Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Calamities of, Mentioned: Taken and Made Tributary by Pharaoh-Necho

◄ Jerusalem: Calamities of, Mentioned: Taken and Made Tributary by Pharaoh-Necho ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Jerusalem, the city central to biblical history and the spiritual heart of Israel, has faced numerous calamities throughout its storied past. One significant event in its history is its subjugation by Pharaoh-Necho, the king of Egypt, which marked a period of political upheaval and spiritual decline for the people of Judah.

The historical context of this calamity is found in the late 7th century BC, during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. Josiah was a reformer king, known for his efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh and rid the land of idolatry. However, his reign came to a tragic end when he confronted Pharaoh-Necho at Megiddo. The account of this encounter is recorded in 2 Kings 23:29-30 : "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."

Following Josiah's death, his son Jehoahaz was made king, but his reign was short-lived. Pharaoh-Necho deposed Jehoahaz after only three months and took him captive to Egypt, as noted in 2 Kings 23:33-34 : "Pharaoh Necho 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. Then Pharaoh Necho made Eliakim son of Josiah king in place of his father Josiah and changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim. But he took Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt, where he died."

Pharaoh-Necho's actions had significant implications for Jerusalem and the kingdom of Judah. By deposing Jehoahaz and installing Jehoiakim as a vassal king, Necho effectively made Jerusalem tributary to Egypt. This subjugation is further emphasized by the tribute imposed on Judah, which included a heavy levy of silver and gold. The political autonomy of Judah was severely compromised, and the nation found itself caught in the power struggles between the great empires of Egypt and Babylon.

The spiritual and moral decline of Judah during this period is also noteworthy. Jehoiakim, unlike his father Josiah, did not follow the ways of the Lord. His reign is characterized by injustice and idolatry, as described by the prophet Jeremiah. The calamity of being made tributary to Pharaoh-Necho was not merely a political setback but also a reflection of the nation's spiritual state.

This event in Jerusalem's history serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. The subjugation by Pharaoh-Necho was a precursor to further calamities, including the eventual Babylonian exile. The biblical narrative underscores the importance of faithfulness to God and the dire consequences of forsaking His covenant.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 23:33-35
And Pharaohnechoh put him in bands at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem; and put the land to a tribute of an hundred talents of silver, and a talent of gold.
Torrey's Topical Textbook