Jehoahaz

Jehoahaz, also known as Johanan, was a king of Judah and the son of Josiah, as mentioned in 2Ki.23.30-31, 2 Chronicles 2Ki.36.1-2, and 1 Chronicles 3:15. After the death of his father Josiah, the people of the land made Jehoahaz king in Jerusalem, even though he was not the eldest son (2Ki.23.30, 2 Chronicles 2Ki.36.1). He was twenty-three years old when he became king and reigned for only three months (2Ki.23.31, 2 Chronicles 2Ki.36.2). However, Pharaoh Necho of Egypt removed Jehoahaz from the throne, imposed a heavy tribute on Judah, and made his brother Eliakim (later renamed Jehoiakim) king in his place (2Ki.23.33-34, 2 Chronicles 2Ki.36.3-4). Pharaoh Necho took Jehoahaz captive to Egypt, where he died (2 Kings 23:34). The brief reign of Jehoahaz was marked by the increasing influence of Egypt over Judah and the beginning of a period of political instability and foreign domination.