And his servants carried him in a chariot dead from Megiddo, and brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own sepulchre. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father’s stead.
His servants carried his dead body in a chariot from Megiddo and brought him to Jerusalem, where they buried him in his own tomb. Then the people of the land chose Jehoahaz, Josiah's son, and anointed him to make him king in place of his father.
This verse describes how King Josiah's body was brought home for burial after he died in battle, and how the people immediately made his son Jehoahaz the new king.
📚 Historical Context
King Josiah had been killed in battle at Megiddo around 609 BC while trying to intercept Pharaoh Necho of Egypt, who was marching north to help the Assyrians fight Babylon. Josiah was one of Judah's most faithful kings, known for his religious reforms and destruction of idol worship. His unexpected death marked the beginning of Judah's final decline before the Babylonian exile.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.