2 Chronicles 36:1-2
The people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah and made him king in his father’s place in Jerusalem. Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to read this and think it's just a simple succession, but notice "The people of the land" took action here, not the appointed officials or the royal family. This wasn't necessarily a divinely ordained appointment, but a move by the populace that hints at instability and popular opinion dictating leadership, setting the stage for future turmoil.
Following the death of the good King Josiah, the people of Judah bypassed his rightful heir and instead installed his younger son, Jehoahaz, as king. This act of rebellion against tradition and, by extension, God's established order, immediately sets the stage for the rapid decline and judgment that will soon fall upon Jerusalem, as Jehoahaz's brief and wicked reign is detailed in the verses that follow.
Ever wondered who gets to pick a king? In ancient Israel, it wasn't always a divine appointment or a dynastic succession. Sometimes, the people themselves held the power.
The People's Power
This verse highlights a moment where the 'people of the land' took decisive action. This phrase often refers to the influential figures, the nobles, and the citizens who had a stake in the nation's stability.
A Shift in Authority
Instead of the king appointing his successor, or God directly choosing someone, the populace stepped in. This wasn't a typical scenario but reveals that the political landscape could be dynamic, with the people capable of asserting their will, at least initially.
Imagine being crowned king one day, only to be dethroned shortly after. Jehoahaz's reign was incredibly brief, teaching us about the fragility of power and the consequences of poor leadership.
A Swift Downfall
Jehoahaz, son of the beloved King Josiah, was chosen by the people. However, his time on the throne was cut drastically short. Within three months, he was deposed and exiled by the Egyptian pharaoh, Necho.
Why So Short?
Scripture often highlights that Jehoahaz 'did what was evil in the sight of the LORD' (2 Kings 23:32). His reign was marked by disobedience and a departure from the godly path his father Josiah had walked. This swift end serves as a stark reminder that true kingship, even when chosen by the people, ultimately answers to God and requires faithfulness.
Understand the original words
am ha-arets · Hebrew Noun phrase
A term used to describe the general population of a territory, often implying a collective political or social action within the context of monarchical transitions.
melek · Hebrew Noun
A divinely or humanly appointed ruler who exercises sovereign authority over a kingdom or territory. In biblical history, kings were to serve under the ultimate authority of God.
609 BC
Josiah's Death
King Josiah, a righteous reformer, is killed in battle against Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt.
609 BC— this verse
Jehoahaz Made King
The people of Judah select Josiah's younger son, Jehoahaz, as king over his older brother Eliakim. This was a controversial move against Egyptian wishes.
609 BC
Jehoahaz Deposed by Pharaoh
Pharaoh Necho II deposes Jehoahaz after only three months and takes him captive to Egypt.
609 BC
Jehoiakim Installed as King
Pharaoh Necho II installs Jehoiakim, another son of Josiah, as king, making Judah a vassal state of Egypt.
605 BC
Babylonian Victory at Carchemish
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon decisively defeats the Egyptian and Assyrian forces, shifting the balance of power in the region.
This passage describes the same event but from the perspective of the Northern Kingdom, noting that Jehoahaz was made king instead of his older brother, Eliakim.
Jeremiah 22:10-12Jeremiah prophesies against Shallum (who is Jehoahaz), revealing his short reign and exile, which directly follows his unrighteous ascension to the throne mentioned in Chronicles.
2 Kings 23:31-34This passage immediately follows the account of Jehoahaz's coronation, detailing his wicked actions and subsequent deposition by Pharaoh Neco, highlighting the instability of his reign.
Ezekiel 19:1-4This prophetic lament compares the young lion (representing Jehoahaz) to a cub, captured and taken away to Egypt, powerfully illustrating the tragic end of Jehoahaz's brief kingship.
It's easy to read this and think it's just a simple succession, but notice "The people of the land" took action here, not the appointed officials or the royal family. This wasn't necessarily a divinely ordained appointment, but a move by the populace that hints at instability and popular opinion dictating leadership, setting the stage for future turmoil.
Following the death of the good King Josiah, the people of Judah bypassed his rightful heir and instead installed his younger son, Jehoahaz, as king. This act of rebellion against tradition and, by extension, God's established order, immediately sets the stage for the rapid decline and judgment that will soon fall upon Jerusalem, as Jehoahaz's brief and wicked reign is detailed in the verses that follow.
Following the death of the good King Josiah, the people of Judah bypassed his rightful heir and instead installed his younger son, Jehoahaz, as king. This act of rebellion against tradition and, by extension, God's established order, immediately sets the stage for the rapid decline and judgment that will soon fall upon Jerusalem, as Jehoahaz's brief and wicked reign is detailed in the verses that follow.
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605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar brings notable Judeans, including Daniel, to Babylon after his victory, signaling the growing Babylonian dominance.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following a revolt against Babylon, Jehoiakim and many other Judeans are deported to Babylon, including the prophet Ezekiel.
"The people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah and made him king in his father’s place in Jerusalem. Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem." — It's easy to read this and think it's just a simple succession, but notice "The people of the land" took action here, not the appointed officials or the royal family. This wasn't necessarily a divine…
