### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Nᵉkôw**, represented by `{{H5224}}`, is the proper name for **Neko**, an Egyptian king. It is believed to be of Egyptian origin. This name appears **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, chronicling a specific period of military and political interaction between Egypt and the kingdom of Judah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5224}}` is introduced as Necho, king `{{H4428}}` of Egypt `{{H4714}}`, who came up `{{H5927}}` to fight `{{H3898}}` at Carchemish `{{H3751}}` by the Euphrates `{{H6578}}` [[2 Chronicles 35:20]]. King Josiah `{{H2977}}` of Judah `{{H3063}}` went out to confront him, but Josiah did not hearken `{{H8085}}` to the words `{{H1697}}` of Necho that were "from the mouth of God `{{H430}}`" and fought him in the valley `{{H1237}}` of Megiddo `{{H4023}}` [[2 Chronicles 35:22]]. Following this conflict, Necho exerted his authority over Judah, installing Eliakim `{{H471}}` as king, changing his name `{{H8034}}` to Jehoiakim `{{H3079}}`, and taking his brother Jehoahaz `{{H3099}}` captive to Egypt [[2 Chronicles 36:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the events surrounding Necho:
* `{{H2977}}` **Yôʼshîyâh** (Josiah): The king of Judah who opposed Necho's military campaign. Josiah's decision to fight `{{H3898}}` Necho, despite a warning, led to the conflict at Megiddo [[2 Chronicles 35:22]].
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This title applies both to Necho, king of Egypt, and the kings of Judah he interacted with, highlighting the international power dynamics and struggle for sovereignty [[2 Chronicles 36:4]].
* `{{H4023}}` **Mᵉgiddôwn** (Megiddo): The specific valley `{{H1237}}` where the pivotal battle between Josiah and Necho took place, marking a significant moment in Judah's history [[2 Chronicles 35:22]].
* `{{H4714}}` **Mitsrayim** (Egypt): The nation ruled by Necho. His actions are consistently framed as those of the "king of Egypt," representing the influence of this regional power on Judah [[2 Chronicles 35:20]].
### Theological Significance
The historical significance of `{{H5224}}` is centered on his direct intervention in the affairs of Judah.
* **Foreign Intervention:** Necho is depicted as a foreign ruler who successfully projects his military power, fighting at Carchemish `{{H3751}}` and confronting Judah's king [[2 Chronicles 35:20]].
* **Deposition of Kings:** His authority is demonstrated by his ability to remove `{{H3947}}` Jehoahaz `{{H3099}}` and make `{{H4427}}` Eliakim `{{H471}}` king over Judah and Jerusalem `{{H3389}}`, even changing his name to Jehoiakim `{{H3079}}` [[2 Chronicles 36:4]].
* **Instrument of a Divine Message:** The narrative uniquely states that Josiah did not listen to Necho's words, which were from the mouth of God `{{H430}}`. This suggests that, in this instance, the Egyptian king was an unwitting vehicle for a divine warning [[2 Chronicles 35:22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5224}}` identifies Necho as a key historical figure whose actions had profound consequences for the kingdom of Judah. He is portrayed as a powerful Egyptian king who engaged in a fatal conflict with King Josiah, deposed one Judean king, and installed another. The scriptural account frames these political and military events within a theological context, where even a foreign king's words can originate from God.
TRV