2 Chr 35:22

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Nevertheless.

Josiah's conduct in this affair has been treated with great severity; and he has been charged with engaging rashly in an unjust war, and disregarding the express command of God. But Scripture no where condemns him; and Pharaoh, in marching through Josiah's territories, against his will, certainly committed an act of hostility.

It is evident that Josiah was in possession of the whole land of Israel (2Chr 26:6); and probably he held the northern parts of it as a grant from the king of Babylon; and was not only in alliance with him, but bound to guard his frontiers against hostile invaders. He may, therefore, be fairly justified from the charge of unjustly meddling in a war that did not belong him.

It is true the ambassadors assured Josiah, that "God had commanded Pharaoh to make haste;" and he is therefore said not to have "hearkened to the words of Necho, from the mouth of God." But Necho produced no proof that he was a prophet of Jehovah; and the word he employed, {elohim,} may denote gods or idols; and critics have noticed that the expression, "from the mouth of God," is not used when the true God is meant.

but disguised.

2Chr 18:29; 1Kgs 14:2; 1Kgs 22:30; 1Kgs 22:34

the mouth.

2Chr 35:21; 2Chr 18:4-6; Josh 9:14

Megiddo.

Judg 5:19; 2Kgs 9:27; 2Kgs 23:30; Zech 12:11

Megiddon.

Re 16:16

Armageddon.