2 Chronicles 35:21
New International Version
But Necho sent messengers to him, saying, “What quarrel is there, king of Judah, between you and me? It is not you I am attacking at this time, but the house with which I am at war. God has told me to hurry; so stop opposing God, who is with me, or he will destroy you.”

New Living Translation
But King Neco sent messengers to Josiah with this message: “What do you want with me, king of Judah? I have no quarrel with you today! I am on my way to fight another nation, and God has told me to hurry! Do not interfere with God, who is with me, or he will destroy you.”

English Standard Version
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.”

Berean Standard Bible
But Neco sent messengers to him, saying, “What is the issue between you and me, O king of Judah? I have not come against you today, but I am fighting another dynasty. God told me to hurry; so stop opposing God, who is with me, or He will destroy you!”

King James Bible
But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? I come not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war: for God commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from meddling with God, who is with me, that he destroy thee not.

New King James Version
But he sent messengers to him, saying, “What have I to do with you, king of Judah? I have not come against you this day, but against the house with which I have war; for God commanded me to make haste. Refrain from meddling with God, who is with me, lest He destroy you.”

New American Standard Bible
But Neco sent messengers to him, saying, “What business do you have with me, King of Judah? I am not coming against you today, but against the house with which I am at war, and God has told me to hurry. For your own sake, stop interfering with God who is with me, so that He does not destroy you.”

NASB 1995
But Neco sent messengers to him, saying, “What have we to do with each other, O King of Judah? I am not coming against you today but against the house with which I am at war, and God has ordered me to hurry. Stop for your own sake from interfering with God who is with me, so that He will not destroy you.”

NASB 1977
But Neco sent messengers to him, saying, “What have we to do with each other, O King of Judah? I am not coming against you today but against the house with which I am at war, and God has ordered me to hurry. Stop for your own sake from interfering with God who is with me, that He may not destroy you.”

Legacy Standard Bible
But Neco sent messengers to him, saying, “What have I to do with you, O King of Judah? I am not coming against you today but against the house with which I am at war, and God has said for me to hurry. Stop for your own sake from interfering with God who is with me, so that He will not bring you to ruin.”

Amplified Bible
But Neco sent messengers to Josiah, saying, “What business do we have with each other, O King of Judah? I am not coming against you today, but against the house with which I am at war, and God has ordered me to hurry. Stop for your own sake from interfering with God who is with me, so that He will not destroy you.”

Christian Standard Bible
But Neco sent messengers to him, saying, “What is the issue between you and me, king of Judah? I have not come against you today but I am fighting another dynasty. God told me to hurry. Stop opposing God who is with me; don’t make him destroy you! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But Neco sent messengers to him, saying, “What is the issue between you and me, king of Judah? I have not come against you today but I am fighting another dynasty. God told me to hurry. Stop opposing God who is with me; don’t make Him destroy you!”

American Standard Version
But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? I come not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war; and God hath commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from meddling with God, who is with me, that he destroy thee not.

Contemporary English Version
Neco sent the following message to Josiah: I'm not attacking you, king of Judah! We're not even at war. But God has told me to quickly attack my enemy. God is on my side, so if you try to stop me, he will punish you.

English Revised Version
But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? I come not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war; and God hath commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from meddling with God, who is with me, that he destroy thee not.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But Neco sent messengers to Josiah to say, "What's your quarrel with me, king of Judah? I'm not attacking you. I've come to fight those who are at war with me. God told me to hurry. God is with me, so stop now or else he will destroy you."

Good News Translation
but Neco sent Josiah this message: "This war I am fighting does not concern you, King of Judah. I have not come to fight you, but to fight my enemies, and God has told me to hurry. God is on my side, so don't oppose me, or he will destroy you."

International Standard Version
But he sent messengers to him, who asked him, "What do we have in common, King of Judah? I am not here today opposing you. I am fighting the dynasty that is fighting me, and God has ordered me to hurry. For your own good, stop interfering with God, who is with me, and he won't destroy you!"

