Topical Encyclopedia Jehoiachin, also known as Jeconiah or Coniah, was a king of Judah who reigned for a brief period during a tumultuous time in the history of the Israelite kingdom. His reign is recorded in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Jeremiah. Jehoiachin was the son of Jehoiakim and the grandson of Josiah, one of Judah's most reformative kings.Reign and Captivity Jehoiachin ascended to the throne at the age of eighteen, following the death of his father, Jehoiakim. His reign lasted only three months before he was deposed by Nebuchadnezzar II, the king of Babylon. The biblical account in 2 Kings 24:8-12 states: "Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. His mother’s name was Nehushta daughter of Elnathan; she was from Jerusalem. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as his father had done. At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched up to Jerusalem, and the city came under siege. And King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to the city while his servants were besieging it. Then King Jehoiachin of Judah, his mother, his servants, his officials, and his eunuchs surrendered to the king of Babylon." Jehoiachin's surrender marked the beginning of the Babylonian exile for the people of Judah. He, along with his family, officials, and many of the leading citizens of Jerusalem, were taken captive to Babylon. This event is seen as a significant moment in the history of Israel, as it led to the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. Prophetic Significance The prophet Jeremiah had foretold the downfall of Jehoiachin, emphasizing the consequences of the king's actions and the nation's disobedience to God. In Jeremiah 22:24-30 , the LORD declares: "As surely as I live, declares the LORD, even if you, Coniah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, were a signet ring on My right hand, I would still tear you off. I will deliver you into the hands of those you dread, who want to take your life, into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and the Chaldeans. I will hurl you and the mother who gave you birth into another land, where neither of you were born, and there you both will die. You will never return to the land for which you long." This prophecy highlights the divine judgment upon Jehoiachin and serves as a reminder of the covenantal relationship between God and His people, which required obedience and faithfulness. Release from Prison Despite his initial downfall, Jehoiachin's account takes a turn later in his life. After thirty-seven years in captivity, he was released from prison by Evil-Merodach, the successor of Nebuchadnezzar. 2 Kings 25:27-30 records this event: "In the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the year Evil-Merodach became king of Babylon, he released Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison on the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month. He spoke kindly to Jehoiachin and set his throne above the thrones of the other kings who were with him in Babylon. So Jehoiachin put aside his prison clothes, and for the rest of his life he dined regularly at the king’s table. And the king provided Jehoiachin a daily portion for the rest of his life." This act of clemency is seen as a glimmer of hope and restoration for the Davidic line, despite the earlier judgment pronounced upon him. Genealogical Importance Jehoiachin holds a significant place in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 1:11-12 includes Jeconiah in the lineage of Jesus, underscoring the fulfillment of God's promises through the Davidic line despite the apparent setbacks during the exile. This inclusion highlights the overarching theme of redemption and the faithfulness of God to His covenant with David. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 3:16And the sons of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, Zedekiah his son. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 24:1 Library Letter Liii. To Paulinus. Approaching Doom The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire The Iranian Conquest Resources Who was King Jehoiachin in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat age was Jehoiachin when he began his reign? | GotQuestions.org Who was Zerubbabel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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