Topical Encyclopedia
Egypt, a prominent nation in biblical history, played a significant role in the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East. Its interactions with Israel and Judah are well-documented in the Scriptures, particularly during the late 7th century BC. During this period, Egypt's military campaigns had profound implications for the region, including the kingdom of Judah.
Egypt's Military Campaigns and AssyriaIn the late 7th century BC, the Assyrian Empire, once a dominant force in the Near East, was in decline. This period of instability provided an opportunity for other powers, including Egypt, to assert their influence. Pharaoh Necho II, who reigned from 610 to 595 BC, sought to expand Egypt's influence by supporting Assyria against the rising power of Babylon.
The Bible records Egypt's involvement in these regional conflicts. In
2 Kings 23:29 , it is noted: "While Josiah was king, Pharaoh Necho king of Egypt went up to the Euphrates River to help the king of Assyria." This passage highlights Egypt's strategic alliance with Assyria, as Necho aimed to bolster Assyria's faltering power against the Babylonians.
The Death of King JosiahKing Josiah of Judah, known for his religious reforms and dedication to the worship of Yahweh, found himself entangled in these geopolitical struggles. Despite his piety, Josiah made a fateful decision to oppose Pharaoh Necho's advance. The reasons for Josiah's opposition are not explicitly detailed in the Scriptures, but it is possible that he viewed Egypt's support of Assyria as a threat to Judah's autonomy or as contrary to his religious convictions.
The encounter between Josiah and Necho is recorded in
2 Chronicles 35:20-24 : "After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt went up to fight at Carchemish on the Euphrates, and Josiah marched 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 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 Necho's warning, Josiah engaged in battle at Megiddo, where he was fatally wounded. The account continues: "Josiah, however, did not turn away from him, but disguised himself to fight against him. He did not listen to what Necho had said at God’s command, but went to fight him on the plain of Megiddo. Archers shot King Josiah, and he said to his servants, 'Take me away, for I am badly wounded.' So his servants took him out of his chariot, put him in his second chariot, and brought him to Jerusalem, where he died."
Josiah's death marked a significant turning point for Judah. His untimely demise led to a period of political instability and spiritual decline, as his successors failed to uphold his reforms. The loss of Josiah, a righteous king, was deeply mourned by the people of Judah, as reflected in the lamentations composed in his honor (
2 Chronicles 35:25).
Implications of Egypt's ActionsEgypt's military actions during this period had lasting effects on the region. By supporting Assyria, Egypt sought to maintain a balance of power that would prevent Babylon from becoming the dominant force. However, the eventual fall of Assyria and the rise of Babylon would lead to further challenges for Egypt and the surrounding nations, including Judah.
The biblical narrative of Egypt's involvement in these events underscores the complex interplay of political, military, and spiritual factors that shaped the history of Israel and Judah. Egypt's role as both an adversary and occasional ally highlights the intricate relationships between the ancient kingdoms and the divine purposes at work in the unfolding of biblical history.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Kings 23:29In 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
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The Iranian Conquest
... at one time,** the Achaemenian kings killed each day ... of production with those of
Egypt or Chaldaea ... cut in serpentine, betray imitation of Assyria and Chaldaea. ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm
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