Bible Figure
Jehoahaz
King of Judah
Jehoahaz son of Josiah was king of Judah for only three months before Pharaoh Neco removed him and took him to Egypt.
Biography
After Josiah's death, the people made his son Jehoahaz king in Jerusalem. He was twenty-three and reigned three months. Kings says he did evil in the Lord's sight. Pharaoh Neco deposed him at Riblah, imposed tribute on Judah, and installed Jehoahaz's brother Eliakim as king, changing his name to Jehoiakim. Jehoahaz was taken to Egypt, where he died. Jeremiah lamented that he would never return to his native land.
Biblical Significance
Jehoahaz's removal demonstrates how quickly Judah lost political independence after Josiah's death and entered the final period of domination by foreign empires.