Majority Standard Bible
But Neco sent messengers to him, saying, “What is the issue between you and me, O king of Judah? I have not come against you today, but I am fighting another dynasty. God told me to hurry; so stop opposing God, who is with me, or He will destroy you!”

NET Bible
Necho sent messengers to him, saying, "Why are you opposing me, O king of Judah? I am not attacking you today, but the kingdom with which I am at war. God told me to hurry. Stop opposing God, who is with me, or else he will destroy you."

New Heart English Bible
But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, "What have I to do with you, you king of Judah? I come not against you this day, but against the house with which I have war. God has commanded me to make haste. Beware that it is God who is with me, that he not destroy you."

Webster's Bible Translation
But he sent embassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? I come not against thee this day, but against the house with which I have war: for God commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from meddling with God, who is with me, that he may not destroy thee.

World English Bible
But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, “What have I to do with you, you king of Judah? I come not against you today, but against the house with which I have war. God has commanded me to make haste. Beware that it is God who is with me, that he not destroy you.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and he sends messengers to him, saying, “And what do I [have to do] with you, O king of Judah? I do not come against you today, but to the house with which I have war, and God commanded to hurry me; cease for yourself from God who [is] with me, and He does not destroy you.”

Young's Literal Translation
and he sendeth unto him messengers, saying, 'What -- to me and to thee, O king of Judah? not against thee do I come to-day, but unto the house with which I have war, and God said to haste me; cease for thee from God who is with me, and He doth not destroy thee.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will send messengers to him, saying, What to me and to thee, thou king of Judah? Not against thee this day, but against the house of my war: and God said to hasten me: cease to thyself from God who is with me, and he will not destroy thee.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But he sent messengers to him, saying: What have I to do with thee, O king of Juda? I come not against thee this day, but I fight against another house, to which God hath commanded me to go in haste : forbear to do against God, who is with me, lest he kill thee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But he sent messengers to him, saying: “What is there between me and you, O king of Judah? I have not come against you today. Instead, I am fighting against another house, to which God instructed me to go promptly. Refrain from acting against God, who is with me, otherwise he may kill you.”

New American Bible
Neco sent messengers to him, saying: “What quarrel is between us, king of Judah? I have not come against you this day, for my war is with another kingdom, and God has told me to hasten. Do not interfere with God who is with me; let him not destroy you.”

New Revised Standard Version
But Neco sent envoys to him, saying, “What have I to do with you, king of Judah? I am not coming against you today, but against the house with which I am at war; and God has commanded me to hurry. Cease opposing God, who is with me, so that he will not destroy you.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with you, O king of Judah? I am not coming against you this day, O king of Judah; for indeed I have not come to fight against you. The LORD has told you to frighten me; cease from meddling with God, who is with me, that he may not destroy you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he sent him Messengers and said to him: “What do I have with you, King of Yehuda? It was not against you I came today, King of Yehuda, because it was not against you I came to fight! LORD JEHOVAH told you to frighten me. Remove yourself from the God who is with me so that he will not destroy you!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But he sent ambassadors to him, saying: 'What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? I come not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war; and God hath given command to speed me; forbear thee from meddling with God, who is with me, that He destroy thee not.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he sent messengers to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, O king of Juda? I am not come to-day to war against thee; and God has told me to hasten: beware of the God that is with me, lest he destroy thee.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Death of Josiah
20After all this, when Josiah had set the temple in order, Neco king of Egypt marched up to fight at Carchemish by the Euphrates, and Josiah went out to confront him. 21But Neco sent messengers to him, saying, “What is the issue between you and me, O king of Judah? I have not come against you today, but I am fighting another dynasty. God told me to hurry; so stop opposing God, who is with me, or He will destroy you!” 22Josiah, however, did not turn away from him; instead, in order to engage him in battle, he disguised himself. He did not listen to Neco’s words from the mouth of God, but went to fight him on the Plain of Megiddo.…

Cross References
2 Kings 23:29
During Josiah’s reign, Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt marched up to help the king of Assyria at the Euphrates River. King Josiah went out to confront him, but Neco faced him and killed him at Megiddo.

