Assyria, a dominant empire in the ancient Near East, played a significant role in the biblical narrative, particularly during the late 7th century BC. This period marked a time of political upheaval and shifting alliances, with Assyria's power waning and other regional powers, such as Egypt, seeking to assert their influence.

Historical Context

The Assyrian Empire, known for its military prowess and extensive conquests, reached its zenith under rulers like Tiglath-Pileser III, Sargon II, Sennacherib, and Esarhaddon. However, by the late 7th century BC, the empire began to decline due to internal strife and external pressures. The rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nabopolassar and the Medes under Cyaxares posed significant threats to Assyrian dominance.

Pharaoh-Necho's Invasion

Pharaoh Necho II, the ruler of Egypt from 610 to 595 BC, sought to capitalize on Assyria's weakening state. His military campaigns were part of a broader strategy to expand Egyptian influence in the region and to support Assyria against the rising Babylonian threat. The Bible records an encounter involving Pharaoh Necho during this tumultuous period.

In 2 Kings 23:29-30 , the text recounts: "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. Josiah’s servants carried his body in a chariot from Megiddo to Jerusalem and buried him in his own tomb."

This passage highlights the geopolitical complexities of the time. Pharaoh Necho's campaign to the Euphrates was likely an attempt to support the Assyrian remnants against the Babylonians. However, King Josiah of Judah, perhaps seeking to prevent Egyptian interference or to align with Babylon, confronted Necho at Megiddo. This confrontation resulted in Josiah's death, a significant event that had lasting implications for the Kingdom of Judah.

Biblical Significance

The invasion by Pharaoh Necho and the subsequent death of King Josiah marked a turning point for Judah. Josiah was a reformer king, known for his efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh and eliminate idolatry (2 Kings 23:1-25). His untimely death led to a period of instability and eventually contributed to Judah's downfall and exile.

Jeremiah, a contemporary prophet, lamented Josiah's death and the subsequent decline of Judah. In Jeremiah 22:10 , it is written: "Do not weep for the dead king or mourn his loss. Weep bitterly for the one who is exiled, for he will never return to see his native land."

Assyria's Decline

Despite Pharaoh Necho's efforts, Assyria could not withstand the combined forces of the Babylonians and Medes. The fall of Nineveh in 612 BC and the subsequent defeat at the Battle of Carchemish in 605 BC marked the end of Assyrian power. The biblical narrative, while focusing on the spiritual and moral lessons, also reflects the historical realities of Assyria's decline and the shifting power dynamics in the ancient Near East.

The events surrounding Pharaoh Necho's invasion underscore the intricate interplay of divine providence and human agency in the biblical account, illustrating how God’s purposes unfold through the rise and fall of empires.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.
Nave's Topical Index

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... the deeps of the river shall dry up; and the pride of Assyria shall be ... and his host
(Judges 5:19); there King Josiah was overthrown by Pharaoh-Necho, king of ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

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