Jehoiakim, originally named Eliakim, was a king of Judah and a significant figure in the lineage of Jesus Christ. He was the son of King Josiah and the brother of Jehoahaz and Zedekiah. His reign is chronicled in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and the prophetic writings of Jeremiah.

Reign and Historical Context

Jehoiakim ascended to the throne of Judah around 609 BC, following the deposition of his brother Jehoahaz by Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt. Necho changed Eliakim's name to Jehoiakim, meaning "Yahweh raises up," and placed him on the throne as a vassal king. This political maneuvering marked the beginning of Jehoiakim's reign, which lasted for eleven years.

During Jehoiakim's rule, Judah was caught in the geopolitical struggles between Egypt and the rising power of Babylon. Initially, Jehoiakim was a vassal to Egypt, but after the Battle of Carchemish in 605 BC, where Babylon defeated Egypt, he shifted allegiance to Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon. This change in loyalty is recorded in 2 Kings 24:1: "During Jehoiakim’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon invaded the land, and Jehoiakim became his vassal for three years. But then he turned and rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar."

Religious and Moral Conduct

Jehoiakim's reign is often characterized by his departure from the religious reforms of his father, Josiah. He is depicted as a king who did evil in the sight of the Lord, as noted in 2 Kings 23:37: "And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as his fathers had done." His reign was marked by idolatry, oppression, and a disregard for the prophetic messages delivered by Jeremiah and other prophets.

Jeremiah's prophecies during Jehoiakim's reign were particularly critical. In Jeremiah 36, Jehoiakim's reaction to the prophetic scrolls is recorded. Instead of heeding the warnings, he cut the scroll with a knife and burned it in the fire, demonstrating his contempt for God's word.

Jehoiakim in the Lineage of Jesus

Despite his moral failings, Jehoiakim holds a place in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. This is outlined in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jehoiakim is referred to as Jeconiah's father. Matthew 1:11 states, "and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon." While Jehoiakim himself is not directly named in the genealogy, his son Jeconiah (also known as Jehoiachin) is included, linking Jehoiakim to the Davidic line from which Jesus descended.

Death and Legacy

Jehoiakim's reign ended in turmoil. In 598 BC, Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem, and Jehoiakim died under uncertain circumstances. His death is briefly mentioned in 2 Kings 24:6: "And Jehoiakim rested with his fathers, and his son Jehoiachin became king in his place." His legacy is one of a king who failed to uphold the covenantal faithfulness expected of the Davidic line, yet his role in the genealogy of Jesus underscores the complexity and grace inherent in God's redemptive plan.

Jehoiakim's life and reign serve as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the enduring hope found in God's promises, ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ.Matthew 1:11
And Josias begat Jechonias and his brothers, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:
Nave's Topical Index

When and how was Judah conquered by the Babylonians? | GotQuestions.org

What was the Babylonian captivity/exile? | GotQuestions.org

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