King Josiah's Death: He didn't Ask God

King Josiah's Death: He didn't Ask God

2 Kings 23:28-30 KJV

[28] Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? [29] In his days Pharaoh-nechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him. [30] And his servants carried him in a chariot dead from Megiddo, and brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own sepulchre. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father's stead. 

This battle" was part of the geopolitical struggle between the declining Assyrian Empire and the emerging Babylonian Empire. The Assyrians made an alliance with the Egyptians to protect against the growing power of the Babylonians". There's no record anywhere that Josiah consulted God before he went into battle against the Egyptians. Don't feel so able that you forget to ask God. Asking God for help involves humbly acknowledging your limitations and seeking divine guidance and support, recognizing that God is a source of strength and wisdom in times of need. This story is also detailed in 2 Chronicles 35:22. Josiah was wounded in Meggido. 

     He disguised himself into the battle and he was still shot. Knapp says, " “It was not of faith, else why ‘disguise’ himself? There is no record of any prayer before the battle, as in the case of so many of his godly ancestors; and this rash act of Josiah seems unaccountable.” He was taken home for burial. This is the end of one of Judah's best Kings. Divine direction describes God's guidance and leading in our lives, often sought through prayer, scripture, and seeking counsel. This was missing in his plans. He ignored the details which are stated in 2 Chronicles 35:22. Pharaoh insisted he had God's Divine direction in that battle. Josiah should have asked God. Don't be so much in a hurry that you're forced to leave before your celebration time. Ask God. Good morning.