Topical Encyclopedia Necho II, also known as Pharaoh Necho, was a significant ruler of Egypt during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC. He is most notably mentioned in the Bible in the context of his interactions with the Kingdom of Judah and his military campaigns in the region. Necho's reign is typically dated from 610 to 595 BC, and he is recognized for his ambitious projects and military endeavors.Biblical References: Necho's most prominent biblical appearance is in the narrative concerning King Josiah of Judah. In 2 Kings 23:29-30 , it is recorded: "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." This encounter at Megiddo was a pivotal moment, as Josiah's death marked a significant turning point for the Kingdom of Judah. The parallel account in 2 Chronicles 35:20-24 provides additional details, noting that Necho sent messengers to Josiah, saying, "What have I to do with you, king of Judah? I am not coming against you this day, but against the house with which I am at war. God has told me to hurry, so stop opposing God, who is with me, or He will destroy you." Despite this warning, Josiah engaged Necho in battle and was fatally wounded. Following Josiah's death, Necho exerted influence over Judah by deposing Josiah's successor, Jehoahaz, after a brief three-month reign. Necho then installed Eliakim, Josiah's son, as king, renaming him Jehoiakim (2 Kings 23:34). Necho imposed a heavy tribute on Judah, further asserting his dominance over the region. Historical Context: Necho's military campaigns were part of a broader geopolitical struggle involving the declining Assyrian Empire and the rising Babylonian power. His march to the Euphrates was likely an attempt to support the remnants of the Assyrian forces against the Babylonians. Necho's efforts, however, were ultimately unsuccessful, as the Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar II, would soon establish dominance in the region. Necho is also credited with significant infrastructural projects, including attempts to construct a canal linking the Nile River to the Red Sea, a precursor to the modern Suez Canal. This ambitious project demonstrated Necho's vision for enhancing Egypt's trade and military capabilities. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, Necho's interactions with Judah highlight themes of divine sovereignty and judgment. The biblical narrative suggests that Necho's actions, including his warning to Josiah, were part of God's broader plan, even though Necho himself was a pagan ruler. Josiah's failure to heed Necho's message is seen as a tragic misstep, leading to his untimely death and the subsequent decline of Judah. Necho's role in the biblical account serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between divine providence and human agency. His influence over Judah, albeit brief, set the stage for the eventual Babylonian conquest and the exile, pivotal events in the history of Israel and Judah. Conclusion: Necho II remains a figure of considerable interest both historically and biblically. His interactions with the Kingdom of Judah and his broader geopolitical ambitions provide valuable insights into the turbulent period of the late 7th century BC. Through the biblical lens, Necho's account underscores the themes of divine intervention and the unfolding of God's purposes in history. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 35:20,22After 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. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 36:4 Strong's Hebrew 5224. Neko -- a king of Egypt... a king of Egypt. Transliteration: Neko Phonetic Spelling: (nek-o') Short Definition: Neco. Word Origin probably of foreign origin Definition a king of Eg. ... Necho. ... /hebrew/5224.htm - 6k Library The Captivity. How Vainglory May be Useful to Us. On Daniel. I. Preface by the Most Holy Hippolytus, (Bishop) of ... The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... Egypt Appendices Babylonia and Assyria The Sixth vision "On Earth" The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources Who was King Zedekiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy do some people in the Bible have more than one name? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of the Babylonian Empire in biblical history? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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