2 Chronicles 33 25

2 Chronicles 33:25 kjv

But the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his stead.

2 Chronicles 33:25 nkjv

But the people of the land executed all those who had conspired against King Amon. Then the people of the land made his son Josiah king in his place.

2 Chronicles 33:25 niv

Then the people of the land killed all who had plotted against King Amon, and they made Josiah his son king in his place.

2 Chronicles 33:25 esv

But the people of the land struck down all those who had conspired against King Amon. And the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his place.

2 Chronicles 33:25 nlt

But the people of the land killed all those who had conspired against King Amon, and they made his son Josiah the next king.

2 Chronicles 33 verses

2 Chronicles 33 25 Meaning

2 Chronicles 33:25 recounts a pivotal event following the assassination of King Amon: the unified action of "the people of the land." They promptly executed all individuals who had conspired against King Amon, thereby asserting justice and thwarting any potential further disruption to the legitimate line of succession. Immediately after this act, they installed Josiah, Amon's young son, as the new king in his father's place. This swift and decisive intervention demonstrates their commitment to maintaining the divinely established Davidic dynasty and preserving stability within the kingdom of Judah.

2 Chronicles 33 25 Context

Chapter 33 of 2 Chronicles details the reigns of Manasseh and his son Amon. Manasseh, Amon's father, was a notoriously wicked king who plunged Judah into idolatry, but ultimately humbled himself and repented, seeking God (2 Chr 33:10-13). However, Amon, upon succeeding him, returned to his father's former wicked ways and did not humble himself before the Lord, rather "multiplied trespass" (2 Chr 33:23). His reign was brief, lasting only two years (2 Chr 33:21), and ended abruptly when his own servants conspired against him and killed him in his palace. Verse 25 stands in immediate contrast to Amon's violent demise, presenting a remarkable instance where "the people of the land" (עַם הָאָרֶץ, am ha'aretz) take swift and decisive action. Their intervention not only punished the regicides but also ensured a stable and legitimate succession, preserving the Davidic line and preventing a descent into anarchy, unlike many volatile successions in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This critical moment sets the stage for the glorious reign of Josiah, one of Judah's most righteous kings.

2 Chronicles 33 25 Word analysis

• But (וְ - ve): A strong adversative conjunction, indicating a significant contrast to the preceding narrative of King Amon's assassination by his own servants. It highlights a turning point from chaos to ordered restoration.
• the people of the land (עַם הָאָרֶץ - am ha'aretz):
  • Meaning: This Hebrew phrase refers to the established citizenry or free landowners, distinct from slaves, foreign residents, or solely royal/priestly officials. They were a powerful socio-political force in Judah, often acting as a representative body with significant influence in royal succession and national affairs (e.g., during the enthronement of Joash, 2 Kgs 11:18-20; 2 Chr 23:21).
  • Significance: Their active role here is crucial. They are not merely bystanders but agents of justice and order, demonstrating their vested interest in the nation's stability and the preservation of the Davidic dynasty. Their immediate response prevents a power vacuum and prolonged instability.
• slew (הִכּוּ - hikku): From the verb נָכָה (nakah), meaning "to strike," "to hit," or "to kill."
  • Significance: This denotes a definitive and authorized act of capital punishment. It implies a swift, just response to the regicide, reaffirming their commitment to lawful order and the sanctity of the king's office, even of a wicked king like Amon.
• all them that had conspired (כָּל הַקֹּשְׁרִים - kol hakkosherim):
  • Meaning: Hakkosherim (from קָשַׁר qashar) means "those who bind themselves together," or "plotters," "conspirators." The "all" (כָּל - kol) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the retribution.
  • Significance: This points to the thoroughness of the people's action. They eliminated the entire faction responsible for the coup, ensuring no lingering threat to the legitimate transfer of power.
• against King Amon (עַל הַמֶּלֶךְ אָמוֹן - al hammèlekh Amon):
  • Significance: This specifies the object of the conspiracy, clarifying the nature of the crime (regicide). It reinforces that the people's action was in direct response to the betrayal against the anointed king, upholding the institution of kingship even while dealing with a flawed monarch.
• and the people of the land made Josiah his son king (וַיַּמְלִיכוּ עַם הָאָרֶץ אֶת יוֹשִׁיָּהוּ בְנוֹ תַּחְתָּיו - vayyamliku am ha'aretz et Yoshiyyahu beno takhtav):
  • "made...king" (וַיַּמְלִיכוּ - vayyamliku): This is the Hiphil causative stem of מָלַךְ (malakh), meaning "to cause to reign" or "to enthrone." It indicates their active role in the enthronement process.
  • "Josiah his son" (יוֹשִׁיָּהוּ בְנוֹ - Yoshiyyahu beno): Highlighting the direct lineage, upholding the Davidic covenant of succession. Josiah, despite being only eight years old at this time (2 Chr 34:1), was the legitimate heir.
  • "in his stead" (תַּחְתָּיו - takhtav): Clearly stating the replacement and seamless transition of authority.
  • Significance of the phrase: This entire phrase demonstrates the two-fold crucial action of the "people of the land": judicial punishment of traitors and orderly installation of the rightful successor. Their swift, decisive, and legitimate action ensures political continuity and adherence to the Davidic covenant in a moment of potential crisis, setting the stage for a period of revival under Josiah. Their move contrasts sharply with the instability often seen in the Northern Kingdom after similar assassinations.

2 Chronicles 33 25 Bonus section

• The term "people of the land" (עַם הָאָרֶץ, am ha'aretz) in this context likely represents not the general populace but a powerful segment of the landowning, free male citizens who were concerned with maintaining Judah's religious and political traditions, particularly the Davidic line. Their collective power was essential in pivotal moments of succession or reform.
• This event serves as a clear theological statement in the Chronicler's narrative: despite a king's wickedness (Amon's multiplied trespass), God's covenant with David for a perpetual dynasty would endure. The am ha'aretz were instruments in preserving this divine promise, highlighting God's faithfulness even in the face of human failings and conspiracies.
• The fact that Josiah was only eight years old highlights the trust placed in the Davidic line and possibly in the regent counsel who would guide him. This swift installation, despite his youth, further solidifies the people's desire for immediate stability and rightful rule.

2 Chronicles 33 25 Commentary

2 Chronicles 33:25 succinctly captures a defining moment in Judahite history: the people's collective response to an internal crisis. After Amon's impious two-year reign culminated in regicide, the very stability of the Davidic dynasty, central to God's covenant promises, was at risk. The "people of the land," often regarded as a significant body representing Judah's free citizens and landowners, stepped in to rectify the situation. Their actions were twofold and vital: first, they meted out justice by executing the conspirators, thus punishing rebellion and preventing future internal coups. Second, and equally important, they immediately installed the rightful heir, eight-year-old Josiah, on the throne. This swift and deliberate move underscores their deep respect for legitimate authority and the continuity of the Davidic line. Far from being a chaotic takeover, it represents a conscious and orderly transfer of power, sanctioned by the broader population. This proactive step allowed Judah to transition from a period of grave spiritual decline under Manasseh and Amon to one of profound revival and covenant renewal under King Josiah, demonstrating God's providential working even through human political actions to preserve His purposes.