2 Chronicles 36:3

KJV

And the king of Egypt put him down at Jerusalem, and condemned the land in an hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714} put him down {H5493} at Jerusalem {H3389}, and condemned {H6064} the land {H776} in an hundred {H3967} talents {H3603} of silver {H3701} and a talent {H3603} of gold {H2091}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the king of Egypt deposed him in Yerushalayim and imposed a penalty on the land of three-and-a-third tons of silver and sixty-six pounds of gold.

Berean Standard Bible

And the king of Egypt dethroned him in Jerusalem and imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold.

American Standard Version

And the king of Egypt deposed him at Jerusalem, and fined the land a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse vividly captures a critical juncture in the decline of the Kingdom of Judah, immediately following the tragic death of King Josiah. It details Pharaoh Neco II of Egypt's decisive assertion of imperial dominance by deposing King Jehoahaz, whom the people had recently enthroned in Jerusalem. This foreign intervention is further underscored by the imposition of an exorbitant financial tribute on the land, signifying Judah's swift transition from an independent kingdom to a subjugated vassal state, a direct precursor to its eventual Babylonian exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse follows the profound national tragedy of King Josiah's death at Megiddo, as recounted in [2 Chronicles 35:20-24](/2_chronicles/35-20-24 "2 Chronicles 35:20-24 - Josiah's Fatal Battle and Death"). Josiah's reign was a beacon of spiritual reform and faithfulness, making his demise a catastrophic turning point for Judah. Immediately after his death, the people of the land, in a display of national self-determination, appointed his son, Jehoahaz, to the throne ([2 Chronicles 36:1](/2_chronicles/36-1 "2 Chronicles 36:1 - Jehoahaz's Accession")). However, Jehoahaz's reign was remarkably brief—a mere three months—and marked by unrighteousness, as he "did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD" ([2 Chronicles 36:2](/2_chronicles/36-2 "2 Chronicles 36:2 - Jehoahaz's Evil Reign")). Therefore, [2 Chronicles 36:3](/2_chronicles/36-3 "2 Chronicles 36:3 - Pharaoh Neco Deposes Jehoahaz") describes the swift and forceful response of Pharaoh Neco, who, having recently defeated Josiah, now asserted his newly established authority over Judah. This act of deposing Jehoahaz and imposing a heavy fine sets the immediate stage for Judah's accelerated political and spiritual decline, leading inexorably towards the Babylonian exile under subsequent, equally unfaithful kings.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 7th century BCE was a tumultuous period in the ancient Near East, characterized by a significant power vacuum left by the decaying Assyrian Empire. Egypt, under the ambitious Pharaoh Neco II, sought to re-establish its historical influence in the Levant, while the Neo-Babylonian Empire was rapidly ascending as the new dominant force. Neco's military campaign to aid the remnants of Assyria against Babylon led him through Judah's territory, culminating in the fateful confrontation with King Josiah at Megiddo. Upon his return journey, having achieved his immediate objectives, Neco consolidated his control over the region. His actions in Jerusalem—the unilateral removal of a king and the imposition of a substantial tribute—were standard imperial practices designed to assert suzerainty over a defeated or newly subjugated state. The specified "hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold" represented an immense sum, functioning not merely as revenue but as a clear and punitive demonstration of Judah's new vassal status and a cost for the recent military engagements or perceived defiance.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several profound themes central to the Deuteronomistic History, which the Chronicler interprets for his audience. Firstly, it starkly illustrates the theme of **divine judgment and sovereignty**. While Pharaoh Neco acts as the immediate agent, the biblical narrative consistently frames such foreign subjugation as the direct consequence of Judah's persistent unfaithfulness and idolatry, despite Josiah's earlier reforms. This event underscores God's ultimate control over all nations and their rulers, even those who do not acknowledge Him, as seen in the divine orchestration of human affairs (e.g., [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord")). Secondly, it highlights the **loss of national sovereignty and the onset of vassalage**. Judah's cherished independence, a hallmark of its covenant relationship with God, is visibly eroded as a foreign king dictates its leadership and economic policy. This marks a critical and irreversible step towards the complete loss of autonomy and the impending Babylonian exile, a judgment frequently foretold by prophets like Jeremiah, who prophesied a seventy-year captivity for the nation ([Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Prophecy of Seventy Years' Captivity")). Finally, the **economic burden** imposed by the tribute underscores the tangible and severe consequences of their spiritual decline and political subjugation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **put him down (Hebrew, _çûwr_):** This verb, derived from an unused root meaning "to turn off," conveys a forceful and decisive action of removal or deposition. It signifies that Pharaoh Neco's intervention was not a gentle request or a negotiated agreement, but a unilateral act of a conquering power asserting its authority. The swiftness of Jehoahaz's removal after only three months on the throne underscores Judah's complete lack of political agency and the overwhelming dominance of Egypt.
