At the age of twenty-three, following his father’s death, Jehoahaz was made king. His father, King Josiah, was killed in battle, defending Judah against an invasion from Pharaoh Necho of Egypt. Although, Jehoahaz had seen his father’s example of devotion to God, Jehoahaz chose not to follow in his father’s footsteps; but, rather he chose wickedness and evil.
Pharaoh Necho captured Jehoahaz and placed him in prison in Egypt, where later he died. The Pharaoh placed another son of Josiah, Eliakim, on the throne as king. He changed the name of Eliakim to Jehoiakim and he demanded a stated amount of silver and gold as tribute. [Reflection is based on the Bible Reference – 2 Kings 23:29-34]
