2 Chronicles 35:20 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 35:20 mean?

2 Chronicles 35:20 describes how, after King Josiah finished preparing the temple in Jerusalem, Necho, the king of Egypt, marched out to fight at Carchemish near the Euphrates River, and Josiah went out to confront him. This verse marks the beginning of a new conflict involving Josiah and foreign powers after his religious reforms.

The setting is the kingdom of Judah, with Josiah as king, following a period of temple restoration and religious renewal. The verse shifts the focus from Josiah’s internal reforms to an external military event, introducing Necho of Egypt as a major figure. The mention of Carchemish and the Euphrates situates the action in the broader international politics of the time, as Egypt and other empires fought for control in the region.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 35:20

• נְכוֹ (Nekho; Necho): This is the Hebrew name for the Egyptian king, Pharaoh Necho II, who played a significant role in the region’s history. His campaign northward was part of a larger struggle between Egypt and Babylon.
• קַרְכְּמִישׁ (Karkemish; Carchemish): This was a major city on the Euphrates River, a strategic location in ancient warfare. Its mention shows the scale and importance of the conflict.
• יָצָא (yatsa’; went out): This word is used for Josiah’s action of going out to confront Necho, suggesting a deliberate decision to engage rather than defend or avoid.

Why 2 Chronicles 35:20 matters

• This verse shifts the narrative from Josiah’s religious leadership to his role in international affairs, setting up the events that lead to his death.
• It clarifies that Josiah’s confrontation with Necho was not part of defending Jerusalem directly, but rather an intervention in a larger conflict between Egypt and other empires.
• The verse connects Josiah’s story to the broader history of the ancient Near East, showing how Judah was affected by the ambitions of greater powers like Egypt and Babylon.