2 Chronicles 35:22
New International Version
Josiah, however, would not turn away from him, but disguised himself to engage him in battle. He would not listen to what Necho had said at God’s command but went to fight him on the plain of Megiddo.

New Living Translation
But Josiah refused to listen to Neco, to whom God had indeed spoken, and he would not turn back. Instead, he disguised himself and led his army into battle on the plain of Megiddo.

English Standard Version
Nevertheless, Josiah did not turn away from him, but disguised himself in order to fight with him. He did not listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, but came to fight in the plain of Megiddo.

Berean Standard Bible
Josiah, 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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself so that he might fight with him, and did not heed the words of Necho from the mouth of God. So he came to fight in the Valley of Megiddo.

New American Standard Bible
However, Josiah would not turn away from him, but disguised himself in order to fight against him; nor did he listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, but he came to wage war on the plain of Megiddo.

NASB 1995
However, Josiah would not turn away from him, but disguised himself in order to make war with him; nor did he listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, but came to make war on the plain of Megiddo.

NASB 1977
However, Josiah would not turn away from him, but disguised himself in order to make war with him; nor did he listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, but came to make war on the plain of Megiddo.

Legacy Standard Bible
However, Josiah would not turn away from him, but disguised himself in order to make war with him; nor did he listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, but came to make war on the plain of Megiddo.

Amplified Bible
Yet Josiah would not turn away from him, but disguised himself in order to fight against him. He did not listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, but came to fight against him on the plain of Megiddo.

Christian Standard Bible
But Josiah did not turn away from him; instead, in order to fight with him he disguised himself. He did not listen to Neco’s words from the mouth of God, but went to the Valley of Megiddo to fight.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But Josiah did not turn away from him; instead, in order to fight with him he disguised himself. He did not listen to Neco’s words from the mouth of God, but went to the Valley of Megiddo to fight.

American Standard Version
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 Neco from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.

Contemporary English Version
But Josiah ignored Neco's warning, even though it came from God! Instead, he disguised himself and marched into battle against Neco in the valley near Megiddo.

English Revised Version
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 Neco, from the month of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But Josiah would not stop his attack. He disguised himself as he went into battle. He refused to listen to Neco's words, which came from God, and he went to fight in the valley of Megiddo.

Good News Translation
But Josiah was determined to fight. He refused to listen to what God was saying through King Neco, so he disguised himself and went into battle on the plain of Megiddo.

International Standard Version
But Josiah wouldn't turn around. In fact, he put on a disguise so he could fight Neco. He wouldn't listen to what God told him through what Neco had to say, and as a result, Josiah came to attack Neco on the Megiddo plain.

Majority Standard Bible
Josiah, 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.

NET Bible
But Josiah did not turn back from him; he disguised himself for battle. He did not take seriously the words of Necho which he had received from God; he went to fight him in the Plain of Megiddo.

New Heart English Bible
Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and did not listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.

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

World English Bible
Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and didn’t listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Josiah has not turned around his face from him, but has disguised himself to fight against him, and has not listened to the words of Necho, from the mouth of God, and comes to fight in the Valley of Megiddo;

Young's Literal Translation
And Josiah hath not turned round his face from him, but to fight against him hath disguised himself, and hath not hearkened unto the words of Necho, from the mouth of God, and cometh in to fight in the valley of Megiddo;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Josiah turned not his face from him, but to fight with him he disguised himself, and he heard not to the words of Necho from the mouth of God; and he will go forth to fight in the valley of Megiddo.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Josias would not return, but prepared to fight against him, and hearkened not to the words of Nechao from the mouth of God, but went to fight in the field of Mageddo.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Josiah was not willing to return. Instead, he prepared for war against him. Neither would he agree to the words of Neco from the mouth of God. In truth, he traveled so that he might do battle in the field of Megiddo.

New American Bible
But Josiah would not withdraw from him, for he was seeking a pretext to fight with him. Therefore he would not listen to the words of Neco that came from the mouth of God, but went out to fight in the plain of Megiddo.

