led a sweeping spiritual revival, nevertheless meets a tragic end due to a specific act of disobedience. This narrative underscores the Chronicler's consistent theological message: obedience brings blessing, and disobedience brings consequences, regardless of one's past faithfulness or overall character. Josiah's zeal, while commendable, was ultimately misguided when he failed to discern or heed a divine warning, even if delivered through an unexpected source like Pharaoh Necho. This highlights the importance of humility and discernment, reminding us that even the most devout individuals are not immune to the repercussions of acting outside of God's revealed will or wisdom. His death marks the end of an era of reform and ushers in a period of rapid decline for Judah, serving as a solemn warning about the cumulative impact of leadership decisions on a nation's spiritual trajectory.

* [2 Kings 23:29-30](/2_kings/23-29 "2 Kings 23:29-30 - Parallel Account of Josiah's Death")
* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic demise of King Josiah in 2 Chronicles 35:23 offers timeless lessons for believers today, particularly concerning the nature of discernment, humility, and the consequences of our choices. Josiah's story reminds us that even admirable zeal and a history of faithfulness do not exempt us from the need for careful discernment of God's will in specific situations. His failure to heed a warning, which the text attributes to God's own voice, underscores the critical importance of listening to counsel, even when it comes from unexpected or seemingly ungodly sources. We are called to cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing that our own wisdom is finite and that presumption can lead to devastating outcomes. This passage challenges us to consider whether our actions are truly aligned with divine leading or if they are driven by our own plans, no matter how well-intentioned. It serves as a sobering reminder that even the most righteous among us are accountable for their individual decisions, and that ignoring wisdom or divine instruction can have profound and irreversible impacts, not only on ourselves but also on those we lead or influence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern God's voice, especially when it comes through unexpected or seemingly secular channels?**
* **In what areas of my life might zeal or good intentions be leading me to act presumptuously, rather than in humble reliance on God's clear leading?**
* **What are the potential consequences of my current decisions, and have I sought wise counsel and divine guidance before acting?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater spirit of humility to avoid the pitfalls of self-reliance, even when I believe I am acting for God?**

### FAQ
**Why did Josiah, a seemingly righteous king, die in battle?**

Answer: Josiah's death, as described in 2 Chronicles 35:23, is presented by the Chronicler as a direct consequence of his disobedience to a divine warning. Pharaoh Necho, on his way to fight at Carchemish, sent messengers to Josiah, explicitly stating that his war was not against Judah and that God was with him in his endeavor ([2 Chronicles 35:20-21](/2_chronicles/35-20 "2 Chronicles 35:20-21 - Pharaoh Necho's Warning")). The text is clear that Necho's words were "from the mouth of God" ([2 Chronicles 35:22](/2_chronicles/35-22 "2 Chronicles 35:22 - Josiah's Refusal")). Despite his overall righteousness and extensive reforms, Josiah refused to listen, disguised himself, and went to battle at Megiddo, where he was mortally wounded. His death serves as a stark theological lesson that even the most devout individuals are accountable for their specific choices and can suffer severe consequences for ignoring divine counsel or acting presumptuously.

**What is the significance of Megiddo in this context?**

Answer: Megiddo, located in the Jezreel Valley, was a strategically important location and a frequent battleground in ancient Israel's history. Its significance here is multi-layered. Historically, it was a place of decisive conflicts, often associated with the fate of Israel (e.g., [Judges 5:19](/judges/5-19 "Judges 5:19 - Battle at Megiddo - Deborah and Barak")). For Josiah, it became the site of his tragic end, marking a turning point in Judah's history from a period of revival to one of rapid decline. Prophetically, Megiddo (or "Armageddon," a transliteration of "Har Megiddo," meaning "Mount Megiddo") is famously mentioned in [Revelation 16:16](/revelation/16-16 "Revelation 16:16 - Armageddon") as the gathering place for the final great battle. While the battle in 2 Chronicles 35 is a historical event, its setting at Megiddo adds a layer of somber resonance, connecting Josiah's personal tragedy to a broader theme of conflict and divine judgment that echoes throughout biblical history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic death of King Josiah in 2 Chronicles 35:23, though a consequence of his own disobedience, paradoxically highlights the profound necessity and unique nature of Christ's perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice. Josiah, a king who "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord" ([2 Chronicles 34:2](/2_chronicles/34-2 "2 Chronicles 34:2 - Josiah's Righteous Reign")), ultimately failed to heed divine counsel, leading to his fatal wounding and the subsequent unraveling of Judah's spiritual state. His death, therefore, is a testament to the fallibility of even the best human leaders and the inability of human righteousness, however zealous, to fully secure salvation or avert judgment. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ, the ultimate King, perfectly obeyed the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Unlike Josiah, whose death was a consequence of a misguided battle, Christ's death was a deliberate, atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Josiah's death brought lamentation and marked the beginning of Judah's decline towards exile ([2 Chronicles 35:25](/2_chronicles/35-25 "2 Chronicles 35:25 - Lamentations for Josiah")); Christ's death, followed by His resurrection, brought hope, life, and the promise of eternal salvation to all who believe ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated") and [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message")). Josiah's story, therefore, serves as a poignant backdrop, magnifying the unparalleled perfection and redemptive power of Christ's life, death, and resurrection, which alone can truly deliver humanity from the consequences of sin and disobedience.

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

1 Kings 22:34

And a [certain] man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.

2 Chronicles 18:33

And a [certain] man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: therefore he said to his chariot man, Turn thine hand, that thou mayest carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.

2 Kings 8:29

And king Joram went back to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. And Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Joram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick.

Lamentations 3:13

He hath caused the arrows of his quiver to enter into my reins.

2 Kings 9:24

And Jehu drew a bow with his full strength, and smote Jehoram between his arms, and the arrow went out at his heart, and he sunk down in his chariot.

Genesis 49:23

The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot [at him], and hated him: