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But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with you, you king of Judah? [I come] not against you this day, but against the house with which I have war; and God has commanded me to make haste: forbear you from [meddling with] God, who is with me, that he not destroy you.

Verse Takeaways

1

A Pagan King's 'God'

Commentators explain that Pharaoh Necho's claim to be on a mission from 'God' was standard for ancient rulers. Egyptian and Assyrian kings often attributed their military actions to their own national or supreme deities. This means Necho was likely not referring to Yahweh, the God of Israel, but was speaking in a way that was customary for a pagan monarch asserting divine authority for his campaign.

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Book Overview

2 Chronicles

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Commentaries

4

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On 2 Chronicles 35:21

18th Century

Theologian

The house with which I have war - Necho viewed Babylon as the successor and representative of Assyria—the hereditary enemy of Egypt—and he m…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On 2 Chronicles 35:21

19th Century

Bishop

But ... ambassadors.And ... messengers.

What have I to …

John Gill

John Gill

On 2 Chronicles 35:21

17th Century

Pastor

But he sent ambassadors to him
That is, Necho sent to Josiah:

saying, what have I to do with you,…

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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On 2 Chronicles 35:20–27

17th Century

Minister

The Scripture does not condemn Josiah's conduct in opposing Pharaoh. Yet Josiah seems to deserve blame for not inquiring of the Lord after he was w…