Overview
Necho II, pharaoh of Egypt, marched his army through Judah around 609 BC on his way to assist the Assyrians against the Babylonians. King Josiah of Judah, despite Necho's warning, confronted him in battle at Megiddo and was mortally wounded. Following Josiah's death, Necho exercised political control over Judah, deposing and replacing kings according to his will.
Key Scriptures
"After all this, when Josiah had set the temple in order, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight at Carchemish on the Euphrates, and Josiah went out to confront him" (2 Chronicles 35:20, ESV).
"But Necho sent envoys to him, saying, 'What have I to do with you, king of Judah? I am not coming against you this day, but against the house with which I am at war. And God told me to hurry; stop opposing God, who is with me, that he may not destroy you'" (2 Chronicles 35:21, ESV).
"Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah and made him king in his father's place in Jerusalem. And Necho king of Egypt took Jehoiakim his brother and carried him to Egypt" (2 Chronicles 36:3-4, ESV).
Application
Even godly leaders must discern God's will carefully, as presumption in spiritual matters can lead to unintended consequences and loss.