* **condemned (Hebrew, _ʻânash_):** This primitive root means "to inflict a penalty," specifically "to fine" or "to amerce." It implies a punitive judgment rather than a simple tax or levy. Pharaoh Neco was not merely collecting revenue; he was imposing a penalty on the land of Judah, treating it as a conquered territory subject to his decree. This highlights the punitive aspect of the tribute, emphasizing Judah's subjugation and the direct consequences of its recent history and perceived insubordination.
* **talents (Hebrew, _kikkâr_):** This term refers to a "circle" and, by implication, a "large (round) coin" or a "talent," which was a substantial unit of weight and currency in the ancient Near East. A talent typically weighed around 75 pounds (approximately 34 kilograms). Therefore, "an hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold" represented an immense sum of wealth—roughly 3.4 metric tons of silver and 34 kilograms of gold. This staggering amount underscores the crippling economic burden placed upon Judah, designed to drain its resources and ensure its continued subservience to Egypt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king of Egypt put him down at Jerusalem":** This clause describes Pharaoh Neco's direct and forceful intervention in Judah's internal affairs. "Him" refers to Jehoahaz, whom the people had appointed king. Neco's presence "at Jerusalem" signifies his complete authority over the capital and, by extension, the entire kingdom. This act demonstrates Judah's immediate loss of self-determination and the imposition of foreign rule, highlighting the vulnerability of a nation whose spiritual foundation has crumbled.
* **"and condemned the land":** This phrase indicates that Neco's action was not merely against the deposed king but against the entire nation of Judah. The "condemnation" implies a punitive measure, a fine levied as a consequence of their subjugation or perhaps as a cost for Neco's military campaign and the perceived resistance from Josiah. It signifies a collective burden and a clear mark of their new, subservient status, reflecting the Deuteronomic curses for disobedience.
* **"in an hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold":** This specifies the exact and enormous amount of the tribute imposed. The sheer quantity of silver and gold highlights the severity of the financial burden. This tribute would have severely impoverished the kingdom, draining its treasury and resources, further cementing its position as a vassal state under Egyptian control and foreshadowing the deeper desolation of the impending exile.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices that amplify its theological and historical significance. **Foreshadowing** is prominently featured, as this event serves as a clear and ominous precursor to the ultimate Babylonian captivity and the complete destruction of Jerusalem. The imposition of foreign rule and heavy tribute signals that Judah's independent existence is rapidly drawing to a close, with increasing external control. There is also a strong element of **irony** in the narrative: Josiah, a righteous king, dies heroically in battle against Pharaoh Neco, while his unrighteous son, Jehoahaz, is swiftly and effortlessly removed by the same foreign power without a fight. This stark contrast highlights the swiftness of divine judgment on a disobedient nation, emphasizing that external threats often become instruments of God's internal discipline. Furthermore, the **contrast** between Josiah's profound reform efforts and the rapid spiritual and political decline immediately following his death underscores the fragility of national righteousness when the hearts of the people are not truly turned to God, revealing a superficiality in the nation's repentance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse stands as a stark and sobering reminder of the profound consequences of national apostasy and the sovereign hand of God in the unfolding of human history. While Pharaoh Neco acts as the immediate human agent, the biblical narrative consistently interprets such events as divine judgment for Judah's persistent sin and idolatry, despite fleeting periods of reform. It powerfully demonstrates that God, in His ultimate sovereignty, uses even foreign powers and their geopolitical ambitions as instruments of His will, bringing about His purposes of discipline and judgment upon His covenant people when they stray from Him. The loss of national sovereignty and the imposition of a crippling tribute are tangible manifestations of the covenant curses outlined in Deuteronomy, where disobedience leads inexorably to oppression by foreign nations and severe economic hardship. This event underscores the foundational truth that true national security, prosperity, and enduring peace are rooted not in political maneuvering, military strength, or economic prowess, but in unwavering faithfulness and obedience to God.

