2 Chronicles 35:20–27 (October 30, 2025)

Josiah Killed in Battle

20 After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Neco king of Egypt went up to fight at Carchemish on the Euphrates, and Josiah went out to meet him. 21 But he sent envoys to him, saying, “What have we to do with each other, king of Judah? I am not coming against you this day, but against the house with which I am at war. And God has commanded me to hurry. Cease opposing God, who is with me, lest he destroy you.” 22 Nevertheless, Josiah did not turn away from him, but disguised himself in order to fight with him. He did not listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, but came to fight in the plain of Megiddo. 23 And the archers shot King Josiah. And the king said to his servants, “Take me away, for I am badly wounded.” 24 So his servants took him out of the chariot and carried him in his second chariot and brought him to Jerusalem. And he died and was buried in the tombs of his fathers. All Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah. 25 Jeremiah also uttered a lament for Josiah; and all the singing men and singing women have spoken of Josiah in their laments to this day. They made these a rule in Israel; behold, they are written in the Laments. 26 Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his good deeds according to what is written in the Law of the Lord, 27 and his acts, first and last, behold, they are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah.

The Fall of Josiah: When the Faithful King Meets the Mystery of Providence

Summary

After leading Judah through one of the most significant spiritual renewals since the days of David, Josiah’s reign drew to a sudden and tragic end.

Pharaoh Necho was marching north to assist Assyria against Babylon. His campaign had nothing to do with Judah, yet Josiah intervened. Necho sent messengers saying,

But Josiah “did not listen to the words of Necho from the mouth of God” (v. 22). He disguised himself, went into battle, and was struck by the archers at Megiddo. This is how the Bible remembers him:

The nation wept bitterly. Jeremiah composed laments for him, and singers remembered his death for generations (vv. 24–25). The king who had restored worship and revived covenant faith died in a moment of misjudged zeal.

Who is God

God is sovereign in all His ways and rules over the rise and fall of nations and kings. Human plans or schemes do not bind his providence. The same God who used Josiah to purify His people now uses Pharaoh Necho to carry out His purposes. Since God of Israel is the God of the universe, it makes sense that He would command even foreign rulers and armies to fulfill His decrees.

God also speaks through surprising messengers. The chronicler tells us Necho’s warning came “from the mouth of God.” The Lord who once spoke through Balaam’s donkey speaks now through the lips of Egypt’s king.

What is our Guilt

Josiah’s story exposes how even faithful hearts can confuse conviction with calling. He did what seemed right in his mind, but he did not inquire of the Lord. The Bible records:

We, too, are guilty of acting on good intentions without seeking divine instruction. We mistake spiritual zeal for spiritual discernment, believing that sincerity must guarantee success. So, when things don't turn out the way we expected, we question people's sincerity. But human zeal without submission to God's sovereign will can lead to ruin, even in what may appear to be noble causes.

We are also guilty of rejecting correction when it comes through unlikely voices. Josiah could not imagine that God might speak through Pharaoh. Likewise, we often dismiss truth when it comes through people, situations, or seasons that don’t fit our expectations. Pride in our own discernment deafens us to the Lord’s rebuke.

We are also guilty of idolizing our past obedience. We believe that because we once walked closely with God, we are justified in acting the way we do now. Josiah’s long record of faithfulness did not exempt him from needing fresh dependence on God’s guidance. Neither does ours.

How does Grace Shine

Grace shines through the mystery of divine providence, which turns tragedy into testimony. Josiah’s fall was not meaningless. It became the hinge between revival and exile. Through his death, God reminded Judah (and us) that salvation does not rest on human reform but on divine redemption.

At Megiddo, a Jewish king died because he did not listen. At Calvary, a greater and ultimate King of Israel died because He obeyed perfectly His Father’s will. Josiah fell under the arrows of men; Jesus bore the arrows of divine wrath for us. Through His obedience, the curse is lifted, and the covenant is fulfilled..

Prayer

Father,

You are wise and sovereign in all Your ways. Even when Your will is hidden, Your heart is good. Forgive us for confusing our zeal with Your call, for rushing ahead without listening to Your voice. Teach us to be still before You, to inquire of You before we act.

When You speak through unexpected people or circumstances, give us humble hearts that recognize Your truth. And when Your providence seems painful, help us to trust that the cross stands behind every sorrow and before every hope.

Thank You for the greater King who listened perfectly, obeyed completely, and died willingly to bring us peace. May His obedience shape ours, and His wisdom guide us until we see Your face.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our righteous King, we pray. Amen.