Topical Bible: Egypt: The Armies of Deposed Jehoahaz and Made Judea Tributary

◄ Egypt: The Armies of Deposed Jehoahaz and Made Judea Tributary ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Egypt, a significant power in the ancient Near East, played a pivotal role in the history of Israel and Judah, particularly during the late 7th century BC. The interaction between Egypt and the Kingdom of Judah is notably marked by the events surrounding King Jehoahaz and the subsequent subjugation of Judah.

Jehoahaz's Reign and Deposition

Jehoahaz, the son of Josiah, ascended to the throne of Judah following his father's death at the hands of Pharaoh Neco II of Egypt at the Battle of Megiddo (2 Kings 23:29-30). Jehoahaz's reign was short-lived, lasting only three months. Despite being chosen by the people of the land, his rule was not favored by the Egyptian Pharaoh.

Pharaoh Neco II, asserting his dominance over the region, deposed Jehoahaz and took him captive to Egypt. The Berean Standard Bible records this event: "Pharaoh Neco put him in chains at Riblah in the land of Hamath so that he might not reign in Jerusalem, and he imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold" (2 Kings 23:33). Jehoahaz was replaced by his brother Eliakim, whom Neco renamed Jehoiakim, thus establishing a puppet regime loyal to Egypt.

Tributary Status of Judah

Under Jehoiakim, Judah became a vassal state to Egypt, forced to pay a heavy tribute. This subjugation is further detailed in 2 Kings 23:35 : "So Jehoiakim paid the silver and gold to Pharaoh Neco, but to meet Pharaoh’s demand, he taxed the land and exacted the silver and gold from the people, each according to his wealth."

The imposition of tribute was a common practice by dominant empires to ensure loyalty and economic benefit. For Judah, this meant a loss of autonomy and increased financial burden on its people. The tribute system not only drained the resources of the kingdom but also signified a shift in political allegiance from Assyria, which had been the dominant power, to Egypt.

Egypt's Influence and Biblical Prophecy

Egypt's influence over Judah during this period is significant in the biblical narrative. The prophets of Israel often spoke against reliance on foreign powers, including Egypt, warning of the consequences of such alliances. Isaiah, for instance, cautioned against seeking help from Egypt, emphasizing trust in the Lord instead (Isaiah 31:1).

The events surrounding Jehoahaz and the tributary status of Judah under Egypt highlight the geopolitical struggles of the time and the theological implications of relying on foreign powers rather than on God. Egypt's role in the biblical history of Judah serves as a reminder of the transient nature of political alliances and the enduring call to faithfulness to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 23:31-35
Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
Torrey's Topical Textbook