* [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47-48 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Consequences of Disobedience and Foreign Oppression")
* [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5-6 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as the Rod of God's Anger")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons and Removes Kings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Chronicles 36:3](/2_chronicles/36-3 "2 Chronicles 36:3 - Pharaoh Neco Deposes Jehoahaz") offers a sobering historical lesson with profound and enduring contemporary relevance. It vividly illustrates the devastating consequences of spiritual drift and the insidious erosion of a nation's moral and spiritual foundation. Even after the significant and widespread revival under King Josiah, Judah's heart was not fully consecrated to the Lord, leading to swift judgment and the loss of its cherished independence. For believers today, this passage underscores the critical importance of consistent, wholehearted faithfulness, not merely outward religious observance or fleeting spiritual highs. It reminds us that our true security and prosperity, whether individually or corporately, are not found in political power, economic strength, or human wisdom, but in our unwavering allegiance and obedience to God. When we compromise our walk with Him, we open ourselves to various forms of "tribute" and "subjugation," whether spiritual, emotional, or even material. This verse calls us to a deep self-examination: Are we truly seeking God's kingdom first, or are we allowing the pressures and values of the world to subtly "condemn" and "put us down" from our walk of faith?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "foreign powers" or influences in my life that might be subtly "putting down" my spiritual autonomy or demanding a "tribute" of my time, resources, or devotion away from God?**
* **How does the swift decline of Judah after Josiah's reign challenge my understanding of sustained spiritual faithfulness, both personally and corporately, and what steps can I take to ensure my own enduring commitment?**
* **In what ways might God be using difficult circumstances or external pressures in my life to bring about a form of "judgment" or discipline, drawing me back to Him and refining my character?**
* **How does this verse encourage me to prioritize spiritual integrity and obedience to God over worldly success, political stability, or fleeting comforts?**

### FAQ

**Why did Pharaoh Neco intervene so directly in Judah's affairs?**

Answer: Pharaoh Neco's intervention was a classic demonstration of imperial dominance in the ancient Near East during a period of geopolitical flux. Having defeated King Josiah at Megiddo and established Egyptian control over the Levant, Neco was asserting his suzerainty over Judah. The people of Judah had appointed Jehoahaz as king without Neco's approval, which would have been seen as an act of defiance or at least a lack of submission to the newly established Egyptian hegemony. By removing Jehoahaz and installing a king of his own choosing (Eliakim, whom he renamed Jehoiakim, as recorded in [2 Chronicles 36:4](/2_chronicles/36-4 "2 Chronicles 36:4 - Jehoiakim Appointed King by Neco")), Neco solidified his political and economic control over the region, ensuring Judah's loyalty and its role as a buffer state or source of tribute, thereby protecting Egypt's northern flank.

**What was the significance of the "hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold"?**

Answer: This was an enormous sum, representing a crippling financial burden on the kingdom of Judah. A talent was a significant unit of weight, and this amount of silver and gold would have been equivalent to several tons of precious metals (approximately 3.4 metric tons of silver and 34 kilograms of gold). The significance was multifaceted: first, it served as a punitive fine, "condemning the land" for its perceived insubordination, its previous resistance under Josiah, or simply as a cost of war to the victor. Second, it was a clear demonstration of Judah's subjugation and vassal status, a tangible sign of their loss of independence. This heavy tribute would have severely depleted Judah's treasury, impoverished its people, and ensured its economic dependence on Egypt, further solidifying its loss of independent sovereignty. It tragically foreshadowed the even greater financial and human cost of the impending Babylonian exile and the ultimate desolation of the land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [2 Chronicles 36:3](/2_chronicles/36-3 "2 Chronicles 36:3 - Pharaoh Neco Deposes Jehoahaz") depicts the earthly king of Egypt "putting down" and "condemning" the land of Judah, imposing a heavy tribute, it ultimately points forward to the true King who would come to be "put down" and "condemned" for the sake of His people, but with a radically different outcome. Jesus, the Christ, was not deposed by a foreign power, but willingly laid down His life, allowing Himself to be "put down" from His position of glory and "condemned" by both earthly authorities and divine judgment—not for His own sin, but for ours ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")). He became the ultimate "tribute" or "ransom," a perfect sacrifice to redeem humanity from the bondage of sin and death ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve and Give His Life as a Ransom")). Unlike the perishable silver and gold demanded from Judah, Christ's sacrifice was a spiritual payment, His precious blood, which alone could free His people from the immense debt of sin that no amount of earthly wealth could ever cover ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed with the Precious Blood of Christ")). The earthly kings of Judah were subject to foreign powers and their demands, but Christ's kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")), and He is the King over all kings, who will ultimately "put down" all opposing powers and establish His eternal reign, where no foreign entity will ever impose tribute or judgment on His redeemed people, for they are forever free in Him ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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

2 Kings 23:33

And Pharaohnechoh put him in bands at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem; and put the land to a tribute of an hundred talents of silver, and a talent of gold.