King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 35:22 Mean?

2 Chronicles 35:22 in the King James Version says “Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.

2 Chronicles 35:22 · KJV


Context

20

After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Carchemish by Euphrates: and Josiah went out against him. temple: Heb. house

21

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. the house: Heb. the house of my war

22

Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.

23

And the archers shot at king Josiah; and the king said to his servants, Have me away; for I am sore wounded. wounded: Heb. made sick

24

His servants therefore took him out of that chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he had; and they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died, and was buried in one of the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah. in one: or, among the sepulchres


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Greatest worship celebration since Samuel's time. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֵסֵב֩2 of 20

would not turn

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

יֹֽאשִׁיָּ֨הוּ3 of 20

Nevertheless Josiah

H2977

joshijah, the name of two israelites

פָנָ֜יו4 of 20

his face

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מִמֶּ֗נּוּ5 of 20
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

כִּ֤י6 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לְהִלָּחֵ֖ם7 of 20

himself that he might fight

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

בּוֹ֙8 of 20
H0
הִתְחַפֵּ֔שׂ9 of 20

from him but disguised

H2664

to seek; causatively, to conceal oneself (i.e., let be sought), or mask

וְלֹ֥א10 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁמַ֛ע11 of 20

with him and hearkened

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶל12 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דִּבְרֵ֥י13 of 20

not unto the words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

נְכ֖וֹ14 of 20

of Necho

H5224

neko, an egyptian king

מִפִּ֣י15 of 20

from the mouth

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

אֱלֹהִ֑ים16 of 20

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וַיָּבֹ֕א17 of 20

and came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לְהִלָּחֵ֖ם18 of 20

himself that he might fight

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

בְּבִקְעַ֥ת19 of 20

in the valley

H1237

properly, a split, i.e., a wide level valley between mountains

מְגִדּֽוֹ׃20 of 20

of Megiddo

H4023

megiddon or megiddo, a place in palestine


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 35:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 35:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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