Jehoiakim, originally named Eliakim, was the son of Josiah and became king of Judah after the deposition of his brother Jehoahaz by Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt. His reign is marked by political turmoil, idolatry, and a departure from the religious reforms instituted by his father, Josiah. Jehoiakim's rule is chronicled in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and the prophetic writings of Jeremiah.

Reign and Character:

Jehoiakim reigned for eleven years, from approximately 609 to 598 BC. His ascension to the throne was orchestrated by Pharaoh Necho, who changed his name from Eliakim to Jehoiakim, symbolizing his vassal status to Egypt (2 Kings 23:34). Jehoiakim's reign is characterized by his oppressive policies, heavy taxation, and forced labor, which he used to pay tribute to Egypt. His actions are described as evil in the sight of the LORD, as he continued the idolatrous practices that his father had abolished (2 Kings 23:37).

Prophetic Opposition:

The prophet Jeremiah was a contemporary of Jehoiakim and frequently condemned the king's actions. Jeremiah's prophecies warned of impending judgment due to the nation's unfaithfulness. Jehoiakim's response to these warnings was one of hostility. Notably, he burned a scroll containing Jeremiah's prophecies, an act of defiance against God's word (Jeremiah 36:23). This incident exemplifies Jehoiakim's hardened heart and rejection of divine counsel.

Political Alliances and Downfall:

Jehoiakim's political alliances shifted during his reign. Initially, he was a vassal to Egypt, but after the Battle of Carchemish in 605 BC, when Babylon defeated Egypt, Jehoiakim became a vassal to Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon. However, after three years, he rebelled against Babylonian control, leading to a series of invasions by Babylonian, Aramean, Moabite, and Ammonite raiders (2 Kings 24:1-2).

Jehoiakim's rebellion against Babylon ultimately led to his downfall. According to 2 Kings 24:6, "Jehoiakim rested with his fathers," indicating his death. The circumstances of his death are not detailed in the biblical text, but it is implied that he died during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. Jeremiah prophesied that he would have the burial of a donkey, dragged away and thrown outside the gates of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 22:19), suggesting a dishonorable end.

Succession by Jehoiachin:

Following Jehoiakim's death, his son Jehoiachin ascended to the throne. Jehoiachin's reign was brief, lasting only three months before he was taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar during the second Babylonian siege of Jerusalem (2 Kings 24:8-12). Jehoiachin's captivity marked the beginning of the Babylonian Exile, a pivotal event in Jewish history.

Jehoiakim's legacy is one of disobedience and defiance against God, leading to the eventual downfall of the kingdom of Judah. His reign serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of turning away from divine commandments and relying on political maneuvering rather than faithfulness to God.2 Kings 24:6
So Jehoiakim slept with his fathers: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead.
Nave's Topical Index

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Jehu Dies. ... He Was Beaten And Not Long After Was Slain, And Uzziah Succeeded In The ...
Of Egypt Made An Expedition Against The Jews, And Slew Jehoiakim, And Made ...
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