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.

2 CHRONICLES 33:25KJV
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2 Chronicles 33:25 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 33:25 mean?

2 Chronicles 33:25 describes how the people of Judah killed those who had plotted against King Amon and then made his son Josiah the new king. This verse shows the people's rejection of the conspirators and their decision to continue the royal line through Josiah.

The setting is after the assassination of King Amon of Judah. The "people of the land"—likely the ordinary citizens or local leaders—took action against those responsible for the king's murder. By making Josiah king, they restored stability and upheld the Davidic dynasty, preparing the way for Josiah's later reforms.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 33:25

  • "People" (עָם, ʿam, H5971): This word refers to the general population or community, not just the elite or royal officials. Here, it highlights that the broader society took decisive action, not just a small group.
  • "Land" (אֶרֶץ, ʾerets, H776): This term often means the territory of Judah. The phrase "people of the land" (עַם הָאָרֶץ, ʿam haʾarets) is a specific group in Judah, sometimes seen as influential landowners or local leaders.
  • "Slew" (נָכָה, nakah, H5221): This verb means to strike or kill. It emphasizes that the people's response to the conspirators was direct and forceful.
  • "Conspired" (קָשַׁר, qashar, H7194): This word means to plot or form a secret alliance. It clarifies that Amon's death was not accidental but the result of a deliberate plot.
  • "Made" (מָלַךְ, malak, H4427): This verb means to make someone king. It shows that Josiah's rise to the throne was an active choice by the people, not just a passive succession.

Why 2 Chronicles 33:25 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the people did not support the conspirators who killed Amon, showing a desire for justice and order.
  • The action of making Josiah king connects directly to the next chapter, where Josiah's reign brings significant religious reforms to Judah.
  • The verse highlights the role of the "people of the land" in shaping the leadership of Judah, not just the royal family or palace officials.

Where else these words appear

“Amon” Hebrew H526 · used in 17 verses

  • 1 Kings 22:26 And the king of Israel said, Take Micaiah, and carry him back unto Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son;
  • 2 Kings 21:25 Now the rest of the acts of Amon which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
  • 2 Chronicles 33:22 But he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as did Manasseh his father: for Amon sacrificed unto all the carved images which Manasseh his father had made, and served them;

“conspired” Hebrew H7194 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 30:41 And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods.
  • 1 Kings 16:16 And the people that were encamped heard say, Zimri hath conspired, and hath also slain the king: wherefore all Israel made Omri, the captain of the host, king over Israel that day in the camp.
  • 2 Chronicles 24:26 And these are they that conspired against him; Zabad the son of Shimeath an Ammonitess, and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith a Moabitess.

“Josiah” Hebrew H2977 · used in 48 verses

  • 1 Kings 13:2 And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:1 Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years.
  • Jeremiah 3:6 The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.