And his servants carried him in a chariot dead from Megiddo, and brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own sepulchre. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father's stead.

2 KINGS 23:30KJV
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2 Kings 23:30 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 23:30 mean?

2 Kings 23:30 describes how the servants of King Josiah transported his dead body from Megiddo back to Jerusalem, where he was buried in his own tomb. After Josiah’s death, the people of the land chose his son Jehoahaz, anointed him, and made him king in Josiah’s place.

This verse is part of the historical account of Josiah’s death after a battle at Megiddo. The narrative shows the transition of power: Josiah’s servants (likely officials or attendants) ensure he receives a proper burial, and the people (likely the general population or leaders of Judah) quickly act to install Jehoahaz as the new king, signaling both respect for Josiah and the urgency of stable leadership.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 23:30

  • "Servants" (עֶבֶד, ʿeved): This word often means officials or attendants, not just household slaves. Here, it highlights the loyalty and responsibility of Josiah’s close aides in handling his body and burial.
  • "Anointed" (מָשַׁח, mashach): To anoint someone was a formal act of making them king, involving oil as a symbol of God’s selection. The people’s act of anointing Jehoahaz shows their active role in confirming him as the new ruler.
  • "People" (עָם, ʿam) and "land" (אֶרֶץ, ʾerets): The phrase “people of the land” often refers to the common people or local leaders, not just the general population. Their involvement in choosing and anointing the king suggests a measure of popular or communal authority in the succession.

Why 2 Kings 23:30 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Josiah’s death was sudden and that his burial was handled with dignity by those closest to him, emphasizing the respect he commanded.
  • The people’s quick action to anoint Jehoahaz reveals the importance of continuity and stability in leadership, especially after the loss of a significant king.
  • The verse connects to the larger narrative of Judah’s history, showing how leadership transitions occurred and how the people sometimes played a direct role in choosing their king, not just the royal family or priesthood.

Where else these words appear

“Megiddo” Hebrew H4023 · used in 12 verses

  • Joshua 12:21 The king of Taanach, one; the king of Megiddo, one;
  • Judges 5:19 The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.
  • 2 Kings 23:29 In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.

“sepulchre” Hebrew H6900 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 35:20 And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day.
  • 2 Kings 9:28 And his servants carried him in a chariot to Jerusalem, and buried him in his sepulchre with his fathers in the city of David.
  • Isaiah 14:20 Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned.

“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 23:34 And Pharaohnechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoiakim, and took Jehoahaz away: and he came to Egypt, and died there.

“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.