Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old— Jehoahaz was not the eldest son of Josiah, as appears from this; he was but three and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned but three months; after which his brother Jehoiakim, when he was made king, was five and twenty years old, 2 Kings 23:36. For this reason, it is said, that the people anointed him; because, as he did not come to the crown by right of succession, his title might have otherwise been disputed. See the note on chap. 2 Kings 9:3. At this time, however, the Jews might have some reason to prefer the younger brother, because very probably he was of a more martial spirit, and better qualified to defend their liberties against the king of Egypt. His proper name, it is thought, was Shallum. The Scripture nowhere tells us upon what occasion it was that he fell into the king of Egypt's hands, or for what reason it was that he used him so severely; but it is probable, that, to revenge his father's death, he might raise an army, and engage him in a pitched battle, though he failed in the attempt: for why should he put him in bands, if he voluntarily went and surrendered himself at Riblah, 2 Kings 23:33.? Or why be so highly offended at him for accepting a crown which the people conferred on him? The general opinion therefore is, that he was a man of a bold and daring spirit; and the words in the prophet Ezekiel, chap. 2 Kings 19:2. &c. are applied to him. See also Jeremiah 22:11 and Calmet.
Related Commentaries of 2 Kings 23:31
2 Kings 23:31
31 Jehoahazj was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.