Necho
/NEE-koh/
Summary
Necho (or Pharaoh-necho) was a king of Egypt who killed King Josiah of Judah at Megiddo and later deposed Jehoahaz from the throne of Judah.
☩Battle of Megiddo
Necho II, king of Egypt, marched through Judah on his way to fight against Assyria at Carchemish on the Euphrates. When King Josiah of Judah attempted to stop him at Megiddo, Necho warned him not to interfere, but Josiah persisted and was killed in the battle. This was a catastrophic blow to Judah.
Key verses:2 Kings 23:29-302 Chronicles 35:20-24
☩Dealings with Judah
After Josiah's death, the people made Jehoahaz king, but Necho summoned him to Riblah in Syria, deposed him, and imposed tribute on Judah. Necho then appointed Eliakim (renamed Jehoiakim) as king in his brother's place and took Jehoahaz captive to Egypt, where he died.
Key verses:2 Kings 23:31-352 Chronicles 36:1-4