Later, Pharaoh Necho led a powerful Egyptian force of soldiers and chariots up the coastal route (hence its name, Via Maris, or Way of the Sea) to reinforce the Assyrians near the Euphrates. For some reason, Judean king Josiah decided on an international confrontation with Necho. But where? Though it was some 55 miles [90 km] north of Jerusalem, Josiah chose the plain near Megiddo.​—2 Chronicles 35:20-22; Jeremiah 46:2.

He knew that the Egyptians had to pass there, and he may have felt that he would have the advantage, since he would be close to an Israelite stronghold.

In the decisive battle near Megiddo, Josiah was mortally wounded, and he died on the way back to Jerusalem. (2 Kings 23:28-30) This may have been the cause of ‘the wailing in the valley plain of Megiddo’ mentioned at Zechariah 12:11. Not long after Josiah’s defeat, Babylon extended its militaristic influence into weakened Judea.​—2 Kings 24:1, 2, 12-14; 2 Chronicles 36:1-6.