Scripture Focus:
“He disguised himself and went into battle… the archers shot King Josiah.”
2 Chronicles 35:22–23 (paraphrased)
There’s a haunting symmetry in Scripture two kings, centuries apart, both go to war dressed in disguise. Both are warned. Both ignore the warning. And both fall to archers.
We often remember King Ahab of Israel. The infamously wicked ruler who died at Ramoth-Gilead after ignoring the prophet Micaiah’s divine warning. But few recall that King Josiah of Judah, a man praised for his devotion and reform, died in almost the same manner.
Josiah’s end is especially sobering.
A Righteous King Makes a Reckless Move
By all accounts, Josiah was a good king, perhaps the finest Judah ever had. He tore down idols, restored the temple, and reinstituted the Passover with unmatched passion. He was the kind of leader who sought God’s Word and obeyed it with all his heart.
But then, in 2 Chronicles 35, something shifts.
Pharaoh Neco of Egypt was passing through Judah to aid the Assyrians at Carchemish. Josiah, for reasons Scripture doesn’t fully explain, decided to intercept him. Neco warned Josiah:
“God has told me to hurry. Stop opposing God, who is with me, or He will destroy you.”
— 2 Chronicles 35:21
Remarkably, the Bible says this warning was from the mouth of God.
Yet Josiah disguised himself and went into battle anyway.
He was fatally shot by archers, just like Ahab.
The Danger of Fighting the Wrong Battle
Here was a king who knew revival. Who found the Book of the Law. Who turned a nation back to God. Yet even he misread the moment.
He fought a battle that God did not assign to him.
He inserted himself into a conflict that was not his to fight.
He ignored a warning that didn’t fit his expectations.
Sometimes our greatest danger isn’t rebellion it’s presumption. We think, “I’m walking with God, so I must be right.” But God doesn’t bless every battle just because we carry His name into it.
Disguised Faith, Exposed Motives
Josiah disguised himself perhaps thinking he could outmaneuver danger.
Ahab did the same.
But you can’t hide from truth behind strategy. The arrow of consequence finds its mark.
How often do we disguise ourselves in the battles we choose?
We dress up pride as discernment.
We call our stubbornness “bold faith.”
We mask our fear with action.
And all the while, God’s voice, sometimes through unexpected messengers calls us to stand down, not charge ahead.
A Lesson for the Righteous
If even Josiah could fall so can we.
This isn’t a warning to make us fearful.
It’s an invitation to remain humble, discerning, and obedient.
Before we rush into the next battle, whether in conversation, decision, ministry, or ambition, let’s ask:
- Did God truly call me to this?
- Am I responding to His voice, or to ego?
- Have I confused divine permission with personal desire?
Sometimes, the most spiritual thing you can do is not fight.
Prayer
Lord, teach me to listen for Your voice even when it comes through unexpected messengers. Help me to recognize the battles that are mine and those that are not. Strip away my disguises, my pride, and my assumptions. Let me walk in obedience, not presumption. In Jesus’ name, Amen.