But the people of the land struck down all those who had conspired against King Amon, and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his place.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Isn't it striking that the common people, not the priests or prophets, were the ones who took action against Amon's conspirators? This verse highlights that ordinary people can, and sometimes do, assert God's justice when their leaders fail. It's a powerful reminder that righteous judgment can rise from unexpected places.
But the people of the land struck down all those who had conspired against King Amon, and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his place.
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Amon, who had followed his wicked father Manasseh's evil ways, was assassinated by his own officials. In the wake of this violent upheaval, the people of Judah didn't let the conspirators seize power; instead, they swiftly chose Amon's young son Josiah to be the next king. This action set the stage for Josiah's reign, which would become a turning point in Judah's history.
It's easy to think of justice as something only kings or courts can deliver. But what happens when the people themselves feel compelled to act?
This verse throws us into a dramatic moment in Israel's history. King Amon was known for his wickedness, even worse than his father Manasseh. His conspirators thought they were securing the future, but the 'people of the land'—the common citizens—had a different idea.
The People's Verdict
They didn't wait for a new king's decree or a formal trial. They took matters into their own hands, executing those who had overthrown Amon. This wasn't necessarily mob rule, but a strong popular reaction against perceived injustice and a desire to restore stability through a chosen successor, Josiah.
A Shift in Power?
Sometimes, a new leader emerges not just from royal lineage, but from the will of the people and a desire for a better future.
The immediate aftermath of Amon's assassination was chaos. His conspirators had seized power, but the common people rejected their illegitimate rule. They recognized Josiah, Amon's young son, as the rightful heir and installed him as king.
Hope for Restoration
This wasn't just about succession; it was a turning point. While Josiah was young, his ascension, supported by the people, paved the way for the great reforms he would later lead. It signals a deep yearning among the populace for righteous leadership, a stark contrast to Amon's reign.
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Divine Providence at Work
Understand the original words
am ha'arets · Hebrew Noun phrase
A title used in the historical books of the Old Testament to denote the common citizens or the populace of the kingdom. They often act as a stabilizing force in response to royal crises or coups.
Amon's violent end and the people's swift action to install Josiah show a turning point – the kingdom rejecting the wicked path of Manasseh and Amon, paving the way for Josiah's pivotal reforms.
642 BC
Death of Manasseh
King Manasseh, known for his extreme idolatry and cruelty, dies after a long reign. His son Amon succeeds him.
c. 640 BC
Reign of King Amon Begins
Amon continues his father's wicked ways, promoting idolatry and injustice throughout Judah. His oppressive rule fuels discontent.
c. 638 BC— this verse
Assassination of King Amon
Amon's own officials conspire against him and murder him in his palace. This act plunges the kingdom into brief turmoil.
c. 638 BC
Elevation of Josiah
The people of the land reject the conspirators' actions and choose Amon's young son, Josiah, to be the next king, restoring stability.
c. 628 BC
Josiah's Reforms Begin
In the eighth year of his reign, Josiah initiates a sweeping religious reformation, purging idolatry and restoring worship of the Lord.
c. 622 BC
Discovery of the Law
During temple repairs, the high priest Hilkiah discovers a scroll of the Law (likely Deuteronomy), which deeply impacts Josiah and fuels further reforms.
This passage directly parallels 2 Kings 21:24, identifying Josiah as the one made king and highlighting his young age when he began his reign.
2 Kings 22:1This verse immediately follows the account of Amon's assassination, showing Josiah's ascent to the throne and his early commitment to walking in the ways of David.
2 Samuel 23:3-4This passage describes the ideal righteous ruler, speaking of one who rules justly and in the fear of God, setting a standard against which kings like Amon (and the people's choice of Josiah) can be measured.
Jeremiah 1:1-3Jeremiah began his prophetic ministry during Josiah's reign, indicating that the period following Amon's violent death was a time of significant spiritual and political upheaval that God was actively addressing.
Isn't it striking that the common people, not the priests or prophets, were the ones who took action against Amon's conspirators? This verse highlights that ordinary people can, and sometimes do, assert God's justice when their leaders fail. It's a powerful reminder that righteous judgment can rise from unexpected places.
King Amon, who had followed his wicked father Manasseh's evil ways, was assassinated by his own officials. In the wake of this violent upheaval, the people of Judah didn't let the conspirators seize power; instead, they swiftly chose Amon's young son Josiah to be the next king. This action set the stage for Josiah's reign, which would become a turning point in Judah's history.
King Amon, who had followed his wicked father Manasseh's evil ways, was assassinated by his own officials. In the wake of this violent upheaval, the people of Judah didn't let the conspirators seize power; instead, they swiftly chose Amon's young son Josiah to be the next king. This action set the stage for Josiah's reign, which would become a turning point in Judah's history.
"But the people of the land struck down all those who had conspired against King Amon, and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his place." — Isn't it striking that the common people, not the priests or prophets, were the ones who took action against Amon's conspirators? This verse highlights that ordinary people can, and sometimes do, ass…
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Last reviewed October 2026