Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Necho, also known as Pharaoh-Necho, was a significant Egyptian ruler mentioned in the Bible, primarily in the context of the late 7th century BC. He is often identified with Necho II, a pharaoh of the 26th Dynasty of Egypt, who reigned from approximately 610 to 595 BC. Necho's interactions with the kingdoms of Judah and Babylon are pivotal in understanding the geopolitical landscape of the Near East during this period. Biblical References: Pharaoh-Necho is mentioned in several key passages in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Jeremiah. His most notable biblical appearance is in the context of the battle of Megiddo and the subsequent events involving the kingdom of Judah. 1. Battle of Megiddo: Necho's military campaign is first mentioned in 2 Kings 23:29-30 and 2 Chronicles 35:20-24. Necho marched to the Euphrates to assist the Assyrians against the rising power of Babylon. King Josiah of Judah attempted to intercept Necho at Megiddo, despite Necho's warning to refrain from interfering. The encounter resulted in Josiah's death, a significant event that marked the decline of Judah's independence. The Berean Standard Bible records this event as follows: "While Josiah was king, Pharaoh Necho king of Egypt went up to the Euphrates River to help the king of Assyria. King Josiah marched out to meet him, but Necho faced him and killed him at Megiddo" (2 Kings 23:29). 2. Aftermath and Influence in Judah: Following Josiah's death, Necho exerted influence over Judah by deposing Josiah's son Jehoahaz after a brief three-month reign. Necho then installed Eliakim, another son of Josiah, as king, renaming him Jehoiakim. This act is recorded in 2 Kings 23:34: "Pharaoh Necho made Eliakim son of Josiah king in place of his father Josiah and changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim. But he took Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt, where he died" . 3. Conflict with Babylon: Necho's involvement in the power struggles of the region continued as he faced the Babylonian Empire. The prophet Jeremiah references Necho in the context of the Egyptian defeat at Carchemish by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, in 605 BC. This defeat marked the decline of Egyptian influence in the region. Jeremiah 46:2 states: "Concerning Egypt: This is the message against the army of Pharaoh Necho king of Egypt, which was defeated at Carchemish on the Euphrates River by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah" . Historical Context: Necho II is historically recognized for his ambitious projects, including attempts to construct a canal linking the Nile to the Red Sea and his naval expeditions. His reign was marked by efforts to restore Egyptian power and influence in the Near East, which had waned during previous dynasties. Necho's military campaigns were part of a broader strategy to counter the growing threat of Babylonian expansion. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, Necho's interactions with Judah highlight the sovereignty of God over nations and rulers. The events surrounding Necho serve as a backdrop for the fulfillment of prophetic warnings given to Judah regarding their disobedience and the consequences of their political alliances. The death of Josiah, a godly king, and the subsequent subjugation of Judah under foreign powers underscore the themes of divine judgment and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through history. Conclusion: Pharaoh-Necho's role in biblical history is a testament to the complex interplay of political power and divine providence. His actions had lasting implications for the kingdom of Judah and the broader Near Eastern world, as recorded in the biblical narrative. ATS Bible Dictionary Necho or Pharaoh-NechoAn Egyptian king, mentioned not only in Scripture, but by Herodotus, who says that he was son of Psammetichus, king of Egypt: and that, having succeeded him in the kingdom, he raised great armies, and sent out great fleets, as well on the Mediterranean as the Red Sea; that he expended a vast sum and many thousands of lives in a fruitless effort to unite and Nile and the Red Sea by a canal; and that he was the first to send a ship wholly around Africa. Josiah king of Judah being tributary to the king of Babylon, opposed Necho on his first expedition against Nebuchadnezzar, and gave him battle at Megiddo, where he received the wound of which he died; and Necho pressed forward, without making any long stay in Judea. On his return from the Euphrates, where he had taken and garrisoned the city of Carchemish, B. C. 610, he halted at Riblah in Syria; and sending for Jehoahaz, king of the Jews, he deposed him, loaded him with chains, and sent him into Egypt. Then coming to Jerusalem, he set up Eliakim, or Jehoiakim, in his place, and exacted the payment of one hundred talents of silver and one talent of gold. The accompanying cut from the great "Tomb of the Kings" in Egypt, explored by Belzoni, is believed to represent four Jewish hostages or captives of distinction presented before Pharaoh-Necho. One of them may be meant for Jehoahaz. They were colored white; and with them were four reds, four blacks, and four others white supposed to represent Babylonians, Ethiopians, etc. They were led before the king, seated on his throne, by one of the hawk-headed figures so frequent on Egyptian monuments. Jeremiah 46:2, acquaints us that Carchemish was retaken by Nabopolassar king of Babylon, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim king of Judah; so that Necho did not retain his conquests in Syria more than four year, 2 Kings 23:29-24:7 2 Chronicles 35:20-36:6. Library The Captivity. On Daniel. I. Preface by the Most Holy Hippolytus, (Bishop) of ... The Final Conflict. The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... The Sixth vision "On Earth" CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1). The Greater Prophets. Resources Who was King Josiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Zedekiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Why do some people in the Bible have more than one name? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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