Jehoahaz

AI summary: This Jehoahaz matters because the cross references present him as an early sign of Judah's growing political helplessness under foreign powers. Though chosen by the people, he reigns only briefly before Egypt removes him and installs another king, demonstrating how little real autonomy remains. Prophetic reflection later treats his exile as a matter of grief and judgment. Taken together, the material presents this Jehoahaz as a short-lived king whose removal foreshadows Judah's deepening humiliation.¹

A son of king Josiah (1 Chr. 3:15; Jer. 22:11), who was elected to succeed his father on the throne, although he was two years younger than his brother Eliakim. He assumed the crown under the name of Jehoahaz (q.v.). He did not imitate the example of his father (2 Kings 23:32), but was “a young lion, and it learned to catch the prey; it devoured men” (Ezek. 19:3). His policy was anti-Egyptian therefore. Necho, at that time at Riblah, sent an army against Jerusalem, which at once yielded, and Jehoahaz was carried captive to the Egyptian camp, Eliakim being appointed king in his stead. He remained a captive in Egypt till his death, and was the first king of Judah that died in exile. ³