Jehoahaz, also known as Shallum, was the son of King Josiah of Judah and Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. His accession to the throne marks a significant moment in the history of Judah, as it followed the tragic death of his father, King Josiah, who was one of the most righteous and reformative kings in Judah's history. Josiah's death occurred at the hands of Pharaoh Neco II of Egypt during the battle at Megiddo, as recorded in 2 Kings 23:29-30 and 2 Chronicles 35:20-24.

Upon Josiah's death, the people of the land took Jehoahaz and anointed him king in Jerusalem. This choice by the people is noteworthy, as Jehoahaz was not the eldest son; his older brother Eliakim (later renamed Jehoiakim) was bypassed. Jehoahaz was 23 years old when he began his reign, and he ruled for a brief period of three months in 609 BC. His reign is documented in 2 Kings 23:31-33 and 2 Chronicles 36:1-4.

The brief reign of Jehoahaz was marked by a return to the practices that his father Josiah had worked diligently to eradicate. The biblical narrative in 2 Kings 23:32 states, "And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his fathers had done." This indicates a swift departure from the religious reforms and covenantal faithfulness that characterized Josiah's reign.

Jehoahaz's reign came to an abrupt end when Pharaoh Neco II, returning from his campaign in the north, deposed him. Neco bound Jehoahaz in chains at Riblah in the land of Hamath, effectively ending his rule. The Pharaoh then imposed a tribute on the land of Judah, demanding a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold, as recorded in 2 Kings 23:33-34. Jehoahaz was taken to Egypt, where he died, fulfilling the prophecy of Jeremiah 22:11-12, which foretold that he would never return to the land of Judah.

Pharaoh Neco installed Eliakim, Jehoahaz's brother, as king in his place, renaming him Jehoiakim. This political maneuver ensured that Judah remained a vassal state under Egyptian control, highlighting the geopolitical struggles of the region during this period.

Jehoahaz's short-lived reign serves as a poignant reminder of the volatility and challenges faced by the kingdom of Judah in its final years. His failure to uphold the spiritual and moral reforms of his father Josiah contributed to the nation's decline, setting the stage for the subsequent Babylonian conquest and exile.