Topical Encyclopedia Pharaohnechoh, also known as Necho II, was a prominent Egyptian Pharaoh of the 26th Dynasty, reigning from approximately 610 to 595 BC. He is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the late 7th century BC, during the decline of the Assyrian Empire and the rise of the Babylonian Empire. His interactions with the Kingdom of Judah are documented in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles.Historical Context Pharaohnechoh ascended to the throne during a tumultuous period in the ancient Near East. The Assyrian Empire, which had dominated the region for centuries, was in decline, and new powers, such as Babylon and Media, were emerging. Necho II sought to expand Egyptian influence and control over the territories of the former Assyrian Empire, particularly in the Levant. Biblical References Pharaohnechoh is mentioned in several key biblical passages. One of the most notable events involving Necho II is his encounter with King Josiah of Judah. In 2 Kings 23:29-30 , it is recorded: "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 encounter at Megiddo, which resulted in the death of the righteous King Josiah, was a pivotal moment for Judah. Josiah's death marked the end of a period of religious reform and relative stability in Judah. In 2 Chronicles 35:20-24 , the account provides additional details about this confrontation: "After all this, when Josiah had set the temple in order, Necho king of Egypt went up to fight at Carchemish on the Euphrates, and Josiah marched out to confront him. But Necho 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, and God has told me to hurry. So stop opposing God, who is with me, or He will destroy you.' Josiah, however, did not turn away from him; instead, he disguised himself to fight against Necho. He did not listen to what Necho had said at God’s command, but went to fight him on the plain of Megiddo. Archers shot King Josiah, and he said to his servants, 'Take me away, for I am badly wounded.' So they took him out of his chariot, put him in his second chariot, and brought him to Jerusalem, where he died. He was buried in the tombs of his fathers, and all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah." Political and Military Activities Pharaohnechoh's military campaigns were primarily aimed at securing Egyptian interests in the region. His march to the Euphrates was part of a larger strategy to support the remnants of the Assyrian Empire against the rising Babylonian power. The battle at Carchemish in 605 BC, which occurred after Josiah's death, was a decisive conflict where the Babylonians, led by Nebuchadnezzar II, defeated the Egyptian-Assyrian coalition, marking the end of Egyptian influence in the region. Impact on Judah Following Josiah's death, Necho II exerted influence over Judah by deposing Josiah's son Jehoahaz after a brief three-month reign. In 2 Kings 23:33-34 , it is noted: "Pharaoh Necho imprisoned him at Riblah in the land of Hamath to prevent him from reigning in Jerusalem, and he imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold. Then 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." By installing Jehoiakim as a vassal king, Necho II sought to maintain Egyptian influence over Judah. However, this control was short-lived, as the Babylonians soon asserted dominance over the region. Legacy Pharaohnechoh's interactions with Judah and his military campaigns are significant in the biblical narrative, illustrating the geopolitical dynamics of the time. His actions had lasting implications for the Kingdom of Judah, contributing to the eventual Babylonian conquest and the exile of the Jewish people. Concordance Pharaohnechoh (3 Occurrences)2 Kings 23:29 2 Kings 23:33 2 Kings 23:34 Thesaurus Pharaohnechoh (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Pharaohnechoh (3 Occurrences). 2 Kings 23:29 In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt went up against the ... /p/pharaohnechoh.htm - 7k Nechoh (1 Occurrence) Pharaoh-nechoh (3 Occurrences) Pharaoh-necho (1 Occurrence) Bands (130 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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