2 Chronicles 35:22
Neuerthelesse Iosiah would not turne his face from him, but disguised himselfe that he might fight with him, and hearkened not vnto the wordes of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo. 2 Chronicles 35:22 (KJV)
This verse occurs in the context of Josiah’s encounter with Pharaoh Necho, the king of Egypt. Necho was on his way to assist the Assyrians against the rising Babylonians, and Josiah, seeking to obstruct his passage through his territory, went out to confront him. Despite Necho’s warning that the LORD was with him—”Turn again, go back from the fighting, for the LORD your God is with you”—Josiah would not turn his face from him, disguised himself, and fought in the Valley of Megiddo.
Josiah was a righteous king who sought to revive true worship in Judah. He initiated religious reforms, reinstated the Passover celebration, and cleansed the land from idolatry. Yet, even a king of such devotion met an untimely death because he chose to ignore the divine warning delivered through Necho’s message. The verse highlights Josiah’s disobedience to the warning given by Necho, indicating that the words carried weight as they were “from the mouth of God.”
The battle took place in the strategic Valley of Megiddo, a site that had witnessed numerous significant conflicts throughout history. Megiddo is also symbolically associated with future eschatological events, as referenced in Revelation 16:16 where it is called Armageddon.
The story serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God’s Word. Even a previously faithful and devout king can make a fatal mistake when he disregards divine instruction and relies on his own judgment. Believers are urged to heed God’s guidance and not let personal ambition or confidence lead to spiritual downfall.
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 35:22 records King Josiah’s choice to engage Pharaoh Necho in battle despite a clear warning that the LORD was with Necho. The passage stands as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the significance of obedience to God’s instructions and the potential consequences of ignoring divine guidance.
