King Jehoahaz (Judah) (jan 1, 609 BC – dec 1, 609 BC)

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Jehoahaz, also called Shallum, was chosen by the people after Josiah’s death, even though he was not the oldest son. He ruled only about three months. His reign was cut short when Pharaoh Necho of Egypt removed him from power and took him captive to Egypt, where he died. This shows how Judah had lost much of its independence and was now being controlled by larger empires.

From a prophetic perspective, Jeremiah refers to him as Shallum and mourns his exile, saying he would never return to see his homeland again. Jehoahaz is remembered mostly as a symbol of Judah’s weakness after Josiah: the people still wanted a Davidic king, but foreign powers now decided who could rule.

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