1. Jehoahaz (23:31-35)

After Josiah's death, his son Jehoahaz became king. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. At this time the nation was subservient to Egypt and Pharaoh Necho. Jehoahaz only reigned for three months. Then Necho put Jehoiakim in charge. He charged a heavy tribute and kept Jehoahaz in chains in Egypt until he died.

2. Jehoiakim (23:36-24:7)

Jehoiakim was also an evil king. During his reign the nation of Babylon attacked. It seemed that Judah was just a pawn of the local powers, but all of this happened according to God's word. The Lord was judging his people for their sins, and he especially remembered the sins of idol worship under Manasseh. Egypt was strong, and Babylon was even stronger. But the Lord is Almighty. He used the kings of the earth to execute his will and his judgment.