Jeremiah 46:2
concerning Egypt and the army of Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt, which was defeated at Carchemish on the Euphrates River by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah:

Isaiah 19:2
“So I will incite Egyptian against Egyptian; brother will fight against brother, neighbor against neighbor, city against city, and kingdom against kingdom.

Ezekiel 30:21-22
“Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt. See, it has not been bound up for healing, or splinted for strength to hold the sword. / Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt. I will break his arms, both the strong one and the one already broken, and will make the sword fall from his hand.

1 Kings 22:31-33
Now the king of Aram had ordered his thirty-two chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.” / When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “Surely this is the king of Israel!” So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat cried out. / And when the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

Isaiah 10:5-6
Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger; the staff in their hands is My wrath. / I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoils and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets.

Daniel 11:40
At the time of the end, the king of the South will engage him in battle, but the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots, horsemen, and many ships, invading many countries and sweeping through them like a flood.

Exodus 14:25
He caused their chariot wheels to wobble, so that they had difficulty driving. “Let us flee from the Israelites,” said the Egyptians, “for the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt!”

1 Samuel 15:22-23
But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. / For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.”

Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.

Romans 13:1-2
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Acts 5:39
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”

Matthew 5:25-26
Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. / Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Luke 14:31-32
Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand? / And if he is unable, he will send a delegation while the other king is still far off, to ask for terms of peace.

John 19:11
Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”


Treasury of Scripture

But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with you, you king of Judah? I come not against you this day, but against the house with which I have war: for God commanded me to make haste: forbear you from meddling with God, who is with me, that he destroy you not.

What

2 Samuel 16:10
And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?

Matthew 8:29
And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

John 2:4
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

2 Kings 18:25
Am I now come up without the LORD against this place to destroy it? The LORD said to me, Go up against this land, and destroy it.

Isaiah 36:10
And am I now come up without the LORD against this land to destroy it? the LORD said unto me, Go up against this land, and destroy it.

forbear thee

2 Chronicles 25:19
Thou sayest, Lo, thou hast smitten the Edomites; and thine heart lifteth thee up to boast: abide now at home; why shouldest thou meddle to thine hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?

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Ambassadors Cease Command Commanded Destroy Embassadors Envoys Forbear Haste House Hurry Judah Meddling Messengers Neco Opposing Ordered Sake Speed Stop Today War Wherewith
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Ambassadors Cease Command Commanded Destroy Embassadors Envoys Forbear Haste House Hurry Judah Meddling Messengers Neco Opposing Ordered Sake Speed Stop Today War Wherewith
2 Chronicles 35
1. Josiah keeps a most solemn Passover
20. He provoking Pharaoh Neco, is slain at Megiddo
25. Lamentations for Josiah














But Neco sent messengers to him
This phrase introduces Pharaoh Neco II, the king of Egypt, who plays a significant role in the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East. The act of sending messengers was a common diplomatic practice in ancient times, indicating a formal communication. Historically, Neco was on a campaign to assist the Assyrians against the rising Babylonian power, which adds a layer of complexity to the political alliances and conflicts of the era.

saying, 'What is the issue between you and me, O king of Judah?
Here, Neco questions King Josiah's motives for engaging in battle. The phrase reflects a diplomatic inquiry, suggesting that Neco did not perceive Judah as an enemy. This highlights the often intricate and shifting alliances in the ancient world, where kings had to navigate relationships carefully to maintain their power and protect their nations.

I have not come against you today
Neco clarifies his intentions, emphasizing that his military campaign is not directed at Judah. This statement underscores the importance of understanding the broader context of military actions in the ancient Near East, where campaigns were often aimed at strategic targets rather than direct confrontations with neighboring states.

but I am fighting another dynasty
This phrase indicates that Neco's campaign was part of a larger conflict involving other powers, specifically the Assyrians and Babylonians. The term "dynasty" suggests a focus on ruling families and their control over territories, reflecting the dynastic struggles that were common in the region.

