Topical Encyclopedia Overview:Joakim, also known as Jehoiakim, was a king of Judah who reigned from approximately 609 to 598 BC. He was the son of Josiah, one of Judah's most righteous kings, and the brother of Jehoahaz. Joakim's reign is noted for its political turmoil, idolatry, and disregard for prophetic warnings, which ultimately led to the Babylonian captivity. Biblical References: Joakim is primarily mentioned in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Jeremiah. His reign is characterized by a departure from the religious reforms of his father, Josiah, and a return to idolatrous practices. 2 Kings 23:34-37 : "Pharaoh Neco made Eliakim son of Josiah king in place of his father Josiah and changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim. But he took Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt, where he died. Jehoiakim paid Pharaoh Neco the silver and gold demanded. He taxed the land to give the money according to Pharaoh’s command. He exacted the silver and gold from the people of the land, each according to his assessment, to give it to Pharaoh Neco. Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Zebidah daughter of Pedaiah; she was from Rumah. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, as his fathers had done." 2 Chronicles 36:5-8 : "Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. He did evil in the sight of the LORD his God. Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon attacked him and bound him in bronze shackles to take him to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar also took to Babylon articles from the house of the LORD and put them in his temple there. As for the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, the abominations he committed, and what was found against him, they are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah. And his son Jehoiachin reigned in his place." Jeremiah 22:18-19 : "Therefore this is what the LORD says about Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah: 'They will not mourn for him: “Alas, my brother!” or “Alas, my sister!” They will not mourn for him: “Alas, for the master!” or “Alas, for his splendor!” He will be buried like a donkey, dragged away and thrown outside the gates of Jerusalem.'" Historical Context: Joakim's reign occurred during a period of significant geopolitical upheaval. After the death of his father Josiah, who had been killed by Pharaoh Neco of Egypt, Joakim was placed on the throne by the Egyptian ruler. His reign was marked by subservience to Egypt until the rise of Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar II. Joakim initially served as a vassal to Babylon but later rebelled, leading to further conflict and his eventual downfall. Religious and Moral Failings: Joakim is often criticized for his failure to uphold the religious reforms of his father. He allowed the resurgence of idolatry and pagan practices, which were condemned by the prophets of his time, particularly Jeremiah. His reign is depicted as one of moral and spiritual decline, contributing to the eventual judgment and exile of Judah. Prophetic Interactions: The prophet Jeremiah frequently confronted Joakim, warning him of the consequences of his actions. Joakim's response to these warnings was one of hostility and rejection. In a notable incident, Joakim burned a scroll containing Jeremiah's prophecies, an act that symbolized his contempt for God's word (Jeremiah 36:23). Legacy: Joakim's legacy is largely negative, as his reign is seen as a period of decline that hastened Judah's fall to Babylon. His actions and policies are often contrasted with those of his father, Josiah, highlighting the stark differences in their approaches to leadership and faithfulness to God. Joakim's son, Jehoiachin, succeeded him but reigned for only a short time before being taken into Babylonian captivity, marking the beginning of the end for the kingdom of Judah. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Joakimrising or establishing of the Lord International Standard Bible Encyclopedia JOAKIMjo'-a-kim (Ioakeim; the King James Version Joacim): Library Chronology. A Letter to Origen from Africanus About the History of Susanna. A Letter from Origen to Africanus. Letter L The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... Ancestors of the Blessed virgin part ii Thesaurus Joakim... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JOAKIM. jo'-a-kim (Ioakeim; the King James Version Joacim): (1) Jehoiakim, king of Judah and Jerusalem ... /j/joakim.htm - 7k Esdras Zarakes Jo'ahaz (2 Occurrences) Judith (1 Occurrence) Joanan (1 Occurrence) Susanna (1 Occurrence) First (4693 Occurrences) Baruch (24 Occurrences) Joacim Resources What is the book of Susanna? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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