Topical Encyclopedia Eliakim is a significant biblical figure whose name means "God will establish" or "God raises up." He appears in several contexts within the Old Testament, primarily in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. Eliakim's account and roles provide insight into the political and spiritual dynamics of the Kingdom of Judah during a tumultuous period.Eliakim, Son of Hilkiah Eliakim, 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 role is highlighted during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem under King Sennacherib. In 2 Kings 18:18, Eliakim is described as being sent by Hezekiah to negotiate with the Assyrian field commander, along with Shebna the scribe and Joah the recorder: "When they called for the king, Eliakim son of Hilkiah, the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph, the recorder, went out to them." Eliakim's faithfulness and integrity are further emphasized in Isaiah 22:20-22, where God declares through the prophet Isaiah that Eliakim will replace Shebna as the steward of the royal household: "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 passage not only underscores Eliakim's promotion but also symbolizes his authority and trustworthiness. The "key to the house of David" signifies his role as a steward with the power to make binding decisions, reflecting a messianic foreshadowing that is later echoed in the New Testament (Revelation 3:7). Eliakim, Son of Josiah Another Eliakim appears in the biblical narrative as the son of King Josiah. Originally named Eliakim, he was renamed Jehoiakim by Pharaoh Necho of Egypt when he was placed on the throne of Judah after the deposition of his brother Jehoahaz. This renaming is recorded in 2 Kings 23:34: "Pharaoh Necho made Eliakim son of Josiah king in place of his father Josiah and changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim." Jehoiakim's reign was marked by political subservience to Egypt and later Babylon, as well as spiritual decline, contrasting sharply with the righteous reforms of his father, Josiah. His reign is characterized by idolatry and injustice, leading to prophetic denunciations, particularly by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 22:13-19). Eliakim in Genealogies Eliakim is also mentioned in the genealogies of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. In Matthew 1:13, Eliakim is listed as an ancestor of Jesus, highlighting the continuity of God's covenant promises through the lineage of David: "Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor." Conclusion Eliakim's presence in the biblical narrative, whether as a faithful servant in Hezekiah's court or as a king under Egyptian influence, reflects the complexities of leadership and the fulfillment of divine purposes. His account serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty in establishing leaders and the importance of faithfulness and integrity in positions of authority. Concordance Eliakim's (2 Occurrences)2 Kings 23:34 2 Chronicles 36:4 Thesaurus Eliakim's (2 Occurrences)...Eliakim's (2 Occurrences). ... 2 Chronicles 36:4 And the king of Egypt made Eliakim his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem, and changed his name to Jehoiakim. ... /e/eliakim's.htm - 7k Eli'akim (12 Occurrences) Eliali Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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