23:28-30

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Egypt and Babylon (2Ki 23:28-30)

During the years of Assyria’s declining power, Egypt took the opportunity to extend its influence. But Babylon had now risen to power, and in 612 BC it conquered Nineveh. Pharaoh Necho of Egypt, fearing this Babylonian expansion, went to help what was left of Assyria to withstand Babylon.

He no doubt hoped that Assyria might yet form some sort of defence barrier between Egypt and Babylon.

Josiah apparently saw this Assyrian-Egyptian alliance as a threat to Judah’s independence. He preferred Assyria to remain weak and tried to stop Egypt from helping it. This proved to be a fatal move. Judah was defeated and Josiah killed in battle (609 BC).

By a decision of Judah’s leading officials, Josiah’s second son Jehoahaz (or Joahaz) was made the new king (2Ki 23:28-30; 2 Chron 35:20-25). Meanwhile, as Babylonian power expanded, Assyria collapsed, and its national identity disappeared.

Habakkuk’s problem concerning Babylon

God was preparing Babylon to be his instrument to punish Judah. The prophet Habakkuk was puzzled when he learnt of this, because he knew that the people of Babylon were even worse sinners than the people of Judah.

In his book he records how he argued with God about this matter, and how God reassured him that any of the people of Judah who remained faithful to him would enjoy his favour.

The Babylonians, however, because of their pride at conquering God’s people, would themselves suffer God’s punishment (Hab. 1:6,13; 2:4,16).