Jehoahaz

Jehoahaz, also known as Johanan, was a king of Judah and the son of Josiah, as mentioned in2 Kings 23:30-31, 2Chronicles2 Kings 36:1-2, and1 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 (2 Kings 23:30, 2Chronicles2 Kings 36:1). He was twenty-three years old when he became king and reigned for only three months (2 Kings 23:31, 2Chronicles2 Kings 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 (2 Kings 23:33-34, 2Chronicles2 Kings 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.