“Josiah, however, would not turn away from him, but disguised himself to engage him in battle. He would not listen to what Necho had said at God’s command but went to fight him on the plain of Megiddo.” 2 Chronicles 35:22 NIV
Prior to this, Josiah had just finished observing and celebrating the Passover to the extent that had not been observed since the prophet Samuel. Scripture also said that “none of the kings of Israel had ever celebrated such a Passover as did Josiah”.
Why did Josiah, at the young age of 16, begin to seek the Lord and not now in his late 30’s? Why would he labour so hard to take down and destroy all the idols and altars for worshipping other gods and now neglect to observe the Lord’s word through Necho, the king of Egypt? Why would Josiah disguise himself, or as one commentator used the words “equip himself”?
May we be careful in protecting ourselves from the evil one. No one is exempt from falling into temptation and away from God. Rather than trying to ‘equip ourselves’ for battle, may we remember to put on the full armour of God.
Lock Your Wings 
The same part stood out for me: “But Josiah refused to listen to Neco, to whom God had indeed spoken, and he would not turn back. Instead, he disguised himself and led his army into battle on the plain of Megiddo.”
2 Chronicles 35:22 NLT
It is interesting that Josiah is proclaimed with such favour for so many things yet has a lapse in judgement on this occasion (which ends his life). Makes you wonder why he didn’t consult God or trust the word of the king to be true? Did Josiah doubt God’s faithfulness? I also wondered if the disguise was to try to hide from God in case the king was telling the truth? (If so, that didn’t work out so well)
LikeLike