Jehoahaz of Judah facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jehoahaz of Judah |
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Portrait of Jehoahaz of Judah from Bartolomeo Gai's Epitome historico-chronologica 1751
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| Reign | 609 BC |
| Predecessor | Josiah, his father |
| Successor | Jehoiakim, his older brother |
| Born | Shallum c. 633/632 BC |
| House | House of David |
| Father | Josiah |
Jehoahaz of Judah, also called Shallum, was a king of Judah. He ruled for only three months in 609 BC. He was the fourth son of King Josiah and became king after his father. His mother was Hamautal. Jehoahaz was born around 633 or 632 BC. His name, Jehoahaz, means "Yahweh has held."
Contents
Becoming King: A Quick Rise to Power
In the spring or early summer of 609 BC, a big event happened. The Egyptian Pharaoh Necho II started a military campaign. He wanted to help the Assyrians fight against the Babylonians. Necho's army moved along the coast towards Syria.
The Battle of Megiddo
On his way, Pharaoh Necho II found his path blocked. King Josiah of Judah and his army were waiting at Megiddo. A fierce battle took place there. Sadly, King Josiah was killed during this fight. This happened around July or August of 609 BC.
Jehoahaz Takes the Throne
After Josiah's death, the people of Judah needed a new king. Even though Jehoahaz was two years younger than his brother, Eliakim, he was chosen. He became king at the age of twenty-three and took the name Jehoahaz. This choice showed that people liked him. It also suggested he might have shared his father's political ideas.
Jehoahaz's Short Rule
Jehoahaz's time as king was very short. He ruled for only three months. During his reign, he did not continue the important changes his father Josiah had made.
Deposed by Pharaoh Necho II
After the battle where Josiah died, Pharaoh Necho II returned to Egypt. On his way back, he stopped in Judah. He found that Jehoahaz had become king. Necho brought Jehoahaz to a place called Riblah and put him in prison.
Pharaoh Necho II then removed Jehoahaz from power. He chose Jehoahaz's older brother, Eliakim, to be the new king. Necho changed Eliakim's name to Jehoiakim. Jehoahaz was taken to Egypt as a prisoner. He spent the rest of his life there and never returned to his home country. The prophet Jeremiah spoke sadly about him, saying he would "never return nor see his native land again."
See also
- In Spanish: Joacaz de Judá para niños
