Joacim is a biblical figure whose name appears in various contexts within the Scriptures, primarily in the deuterocanonical books and historical accounts related to the period of the Babylonian exile. The name Joacim is a variant of Jehoiakim, a name meaning "Yahweh raises up" or "Yahweh establishes."

1. Joacim as Jehoiakim, King of Judah:

Joacim is often identified with Jehoiakim, the son of Josiah, who reigned as king of Judah from approximately 609 to 598 BC. His reign is noted for its political turmoil and spiritual decline, as he was a vassal to the Egyptian Pharaoh Necho II and later to Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon. Jehoiakim's reign is marked by his rebellion against Babylonian control, which ultimately led to the first Babylonian siege of Jerusalem.

In 2 Kings 23:36-24:6 and 2 Chronicles 36:5-8, Jehoiakim's reign is described as evil in the sight of the LORD, as he followed the idolatrous practices of his predecessors. The prophet Jeremiah frequently condemned Jehoiakim's actions, as seen in Jeremiah 22:13-19, where he is criticized for his unjust practices and failure to heed prophetic warnings.

2. Joacim in the Book of Judith:

In the deuterocanonical Book of Judith, Joacim is mentioned as the high priest during the time of Nebuchadnezzar's campaign against the western nations. He is depicted as a leader who calls upon the Israelites to fast and pray for deliverance from their enemies. Joacim's role in the Book of Judith highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and reliance on God during times of national crisis.

3. Joacim in the Additions to Daniel:

In the Additions to the Book of Daniel, specifically in the account of Susanna, Joacim is the husband of Susanna, a beautiful and righteous woman falsely accused of adultery. Joacim is portrayed as a wealthy and respected man in the community, and his household becomes the setting for this dramatic tale of justice and divine intervention. The account emphasizes themes of integrity, the power of truth, and God's protection over the innocent.

4. Joacim in Historical Context:

The historical context of Joacim's life is crucial for understanding the geopolitical and religious dynamics of the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC. His reign occurred during a period of significant transition, as the Assyrian Empire waned and the Babylonian Empire rose to prominence. Joacim's political alliances and subsequent rebellion against Babylon reflect the complex interplay of power and faith that characterized Judah's final years before the Babylonian exile.

5. Theological Significance:

Joacim's account, particularly as Jehoiakim, serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience to God and the failure to uphold justice and righteousness. His interactions with prophets like Jeremiah underscore the importance of heeding divine warnings and the role of prophetic voices in guiding the nation. The narratives associated with Joacim also highlight God's sovereignty and the ultimate fulfillment of His purposes, even amidst human failure and political upheaval.

References in Scripture:

· 2 Kings 23:36-24:6
· 2 Chronicles 36:5-8
· Jeremiah 22:13-19
· Book of Judith (Deuterocanonical)
· Additions to Daniel: Susanna (Deuterocanonical)

Joacim's legacy, as seen through these various accounts, provides rich material for reflection on leadership, faithfulness, and the enduring hope found in God's redemptive plan for His people.JOACIM

jo'-a-sim.

See JOAKIM.

On Daniel. vi. On Susannah.
... Ver.1. "Called Joacim." This Joacim, being a stranger in Babylon, obtains Susannah
in marriage. ... 4. "Now Joacim was a great rich man," etc. ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on daniel vi on susannah.htm

Chronology.
... If the suggestion in Julius Africanus' letter to Origen is correct, Joacim, Susanna's
husband, was none other than Jehoiachin, the captive king of Judah. ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/chronology 2.htm

Religious and Social State.
... Some of the Jews were apparently living in wealth and comfort during the Captivity;
but the end of v.4 shews that Joacim's estate was pre-eminent, not a sample ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/religious and social state 2.htm

How Xerxes the Son of Darius was Well Disposed to the Jews; as ...
... exceeding friendly to the Jews. Now about this time a son of Jeshua, whose
name was Joacim, was the high priest. Moreover, there was now ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how xerxes the.htm

Theology.
... Joacim represents Christ, Susanna the Christian Church; the bath represents Holy
Baptism; and the two Elders the Jews and Gentiles persecuting the faithful ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/theology 2.htm

Date and Place of Writing.
... But inasmuch as Joacim's park or garden would be a likely place for the cultivation
of exotics, perhaps no safe theory could be built upon the identification ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/date and place of writing.htm

Early Christian Literature and Art.
... Jerome (420), in his de Nominibus Hebraicis, includes, under the Book of Daniel,
Susanna and Joacim without any distinction from the names in the rest of the ...
/.../the three additions to daniel a study/early christian literature and art 2.htm

Joacim
Joacim. Joachaz, Joacim. Joadanus . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JOACIM.
jo'-a-sim. See JOAKIM. Joachaz, Joacim. Joadanus . Reference Bible.
/j/joacim.htm - 6k

Joadanus

/j/joadanus.htm - 6k

Joachaz

/j/joachaz.htm - 6k

Joakim
... jo'-a-kim (Ioakeim; the King James Version Joacim): (1) Jehoiakim, king of Judah
and Jerusalem (1 Esdras 1:37-39; Baruch 1:3). (2) Jehoiachin, son of (1) (1 ...
/j/joakim.htm - 7k

Book (211 Occurrences)
... money was collected and sent, together with Baruch's book, to the high priest Jehoiakim,
(NOTE: So spelled in the canonical books; but it is Joacim or Joachim ...
/b/book.htm - 101k

Baruch (24 Occurrences)
... money was collected and sent, together with Baruch's book, to the high priest Jehoiakim,
(NOTE: So spelled in the canonical books; but it is Joacim or Joachim ...
/b/baruch.htm - 46k

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