Eli'akim is a significant biblical figure whose name means "God will establish" or "God sets up." He appears in various contexts within the Old Testament, primarily in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. Eli'akim's role and actions provide insight into the political and spiritual dynamics of the Kingdom of Judah during a tumultuous period.

1. Eli'akim, Son of Hilkiah

Eli'akim, the son of Hilkiah, is most prominently mentioned as a high-ranking official in the court of King Hezekiah of Judah. He served as the palace administrator, a position of considerable influence and responsibility. His account is primarily found in 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 36-37.

During the reign of Hezekiah, the Assyrian king Sennacherib invaded Judah, threatening Jerusalem. Eli'akim, along with Shebna the scribe and Joah the recorder, was sent by Hezekiah to negotiate with the Assyrian field commander. The Assyrian representative attempted to demoralize the people of Jerusalem by questioning their reliance on Egypt and their faith in the LORD. Eli'akim's presence in these negotiations underscores his importance in the royal court and his role as a trusted advisor to the king.

In Isaiah 22:20-22, Eli'akim is prophetically described as a faithful servant who would replace Shebna, the unfaithful steward. The passage states: "On that day I will summon My servant, Eliakim son of Hilkiah. I will clothe him with your robe and tie your sash around him. I will hand your authority over to him, and he will be a father to the dwellers of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open." This prophecy highlights Eli'akim's future role as a leader who would act with integrity and authority, symbolized by the "key to the house of David."

2. Eli'akim, Son of Josiah

Another Eli'akim appears in the biblical narrative as a son of King Josiah. After Josiah's death, Eli'akim's brother Jehoahaz was initially made king by the people of the land. However, Pharaoh Neco of Egypt deposed Jehoahaz and installed Eli'akim as king, changing his name to Jehoiakim (2 Kings 23:34). This name change signified the Egyptian influence over Judah at the time. Jehoiakim's reign was marked by idolatry and oppression, leading to further decline in Judah's spiritual and political state.

3. Eli'akim in Genealogies

Eli'akim is also mentioned in the genealogies of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, Eli'akim is listed as an ancestor of Jesus, highlighting the continuity of God's covenant promises through the lineage of David (Matthew 1:13).

4. Theological Significance

Eli'akim's account, particularly as the son of Hilkiah, is often seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's authority and role as the ultimate steward of God's kingdom. The imagery of the key in Isaiah 22 is echoed in Revelation 3:7, where Christ is described as having the "key of David," emphasizing His sovereign authority over the church and His role as the one who opens and closes the doors of salvation.

Eli'akim's life and legacy serve as a reminder of the importance of faithful stewardship and reliance on God's promises, even amidst political upheaval and external threats. His example encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to act with integrity in positions of leadership and influence.Eli'akim (12 Occurrences)

Matthew 1:13
and Zerubbabel begat Abiud, and Abiud begat Eliakim, and Eliakim begat Azor,
(See RSV)

Luke 3:30
the 'son' of Levi, the 'son' of Simeon, the 'son' of Juda, the 'son' of Joseph, the 'son' of Jonan, the 'son' of Eliakim,
(See RSV)

2 Kings 18:18
And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.
(See RSV)

2 Kings 18:26
Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebnah, and Joah, unto Rab-shakeh: 'Speak, I pray thee, to thy servants in the Aramean language; for we understand it; and speak not with us in the Jews' language, in the ears of the people that are on the wall.'
(See RSV)

2 Kings 19:2
And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, unto Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.
(See RSV)

2 Kings 23:34
And Pharaoh-necoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and changed his name to Jehoiakim; but he took Jehoahaz away; and he came to Egypt, and died there.
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 36:4
And the king of Egypt made Eliakim his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem, and changed his name to Jehoiakim. And Neco took Joahaz his brother, and carried him to Egypt.
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 12:41
and the priests, Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;
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Isaiah 22:20
And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah;
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Isaiah 36:3
Then came forth unto him Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, that was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.
(See RSV)

Isaiah 36:22
Then came Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, that was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes rent, and told him the words of Rab-shakeh.
(See RSV)

Isaiah 37:2
And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, unto Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.
(See RSV)

Eli'akim (12 Occurrences)
Eli'akim. Eliakim, Eli'akim. Eliakim's . Multi-Version Concordance
Eli'akim (12 Occurrences). Matthew 1:13 and Zerubbabel begat ...
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Eliakim (14 Occurrences)

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Eliakim's (2 Occurrences)

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