2 Chronicles 36:1-3
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. Then the king of Egypt deposed him in Jerusalem and laid on the land a tribute of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What's striking here is that the people, not the elders or religious leaders, are the ones initiating this change of leadership. It highlights a significant, and perhaps precarious, transfer of power rooted in popular will, rather than established royal succession or divine appointment. This detail suggests a moment where the populace held a surprising amount of sway in determining their king.
Josiah, a righteous king, had just died in battle, a devastating loss for Judah. Immediately after his father's death, the people bypassed Josiah's older sons and instead chose his younger son, Jehoahaz, to rule. This decision marks the beginning of a rapid decline for the kingdom, as Jehoahaz's short and ungodly reign quickly leads to foreign invasion and exile.
Ever feel like leaders are chosen for you? In ancient Judah, the people themselves sometimes held the reins of power, for better or worse. This verse shows a pivotal moment where their choice dramatically altered the course of the kingdom.
A Shift in Royal Authority
We often think of kingship as hereditary, passed down through bloodlines. While that was the ideal, this verse highlights that the people of the land had a significant role in deciding who would rule. They bypassed the presumed heir and installed Jehoahaz, Josiah's son, on the throne.
This wasn't a peaceful, orderly transition. It suggests a moment of popular will, perhaps fueled by political maneuvering or a desire for a different kind of leadership after the influential Josiah's death. It sets the stage for instability.
King Josiah was a giant of faith, leading a massive spiritual revival. His sudden death left a huge void. How did this affect the people's choice for his successor?
The Weight of a Reformer's Reign
Josiah's reign (2 Kings 22-23) was marked by profound religious reform. He tore down idolatrous shrines, restored temple worship, and recommitted the nation to God's Law. His death in battle at Megiddo (mentioned in 2 Kings 23:29-30) was a national tragedy, a sudden end to a golden era.
When the people of the land chose Jehoahaz, they were stepping into the vacuum left by Josiah. It's possible they were looking for a fresh start, or perhaps Jehoahaz represented a different political faction than the one Josiah might have favored for succession. Regardless, the choice shows how deeply the kingdom was impacted by Josiah's passing and the uncertainty that followed.
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.
onesh · Hebrew Noun
The mandatory payment or tax imposed by a conquering power upon a defeated or vassal nation, signifying submission and political subservience.
hesir · Hebrew Verb
The act of deposing or removing a ruler from office, often involving force or foreign intervention, highlighting the instability of human political authority.
c. 609 BC
Josiah King of Judah Dies
King Josiah, a godly ruler who enacted major religious reforms, was killed in battle against the Egyptians at Megiddo. His death was a devastating blow to Judah.
c. 609 BC— this verse
Jehoahaz Made King
The people of Judah, bypassing the normal succession, chose Josiah's younger son, Jehoahaz, to be king in Jerusalem. He was not Josiah's firstborn.
c. 609 BC
Jehoahaz Deposed by Egypt
Pharaoh Necho of Egypt, after defeating Josiah, quickly deposed Jehoahaz, who had reigned only three months. Jehoahaz was taken captive to Egypt.
c. 609 BC
Jehoiakim Made King
Pharaoh Necho then installed Jehoiakim, another son of Josiah, as king over Judah. He paid tribute to Egypt, marking a significant shift in Judah's sovereignty.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon defeated the Egyptians at Carchemish, asserting Babylonian dominance. He then besieged Jerusalem, deporting some of the royal family and skilled people to Babylon, including the prophet Daniel.
This passage provides a parallel account of Jehoahaz's ascension, highlighting that he was actually appointed by the people of Judah, mirroring the action described in Chronicles.
2 Kings 23:31-34This passage immediately follows Jehoahaz's enthronement and shows his very short, problematic reign, contrasting with the people's initial choice and foreshadowing the swift divine judgment.
Jeremiah 22:10-12The prophet Jeremiah denounces Jehoahaz, calling him 'Shallum' and prophesying his exile, which directly relates to the people's decision to make him king and his subsequent fate.
Ezekiel 19:1-4This prophetic oracle uses the imagery of a young lion taken captive, which is widely interpreted as referring to Jehoahaz and his downfall, emphasizing the consequences of the people's choices.
What's striking here is that the people, not the elders or religious leaders, are the ones initiating this change of leadership. It highlights a significant, and perhaps precarious, transfer of power rooted in popular will, rather than established royal succession or divine appointment. This detail suggests a moment where the populace held a surprising amount of sway in determining their king.
Josiah, a righteous king, had just died in battle, a devastating loss for Judah. Immediately after his father's death, the people bypassed Josiah's older sons and instead chose his younger son, Jehoahaz, to rule. This decision marks the beginning of a rapid decline for the kingdom, as Jehoahaz's short and ungodly reign quickly leads to foreign invasion and exile.
Josiah, a righteous king, had just died in battle, a devastating loss for Judah. Immediately after his father's death, the people bypassed Josiah's older sons and instead chose his younger son, Jehoahaz, to rule. This decision marks the beginning of a rapid decline for the kingdom, as Jehoahaz's short and ungodly reign quickly leads to foreign invasion and exile.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 2 Chronicles 36:1-3 is available in the Sola app.
zahav · Hebrew Noun
A precious metal representing material wealth, frequently associated with the glory of temples or the exactions of foreign empires in the Old Testament.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following Jehoiakim's rebellion against Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar again attacked Jerusalem. Jehoiakim's son, Jehoiachin, and thousands more Judeans were exiled to Babylon.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
After further rebellion under Zedekiah, Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and its magnificent Temple. Most of the remaining population was exiled to Babylon, marking the end of the Davidic monarchy in Judah.
"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. Then the king of Egypt depos…" — What's striking here is that the people, not the elders or religious leaders, are the ones initiating this change of leadership. It highlights a significant, and perhaps precarious, transfer of power…
