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Josiah’s death seems to contradict Huldah’s favorable prophecy. Pharaoh Neco kills the king at Megiddo; he does not die in peace. Josiah challenges Neco as he travels to assist the Assyrians against the Babylonians at Carchemish. Pharaoh attempts to dissuade Josiah with a prophetic pronouncement, but Josiah disobeys the Lord’s word. Josiah disguises himself for battle and, like King Ahab years before, falls to an archer’s arrow. The chronicler’s explanation for this event centers around the monarch’s refusal to hear God’s voice. Josiah’s disobedience to Neco’s prophecy contrasts with his obedience to Huldah’s promise.