Text: 2 Chronicles 35:20
OT Text Referred to: 2 Kings 23:28
Subject: death of Josiah
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Direct Quotation
Connection Method(s): None
Significance: Kings closes Josiah's reign briefly with the standard regnal formula (2 Kgs 23:28-30), noting Pharaoh Neco killed him at Megiddo. The Chronicler in 2 Chronicles 35:20-27 provides a dramatically expanded account: Neco was marching to Carchemish to fight the Babylonians and warned Josiah not to interfere, claiming God had commanded his campaign. Josiah refused to listen, disguised himself in battle, and was fatally wounded by archers. The Chronicler uniquely adds that "Josiah did not listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God" (2 Chr 35:22) — remarkably attributing a divine message to a pagan pharaoh.