And Pharaoh Neco put him in bonds at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem, and laid on the land a tribute of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Here's a thought that might make this verse pop: Pharaoh Neco isn't just preventing Jehoahaz from ruling; he's actively removing him from the throne and imposing a heavy financial burden on the land. This wasn't just a political move, but a clear demonstration of Egypt's newfound dominance, turning Judah into a vassal state that paid tribute, not a sovereign nation.
And Pharaoh Neco put him in bonds at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem, and laid on the land a tribute of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold.
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Josiah, a good king who followed God, was killed in battle while trying to stop the Egyptian army led by Pharaoh Neco. After Josiah’s death, his son Jehoahaz was quickly made king by the people, but he didn’t last long. Pharaoh Neco then removed Jehoahaz and installed his brother Eliakim (renamed Jehoiakim) as king, demanding a heavy tribute to secure Egypt's control over Judah.
Imagine being crowned king, only to have your reign brutally cut short before it even truly begins. This verse shows a harsh reality of power struggles in the ancient world.
A Swift End to Reign
King Jehoahaz, a young king chosen by the people of Judah, faced a devastating fate.
The world can feel like a chaotic place, with powerful nations and leaders making decisions that drastically impact smaller ones. Does God see? Does He care?
A Higher Purpose in the Play
While this verse details a brutal political event, it doesn't happen outside of God's awareness or plan.
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Understand the original words
asar / zeqim · Hebrew Noun (in context of verb phrase)
Chains or fetters used to restrain a prisoner, symbolizing subjugation, loss of authority, and being brought under the power of a foreign oppressor.
mas · Hebrew Noun
A payment, tax, or indemnity imposed by a dominant power upon a subject nation or people, often as a sign of submission or forced vassalage.
kikkar · Hebrew Noun
A weight measurement, specifically for precious metals like gold or silver. In the Bible, it represents a significant, often heavy, financial burden or value.
This passage highlights Judah's vulnerability and loss of sovereignty following King Josiah's death, caught between the ambitions of Egypt and the rising power of Babylon.
609 BC
Josiah Defeated at Megiddo
King Josiah of Judah, a godly king, marched to confront Pharaoh Neco of Egypt. Josiah was killed in battle, a devastating blow to Judah.
609 BC
Jehoahaz Becomes King of Judah
After Josiah's death, the people of Judah quickly installed his son Jehoahaz as king in Jerusalem.
609 BC— this verse
Jehoahaz Deposed by Pharaoh Neco
Pharaoh Neco captured Jehoahaz on his way back from battle and deposed him, taking him as a prisoner to Egypt.
609 BC
Jehoiakim Installed as King of Judah
Pharaoh Neco then appointed Jehoiakim, another son of Josiah, as the new king of Judah, making him a vassal ruler.
609 BC
Tribute Imposed on Judah
Pharaoh Neco exacted heavy tribute from Judah to fund his military campaigns and assert his dominance over the region.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar, crown prince of Babylon, defeated the Egyptians at Carchemish, ending Egyptian dominance. He then advanced into Judah, taking nobles and skilled workers captive to Babylon.
This passage speaks about Jehoahaz, the very king mentioned in 2 Kings 23:33, prophesying his exile and death in a foreign land, highlighting the fulfillment of divine judgment.
2 Chronicles 36:3-4This account parallels 2 Kings 23:33, emphasizing Pharaoh Neco's actions in deposing Jehoahaz and installing Jehoiakim, showing the political turmoil and foreign domination experienced by Judah.
Jeremiah 52:24-27This passage provides a more detailed account of Jehoahaz's capture and deportation to Egypt by Pharaoh Neco, aligning with the events described in 2 Kings 23:33 and reinforcing the severity of the consequences for Judah's disobedience.
Ezekiel 19:1-4Though a prophetic lament, this imagery of a young lion taken away to a distant land can be seen as a symbolic reflection of Jehoahaz's fate, illustrating the downfall of Judah's royalty under foreign power.
Here's a thought that might make this verse pop:
Pharaoh Neco isn't just preventing Jehoahaz from ruling; he's actively removing him from the throne and imposing a heavy financial burden on the land. This wasn't just a political move, but a clear demonstration of Egypt's newfound dominance, turning Judah into a vassal state that paid tribute, not a sovereign nation.
King Josiah, a good king who followed God, was killed in battle while trying to stop the Egyptian army led by Pharaoh Neco. After Josiah’s death, his son Jehoahaz was quickly made king by the people, but he didn’t last long. Pharaoh Neco then removed Jehoahaz and installed his brother Eliakim (renamed Jehoiakim) as king, demanding a heavy tribute to secure Egypt's control over Judah.
King Josiah, a good king who followed God, was killed in battle while trying to stop the Egyptian army led by Pharaoh Neco. After Josiah’s death, his son Jehoahaz was quickly made king by the people, but he didn’t last long. Pharaoh Neco then removed Jehoahaz and installed his brother Eliakim (renamed Jehoiakim) as king, demanding a heavy tribute to secure Egypt's control over Judah.
"And Pharaoh Neco put him in bonds at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem, and laid on the land a tribute of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold." — Here's a thought that might make this verse pop:
Pharaoh Neco isn't just preventing Jehoahaz from ruling; he's actively removing him from the throne and imposing a heavy financial burden on the…
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Last reviewed October 2026