In the annals of Judah’s history, never before had there been a king like Josiah. According to 2 Kings 23:25, “Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses.”
He was a strong, independent ruler and a reformer who purged the kingdom of Judah of idol worship and brought spiritual revival in the land. Yet, despite Josiah’s devotion, his life ended tragically on the battlefield at Megiddo (known in Greek as Armageddon), a site that would echo prophetically through history.
Megiddo was a key location in the ancient world because it controlled a narrow pass along the main trade route that connected Egypt, Mesopotamia (modern Iraq and parts of Syria and Turkey), and Anatolia (largely encompassed by Turkey). Its strategic position made it the site of many important battles.
The Fall Begins at Megiddo
2 Kings 23:29 tells us that Josiah confronted Pharaoh Necho of Egypt at Megiddo, only to fall by the sword. This moment was not just a military defeat, it marked the unraveling of the Davidic dynasty. Judah lost its last truly faithful king, and the kingdom began its swift descent into collapse. Jossiah’s tragic death marked the end of Judah’s independence and the start of foreign control over the Davidic line. This opened the door to foreign powers dominating Judah, political instability, repeated rebellion and harsh consequences, and ultimately, the destruction of the kingdom and the Davidic dynasty in Jerusalem.
After Josiah’s death, his successors—Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and finally Zedekiah—were weak, corrupt, powerless, and puppet kings. Egypt initially installed and controlled the puppet kings, but it wasn’t long before Babylon rose to dominance. God, in His justice, had warned this would happen.
2 Kings 23:26-27 says: “Even so, the Lord was very angry with Judah because of all the wicked things Manasseh (grandfather of Josiah) had done to provoke him. For the Lord said, “I will also banish Judah from my presence just as I have banished Israel. And I will reject my chosen city of Jerusalem and the Temple where my name was to be honored.” “
Babylon conquered Jerusalem, looted the Temple, and exiled the people. The Davidic dynasty, once the sign of God’s covenant with His people, came to an end and remains so to this day. Yet God never forgets His promises.
God’s Unbreakable Promise
Centuries earlier, God made a covenant with David: “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever” (2 Samuel 7:16). Even when the line of kings faltered, God did not forget his promise. Out of the fallen stump of David’s dynasty came a new shoot: Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of David (through the line of Jossiah), the Son of God.
Though born in humility, Jesus’ arrival was royal. He was heaven’s answer to Judah’s broken throne. His death on the cross was not a defeat, but a coronation. His resurrection was the breaking open of a new kingdom, one not built by armies or politics, but by the power of God.
The Final Battle at Megiddo
The Bible tells us that history will once again climax at Megiddo—or Armageddon. In Revelation 16:13-16, demonic spirits gather the kings of the earth for war “on the great day of God Almighty” at Armageddon (Megiddo). Babylon, now a symbol of the worldly powers and systems that oppose God and His people, will finally face its complete and final destruction here. This is no coincidence. The very place where the Davidic line fell will be the site of its ultimate restoration. Leading this victorious battle is none other than Jesus, a direct descendant of Josiah.
Jesus returns as the rider on the white horse, King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:11-16). God remembered all of Babylon’s sins and made her drink from the cup filled with the wine of His intense wrath (Revelation 16:19).
The beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gather to wage war against Christ at Megiddo in Israel, but they are swiftly defeated. And the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who did mighty miracles that deceived all who had accepted the mark of the beast. The beast is captured. Both the beast and his false prophet were thrown alive into the lake of fire. Jesus wins decisively (Revelation 19:19-21).
And in that moment, the Davidic dynasty is fully restored and reclaimed by Jesus. The promise God made to David is fulfilled, not temporarily, but eternally. The throne that seemed shattered now stands unshakable.
Aligning with the King
From Josiah’s defeat at Megiddo to Jesus’ victory at the very same site, God has been unfolding a story of redemption. God has shown through history and His sovereign plan that He keeps His promises. He promised a throne to David, and despite exile, war, and death, He fulfilled it in Jesus. He promised justice, and it will come at Megiddo once again.
So, where does that leave us? Jesus is the reigning Lord of a kingdom that is swiftly advancing. Revelation 16:19 tells us that God’s judgment will fall on the rebellious cities of the world, but those who stand with Jesus will inherit the kingdom of God, filled with life, joy, and peace. The time to choose where you stand is now.
