Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and made him king in his father's stead in Jerusalem.

2 CHRONICLES 36:1KJV
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2 Chronicles 36:1 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 36:1 mean?

2 Chronicles 36:1 describes how, after King Josiah died, the people of the land chose his son Jehoahaz to become the new king in Jerusalem. This verse shows a moment of transition in Judah’s leadership, with the community taking an active role in selecting their next ruler.

The setting is the southern kingdom of Judah, right after the death of King Josiah, who was known for his reforms. The "people of the land" refers to influential citizens or leaders who had the authority to make such decisions. By naming Jehoahaz as king, the verse highlights both the end of Josiah’s reign and the beginning of a new, uncertain chapter for Jerusalem.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 36:1

  • "people" (עָם, ʿam, H5971): This word often refers to the general population, but in this context, it likely means the leading citizens or elders who had political influence in Judah.
  • "land" (אֶרֶץ, ʾerets, H776): This term means the territory or country, emphasizing that the action was taken by those rooted in the local community of Judah.
  • "took" (לָקַח, lāqach, H3947): This verb means to take or seize, suggesting an active choice or initiative by the people rather than a simple inheritance.
  • "king" (מָלַךְ, mālak, H4427): The verb here means to make someone king, showing that Jehoahaz’s rise to the throne was a result of the people’s decision, not just family succession.

Why 2 Chronicles 36:1 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jehoahaz did not automatically become king; the people’s choice played a key role, which was not always the case in royal succession.
  • The involvement of the "people of the land" hints at political dynamics in Judah after Josiah’s death, possibly reflecting uncertainty or a desire to maintain stability.
  • This transition sets the stage for the events that follow in the chapter, where Judah faces increasing external pressures and rapid changes in leadership.

Where else these words appear

“Jehoahaz” Hebrew H3059 · used in 19 verses

  • 2 Kings 10:35 And Jehu slept with his fathers: and they buried him in Samaria. And Jehoahaz his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 13:10 In the thirty and seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned sixteen years.
  • 2 Kings 23:31 Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.

“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 33:25 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.
  • 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.