Topical Bible: Israel, Prophecies Concerning: Josiah is Succeeded by Jehoahaz

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The transition of leadership from King Josiah to his son Jehoahaz marks a significant moment in the history of Israel, as it fulfills certain prophetic narratives and sets the stage for subsequent events in the kingdom of Judah. Josiah, known for his religious reforms and dedication to the covenant with Yahweh, was a king who sought to restore true worship in Judah. His untimely death, however, led to a shift in the spiritual and political landscape of the nation.

Josiah's Reign and Prophetic Context

Josiah's reign is characterized by a return to the worship of Yahweh and the eradication of idolatry, as detailed in 2 Kings 22-23 and 2 Chronicles 34-35. His reforms were in response to the discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple, which led to a national renewal of the covenant. Despite his efforts, the prophets, including Jeremiah, foresaw the impending judgment on Judah due to the persistent sins of the people and their leaders before Josiah's time.

Prophecies and Josiah's Death

The death of Josiah is a pivotal event prophesied in the Scriptures. In 2 Kings 22:20, the prophetess Huldah foretells that Josiah would be "gathered to [his] fathers in peace," sparing him from witnessing the disaster that would befall Jerusalem. However, Josiah's death in battle at Megiddo, as recorded in 2 Kings 23:29-30, was unexpected and marked the beginning of a rapid decline for Judah.

Jehoahaz's Ascension

Following Josiah's death, his son Jehoahaz was made king by the people of the land. This transition is noted in 2 Kings 23:30: "Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah, anointed him, and made him king in place of his father." Jehoahaz's reign, however, was short-lived, lasting only three months. His rule is described in 2 Kings 23:32: "He did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as his fathers had done."

Prophetic Implications

The brief and troubled reign of Jehoahaz is seen as a continuation of the prophetic warnings given to Judah. The prophets had long warned that the nation's unfaithfulness would lead to its downfall. Jehoahaz's removal by Pharaoh Neco and the subsequent imposition of tribute on Judah (2 Kings 23:33-34) are seen as the beginning of the fulfillment of these prophecies, leading to the eventual Babylonian exile.

Conclusion

The succession of Jehoahaz after Josiah's death is a critical juncture in the prophetic history of Israel. It underscores the themes of divine judgment and the consequences of national disobedience, as foretold by the prophets. The events following Josiah's reign serve as a somber reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant and the inevitable fulfillment of His prophetic word.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 23:30-35
And his servants carried him in a chariot dead from Megiddo, and brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own sepulcher. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father's stead.
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2 Chronicles 36:1-3
Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and made him king in his father's stead in Jerusalem.
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Library

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... the name of Jacob and Israel where, sometimes ... To the second part belong the prophecies
contained in ... question proposed to the prophet concerning the observance ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm

Jeremiah
... may be vengeance for the defeat of Josiah at Megiddo ... situation, as he seems to regard
Israel and Judah ... xxiii.8 is a series of prophecies concerning kings, xxiii ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/jeremiah.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Of Syria And Pekah King Of Israel, Made War ... Concerning Nebuchadnezzar And His Successors
And How Their ... Befell Daniel In Media; And What Prophecies He Delivered ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Questions.
... 26. What were Isaiah's chief prophecies of our Lord? ... 13. What partial reformation
took place in Israel? 14. ... 17. What did Jeremiah predict concerning Jehoiakim? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... have so far been able to glean concerning him shows us ... of the greatest among the
prophets of Israel"Jeremiah, son ... given at the beginning of his prophecies (i.1 ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm