How does Pharaoh Neco's warning relate to Romans 13:1 about authority? Setting the Scene Josiah, Judah’s reforming king, marched to block Pharaoh Neco’s army at Megiddo. Neco warned him: “‘What is the issue between you and me, O king of Judah? I am not coming against you today, but against the house with which I am at war, and God has told me to hurry. So stop opposing God, who is with me, or He will destroy you.’ ” (2 Chronicles 35:21) Josiah ignored the warning, was mortally wounded, and died (vv. 22-24). God’s Voice through an Unexpected Ruler • Neco, though a pagan, credited his mission to “God.” • Scripture treats that claim as genuine; the narrator never rebukes it. • By confronting Neco, Josiah unwittingly opposed a divinely sanctioned campaign. Romans 13:1 in Focus “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been appointed by God.” (Romans 13:1) How the Two Passages Interlock • Authority’s Source – Romans: All civil power is “appointed by God.” – Chronicles: God worked even through Egypt’s king. • Submission’s Safeguard – Romans: Resistance to God-ordained authority risks judgment (v. 2). – Chronicles: Josiah’s resistance cost him his life. • God’s Sovereignty over Nations – Daniel 4:17 confirms God “gives [kingdoms] to whom He wishes.” – Pharaoh Neco’s temporary dominance served God’s broader plan (Jeremiah 46:25-26). Key Takeaways • Pagan rulers can still be instruments in God’s hand (Isaiah 45:1). • Testing a leader’s claim—by Scripture and prophetic witness—is vital, yet humility is required when evidence points to God’s involvement. • Ignoring divine warnings, even when delivered through unlikely mouths, invites discipline (Proverbs 21:30). Living It Out • Respect governing authorities, recognizing God’s sovereignty behind them (1 Peter 2:13-14). • Discern God’s direction with Scripture and wise counsel before opposing civil power. • Remember that zeal, however sincere, must stay aligned with God’s unfolding purposes—Josiah’s tragedy reminds us that holy intentions do not override divine order. |
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