New Revised Standard Version
But Josiah would not turn away from him, but disguised himself in order to fight with him. He did not listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, but joined battle in the plain of Megiddo.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him; for he had gone to fight with him. And he did not listen to the words of Pharaoh the lame; for Josiah did not know that it was from the LORD, so he went forth to fight against him in the plain of Megiddo.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yoshiah did not turn his face from him, because he was going to fight and do battle, and he did not listen to the words of Pharaoh the Cripple, and Yoshiah had not known that it was from before LORD JEHOVAH, and he went out to fight with him in the plain of Magdo.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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 Neco, from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
However, Josias turned not his face from him, but strengthened himself to fight against him, and hearkened not to the words of Nechao by the mouth of God, and he came to fight in the plain of Mageddo.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Death of Josiah
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. 23There the archers shot King Josiah, who said to his servants, “Take me away, for I am badly wounded!”…

Cross References
1 Kings 22:29-35
So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead. / And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your royal robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle. / 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.” ...

2 Kings 23:29-30
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. / From Megiddo his servants carried his body in a chariot, brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own tomb. Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah, anointed him, and made him king in place of his father.

Isaiah 31:1
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD.

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:

Ezekiel 13:10
Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and whitewashing any flimsy wall that is built,

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

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

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

Acts 21:10-14
After we had been there several days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. / Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own feet and hands, and said, “The Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles.’” / When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. ...

Matthew 16:21-23
From that time on Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. / Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. “Far be it from You, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to You!” / But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

Luke 9:51-56
As the day of His ascension approached, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. / He sent messengers on ahead, who went into a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him. / But the people there refused to welcome Him, because He was heading for Jerusalem. ...

John 18:11
“Put your sword back in its sheath!” Jesus said to Peter. “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?”

1 Corinthians 10:12
So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.

Philippians 2:8
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.

Hebrews 5:8
Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from what He suffered.


Treasury of Scripture

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

2 Chronicles 26:6
And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines.

but disguised

2 Chronicles 18:29
And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and will go to the battle; but put thou on thy robes. So the king of Israel disguised himself; and they went to the battle.

1 Kings 1:2
Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat.

1 Kings 22:30,34
And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and enter into the battle; but put thou on thy robes. And the king of Israel disguised himself, and went into the battle…

the mouth

2 Kings 9:27
But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled by the way of the garden house. And Jehu followed after him, and said, Smite him also in the chariot. And they did so at the going up to Gur, which is by Ibleam. And he fled to Megiddo, and died there.

2 Kings 23:30
And his servants carried him in a chariot dead from Megiddo, and brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own sepulchre. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father's stead.

Zechariah 12:11
In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon.

Megiddon

Revelation 16:16
And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

Armageddon

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Attention Command Disguised Engage Face Fight Fighting Forward God's Hearkened However Joined Josiah Keeping Megiddo Mouth Necho Neco Nevertheless Order Purpose Round Turn Turned Valley War Words
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Attention Command Disguised Engage Face Fight Fighting Forward God's Hearkened However Joined Josiah Keeping Megiddo Mouth Necho Neco Nevertheless Order Purpose Round Turn Turned Valley War Words
2 Chronicles 35
1. Josiah keeps a most solemn Passover
20. He provoking Pharaoh Neco, is slain at Megiddo
25. Lamentations for Josiah














Josiah, however, did not turn away from him
Josiah, the king of Judah, is noted for his piety and reforms, seeking to restore true worship in the land. The phrase "did not turn away" suggests a deliberate choice against divine counsel. In Hebrew, the concept of "turning away" often implies repentance or a change of heart. Josiah's decision here is significant because it marks a departure from his usual obedience to God, highlighting the human tendency to rely on personal judgment rather than divine guidance.

but disguised himself to fight against him
The act of disguising oneself in battle was not uncommon in ancient warfare, often used to gain a strategic advantage or to protect one's identity. Josiah's decision to disguise himself indicates a level of fear or caution, yet it also reflects a lack of trust in God's protection. This action contrasts with his earlier faith-driven reforms and suggests a moment of human frailty and vulnerability.

