Pharaoh-Necoh
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Pharaoh-Necoh in the Bible?
Necho II, the second king of Egypt's Twenty-sixth Dynasty, ruled from approximately 610 to 595 BC and led military campaigns to support the collapsing Assyrian Empire against the rising power of Babylon. He is historically recorded for his conflict with King Josiah of Judah at Megiddo and for initiating a naval expedition that may have achieved the first circumnavigation of Africa.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Necho II clarifies the geopolitical context of the late 7th century BC, explaining the military circumstances surrounding the death of King Josiah and the subsequent subjugation of Judah by Babylon, which directly influenced the prophetic ministries of Jeremiah and Habakkuk.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.