This discussion question goes close hand in glove with DQ#4. “Why did Josiah persist in pursuing Necho? Is there a spiritual lesson behind this event?”
To prevent King Manasseh from destroying the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat Pharaoh Necho was entrusted with their care and protection. Whether the actual sacred items were delivered to him or a facsimile has been bandied about for thousands of years. Pharaoh Necho was not Egyptian, rather he was Ethiopian, the very people rumored to be fulfilling the trust of protection of the genuine and sacred items. It is the belief of the Ethiopians that these will be turned over to the Messiah when He comes to earth to reign.
It is thought that Josiah wanted the Ark of the Covenant and Mercy Seat returned to Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 35:20, “After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Charchemish by Euphrates: and Josiah went out against him.”
However, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob apparently, spoke to Pharaoh Necho through the Ark, saying that the Ark was to stay in Ethiopia. 2 Chronicles 35:22, “Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.”
I can readily understand why Pharaoh Necho believed that the God of Israel was on his side. By confronting Pharaoh Necho King Josiah was going against the dictates of God and was fatally wounded.
Pharaoh Necho believed that the voice issuing from the Ark was “from the mouth of God.” I wonder if this was a life changer for him, as it certainly would have been for me.
I am studying the old testament in its historical context and i was equally wondering why Pharao Necho believed that God was with him. Thank you for the insight.
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