2 Chronicles 36:1

¶ Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and made him king in his father's stead in Jerusalem.

Then the people {H5971} of the land {H776} took {H3947} Jehoahaz {H3059} the son {H1121} of Josiah {H2977}, and made him king {H4427} in his father's {H1} stead in Jerusalem {H3389}.

Then the people of the land took Y'ho'achaz the son of Yoshiyahu and made him king in his father's place, in Yerushalayim.

Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah and made him king in Jerusalem in place of his father.

Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and made him king in his father’s stead in Jerusalem.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 36:1 marks a pivotal and somber moment in the history of the Kingdom of Judah, immediately following the tragic death of King Josiah, one of Judah's last righteous kings. This verse sets the stage for the kingdom's rapid decline towards exile.

Context

The preceding chapter describes the death of King Josiah at Megiddo, a devastating blow to Judah. In the vacuum left by his sudden demise, "the people of the land" (Hebrew: 'am ha'aretz) took matters into their own hands. This phrase refers to the free citizens, landowners, and influential elders who held significant political sway. Instead of the traditional succession of the eldest son, they chose Jehoahaz, also known as Shallum (Jeremiah 22:11), Josiah's son but not his firstborn. This act highlights a period of political instability and reflects a popular, though ultimately ill-fated, choice for leadership in Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Succession and Royal Authority: The verse demonstrates the influence of the "people of the land" in royal succession during a time of crisis. Their decision to bypass older brothers for Jehoahaz underscores a deviation from standard dynastic practice, reflecting a desire for a particular leader in uncertain times.
  • The Beginning of Judah's Decline: Josiah's death and the subsequent choice of Jehoahaz signal the onset of the final, rapid collapse of the Southern Kingdom. Jehoahaz's reign was very short and marked by foreign intervention (2 Chronicles 36:2-4), foreshadowing the eventual Babylonian captivity.
  • Human Choice vs. Divine Will: While the people exercised their right to choose a king, Jehoahaz's brief and ungodly reign suggests that this popular choice did not align with God's long-term plan for the nation's stability and spiritual well-being.

Linguistic Insight

The term "people of the land" ('am ha'aretz) is significant. It denotes a specific group of influential citizens, not merely the general populace. Their active role in "taking" Jehoahaz and "making him king" emphasizes their political power and the popular mandate they bestowed upon him, contrasting with instances where kings were explicitly chosen or appointed by God or through established dynastic lines.

Practical Application

This verse offers insights into leadership transitions and the consequences of human choices. It reminds us that while human beings have agency in choosing leaders, the ultimate success and spiritual health of a community or nation depend on alignment with divine principles and wisdom. The tumultuous period following Josiah's death serves as a historical reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance, especially during times of crisis and leadership change, rather than relying solely on popular opinion or immediate expediency.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 22:11 (3 votes)

    For thus saith the LORD touching Shallum the son of Josiah king of Judah, which reigned instead of Josiah his father, which went forth out of this place; He shall not return thither any more:

  • 2 Kings 23:30 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Kings 23:37 (2 votes)

    And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his fathers had done.

  • 1 Chronicles 3:15 (2 votes)

    And the sons of Josiah [were], the firstborn Johanan, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum.

  • 2 Chronicles 26:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who [was] sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah.

  • 2 Chronicles 33:25 (2 votes)

    But the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his stead.