God has told me to hurry
Neco claims divine guidance for his actions, a common assertion among ancient rulers to legitimize their campaigns. This highlights the belief in divine intervention in human affairs, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible. It also raises questions about discerning God's will, especially when different parties claim divine support for opposing actions.

so stop opposing God, who is with me
Neco warns Josiah against resisting what he perceives as a divinely sanctioned mission. This phrase challenges the reader to consider the complexities of interpreting divine will, especially when it appears to conflict with one's own understanding or national interests. It also serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of opposing God's plans.

or He will destroy you
The warning concludes with a stark consequence, emphasizing the seriousness of opposing what is perceived as God's directive. This reflects the biblical theme of divine judgment and the belief that God actively intervenes in the affairs of nations. It serves as a sobering reminder of the need for discernment and obedience to God's will, as understood through prayer, scripture, and wise counsel.

(21) But . . . ambassadors.--And . . . messengers.

What have I to do with thee?--Literally, what to me and to thee? ?? ???? ??? ???; (LXX.; and Mark 5:7; Luke 8:28).

I come not against thee.--So the old versions. The Hebrew is, "not against thee--thee--to-day," The versions appear to have read 'att?h, "thee," with different points as 'otheh, "coming." (Comp. Syriac, othe 'n-, "come I.")

But against the house . . . war.--A strange expression. (Comp. 1Chronicles 18:10.) Probably the reading indicated by 3 Esdr. 1:25 is right (??? ??? ??? ???????? ? ??????? ??? ????), "but against the Euphrates is my war" (Perath for beth). Josephus supports this. LXX. and Syriac omit; Vulg., "sed contra allain pugno domum."

For God . . . haste.--And God . . . The Egyptian kings, like those of Israel, consulted their prophets before undertaking any expedition. So did the Assyrians, as abundantly appears from their inscriptions. So, too, we read on the Moabite stone, "Chemosh said unto me, Go; take Nebo . . . Go up against Horonaim, and take it." These facts sufficiently explain the text, without assuming that Necho had received an oracle from Jehovah, or was referring to the God of Israel. (Comp. Herod, ii. 158.)

Verse 21. - Not against thee this day. Possibly the suggestion couched in these last two words may have been the opposite of agreeable to King Josiah. For God commanded me to make haste. The margin reading of the Revised Version seems preferable, both for the Hebrew text and the connection, hath given command to speed me.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But Neco sent
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח (way·yiš·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

messengers
מַלְאָכִ֣ים ׀ (mal·’ā·ḵîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel

to him,
אֵלָ֣יו (’ê·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

saying,
לֵאמֹר֩ ׀ (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“What is the issue between you and me,
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

O king
מֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Judah?
יְהוּדָ֗ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

I have not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

come against
עָלֶ֨יךָ (‘ā·le·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

you
אַתָּ֤ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

today,
הַיּוֹם֙ (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

but
כִּ֚י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I am fighting
מִלְחַמְתִּ֔י (mil·ḥam·tî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

another dynasty.
בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

God
וֵאלֹהִ֖ים (wê·lō·hîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

told
אָמַ֣ר (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

me to hurry;
לְבַֽהֲלֵ֑נִי (lə·ḇa·hă·lê·nî)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | first person common singular
Strong's 926: To tremble inwardly, be, alarmed, agitated, to hasten anxiously

so stop
חֲדַל־ (ḥă·ḏal-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 2308: To be flabby, desist, be lacking, idle

opposing God,
מֵאֱלֹהִ֥ים (mê·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

who
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

is with me,
עִמִּ֖י (‘im·mî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

or
וְאַל־ (wə·’al-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

He will destroy you!”
יַשְׁחִיתֶֽךָ׃ (yaš·ḥî·ṯe·ḵā)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7843: Perhaps to go to ruin


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 35:21 But he sent ambassadors to him saying (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
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