He did not listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God
Pharaoh Neco's message is described as being "from the mouth of God," which is a profound statement. It implies that God can use even foreign rulers to convey His will. Josiah's failure to heed this message underscores the importance of discernment and humility in leadership. The Hebrew concept of "listening" often involves obedience and understanding, not just hearing. Josiah's inability to recognize divine communication through an unexpected source serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and presumption.

but went to fight him on the plain of Megiddo
The "plain of Megiddo" is historically and prophetically significant, often associated with major battles in the Bible. It is a place where human ambition and divine will frequently intersect. Josiah's choice to engage in battle here, despite divine warning, foreshadows the tragic consequences of ignoring God's guidance. The location itself serves as a reminder of the spiritual battles believers face, where reliance on God's wisdom is crucial.

(22) But disguised himself.--Like Ahab (2Chronicles 18:29). The LXX. reads, "he strengthened himself," or "persisted" (??????????). (Comp. 3 Esdr. 1:28.) This implies the reading hithchazzaq instead of hithchappesh. It is wholly unlikely that "disguised himself" is used in the figurative sense of "departed from his true cha racter," as Keil and Z”ckler think.

The words of Necho from the mouth of God.--The warning of Necho was really divine, as the event proved. For "words of Necho," 3 Esdr. 1:26 has, "words of the prophet Jeremiah;" but there is no trace of such a warning in the extant prophecies bearing his name.

In the valley of Megiddo.--The valley of the Kishon, where Deborah and Barak had fought in the olden time against Jabin and Sisera. Herodotus (ii. 159) calls the place Magdolus. (See on 2Kings 23:29.)

Verse 22. - Would not turn his face (so 2 Chronicles 25:17 and its parallel, 2 Kings 14:8). Disguised himself. This is, possibly enough, the intention of the word, but it is more probable that the simple meaning is fully armed himself. The Septuagint has strengthened himself. Hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God. Unless these words are intended to convey really their patent and most natural import, it is tenfold strange that they should find a place in the compilation of the Chronicles. It is indeed possible that they might purport, from the pen of the writer of Chronicles, that in point of fact the words of Necho had been the permitted warning, though not the actually dictated language of God. The genius of the whole passage strongly reminds us of 2 Chronicles 25:17, 19-21; and its parallel in 2 Kings 14. In the valley of Megiddo; i.e. among those hills which separate the country of the coast from Esdraelon - a valley as that "of Kishon" (see Stanley's 'Sinai and Palestine,' pp. 356, 339, 347; but see also Conder's 'Handbook,' p. 287, where a different view is taken).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Josiah, however,
יֹאשִׁיָּ֨הוּ (yō·šî·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2977: Josiah -- 'Yah supports', two Israelites

did not
וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

turn away
הֵסֵב֩ (hê·sêḇ)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5437: To turn about, go around, surround

from him;
מִמֶּ֗נּוּ (mim·men·nū)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

instead,
כִּ֤י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

in order to engage him in battle,
לְהִלָּחֵֽם־ (lə·hil·lā·ḥêm-)
Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle

he disguised himself.
הִתְחַפֵּ֔שׂ (hiṯ·ḥap·pêś)
Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2664: To seek, to conceal oneself, mask

He did not
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

listen
שָׁמַ֛ע (šā·ma‘)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Neco’s
נְכ֖וֹ (nə·ḵōw)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5224: Neco -- a king of Egypt

words
דִּבְרֵ֥י (diḇ·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

from the mouth
מִפִּ֣י (mip·pî)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

of God,
אֱלֹהִ֑ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

but went
וַיָּבֹ֕א (way·yā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to fight him
לְהִלָּחֵ֖ם (lə·hil·lā·ḥêm)
Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle

on the Plain
בְּבִקְעַ֥ת (bə·ḇiq·‘aṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1237: A split, a wide level valley between mountains

of Megiddo.
מְגִדּֽוֹ׃ (mə·ḡid·dōw)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4023: Megiddo -- a tower


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 35:22 Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 35:21
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