Topical Bible: Egyptians: Invade the Land of Israel: Under Pharaoh-Necho

◄ Egyptians: Invade the Land of Israel: Under Pharaoh-Necho ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The historical event of the Egyptian invasion of the land of Israel under Pharaoh Necho II is a significant episode recorded in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the late 7th century BC. This period marks a time of political upheaval and shifting power dynamics in the ancient Near East, with Egypt seeking to assert its influence over the region.

Background and Context

Pharaoh Necho II reigned over Egypt from approximately 610 to 595 BC. During his reign, Egypt was a formidable power, and Necho sought to expand his influence into the Levant, a region that included the land of Israel. This expansionist policy was partly in response to the growing threat of the Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar II, which was rapidly gaining dominance in the region.

Biblical Account

The invasion of Israel by Pharaoh Necho is primarily documented in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. The biblical narrative provides insight into the geopolitical tensions of the time and the impact of Necho's campaign on the Kingdom of Judah.

In 2 Kings 23:29-30 , the text states: "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 passage highlights the confrontation between King Josiah of Judah and Pharaoh Necho at Megiddo, a strategic location in the Jezreel Valley. Josiah's decision to engage Necho in battle was likely motivated by his desire to prevent Egyptian forces from aiding the Assyrians, who were traditional enemies of Judah. However, Josiah's intervention resulted in his death, a significant loss for Judah, as Josiah was a reformist king who had sought to restore the worship of Yahweh.

2 Chronicles 35:20-24 provides additional details: "After all this, when Josiah had set the temple in order, Necho king of Egypt marched up to fight at Carchemish on the Euphrates, and Josiah went 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.' But Josiah did not turn away from him; instead, he disguised himself and engaged Necho in battle 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 tomb of his fathers, and all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah."

This account emphasizes Necho's claim that his campaign was divinely sanctioned and not directed against Judah. Despite this, Josiah's decision to confront Necho led to his untimely death, which was deeply mourned by the people of Judah.

Aftermath and Significance

The death of Josiah marked a turning point for the Kingdom of Judah. Following Josiah's demise, his son Jehoahaz was made king, but his reign was short-lived. Pharaoh Necho deposed Jehoahaz after only three months and installed Eliakim, another of Josiah's sons, renaming him Jehoiakim, as a vassal king. This act of political manipulation underscored Egypt's temporary dominance over Judah.

The Egyptian invasion under Pharaoh Necho II and the subsequent events set the stage for the Babylonian conquest of Judah. The weakening of Judah's political structure and the imposition of Egyptian control contributed to the instability that eventually led to the Babylonian exile.

The biblical narrative of Pharaoh Necho's invasion serves as a reminder of the complex interplay of divine providence and human agency in the history of Israel, as well as the consequences of political alliances and conflicts in the ancient world.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 23:29-35
In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.
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2 Chronicles 35:20-24
After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Charchemish by Euphrates: and Josiah went out against him.
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2 Chronicles 36:3,4
And the king of Egypt put him down at Jerusalem, and condemned the land in an hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold.
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