Misinterpretations include assuming Neco's claim of God's direct command proves Yahweh routinely reveals Himself prophetically to pagan kings, which distorts the narrative where the Egyptian pharaoh may have spoken presumptuously or providentially without true prophetic authority; another error is wielding the verse to promote absolute non-interventionism in conflicts, ignoring biblical calls to defend one's people, or conversely, to justify blind obedience to any leader invoking divine backing regardless of context.
II Chronicles 35:21
King James Version (1769)
21 But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? I come not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war: for God commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from meddling with God, who is with me, that he destroy thee not.
This passage records Pharaoh Neco warning King Josiah not to interfere with his military expedition against another power, claiming divine command to hurry and cautioning that meddling would provoke God's judgment. The core truth underscores God's sovereignty over international affairs, using even pagan rulers as instruments of His will, and serves as a sobering reminder against presumptuously opposing what may be divinely ordained purposes, as Josiah's refusal led to his death at Megiddo.