Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Jehoiakim, originally named Eliakim, was the eighteenth king of Judah, reigning from approximately 609 to 598 BC. He was the son of King Josiah and the brother of Jehoahaz. His reign is noted for its political turmoil, idolatry, and conflict with prophetic voices, particularly that of Jeremiah. Jehoiakim's rule is chronicled in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and the book of Jeremiah. Background and Ascension: Jehoiakim was installed as king by Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt after the latter deposed Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim's younger brother, who had reigned for only three months. Pharaoh Necho changed Eliakim's name to Jehoiakim, which means "Yahweh raises up," signifying the Egyptian influence over Judah at the time. This political maneuvering is recorded in 2 Kings 23:34: "Pharaoh Necho made Eliakim son of Josiah king in place of his father Josiah and changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim." Reign and Political Context: Jehoiakim's reign was marked by shifting allegiances between the major powers of the time, Egypt and Babylon. Initially, he was a vassal to Egypt, paying heavy tribute. However, after the Battle of Carchemish in 605 BC, where Babylon defeated Egypt, Jehoiakim became a vassal of Nebuchadnezzar II, king of Babylon. This is noted in 2 Kings 24:1: "During Jehoiakim’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon invaded the land, and Jehoiakim became his vassal for three years." Jehoiakim later rebelled against Babylonian control, which led to further conflict and ultimately his downfall. His rebellion is seen as a significant factor leading to the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. Religious and Moral Failings: Jehoiakim's reign is characterized by a departure from the religious reforms of his father, Josiah. He is often criticized for his idolatry and moral corruption. The prophet Jeremiah frequently condemned Jehoiakim's actions, highlighting his injustices and disregard for the covenant with God. Jeremiah 22:13-17 provides a scathing critique of Jehoiakim's exploitation and unrighteousness: "Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness and his upper rooms by injustice, who makes his neighbor serve him for nothing and does not give him his wages." Jehoiakim's disdain for prophetic messages is further exemplified in his reaction to the scroll of Jeremiah. In Jeremiah 36, Jehoiakim infamously cuts and burns the scroll containing Jeremiah's prophecies, an act of defiance against God's word. Death and Legacy: Jehoiakim's death is shrouded in some mystery, with the Bible providing limited details. 2 Kings 24:6 simply states, "So Jehoiakim rested with his fathers, and his son Jehoiachin became king in his place." However, Jeremiah 22:18-19 prophesies a dishonorable end for Jehoiakim, suggesting he would not receive a proper burial: "He will be buried with the burial of a donkey, dragged away and thrown outside the gates of Jerusalem." Jehoiakim's reign is often viewed as a period of decline for Judah, setting the stage for the Babylonian exile. His failure to heed prophetic warnings and his political miscalculations contributed to the eventual fall of Jerusalem. Despite his royal lineage, Jehoiakim's legacy is largely negative, serving as a cautionary tale of the consequences of disobedience to God and reliance on foreign powers. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 3:15And the sons of Josiah were, the firstborn Johanan, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum. Nave's Topical Index Library The Last King of Judah On Daniel. I. Preface by the Most Holy Hippolytus, (Bishop) of ... Approaching Doom Jeremiah's Roll Burned and Reproduced Genealogy of Jesus According to Matthew. The Doctrine of the Scriptures. From Megiddo to Carchemish, 608-605. Chronology. The Release of Hope. (xxiv, xxix. ) The Man and the Book. Resources Who was King Jehoiakim in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Jehoiachin in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Zedekiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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