Topical Bible: Jeremiah: of Libnah, Grandfather of Jehoahaz

◄ Jeremiah: of Libnah, Grandfather of Jehoahaz ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Jeremiah of Libnah is a relatively obscure figure mentioned in the genealogical and historical records of the Old Testament. He is noted primarily for his familial connection to the royal lineage of Judah, specifically as the grandfather of Jehoahaz, one of the last kings of Judah before the Babylonian exile.

Biblical References and Context

Jeremiah is mentioned in 2 Kings 23:31, which states: "Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah." . This passage identifies Jeremiah as the father of Hamutal, who was the mother of Jehoahaz. Thus, Jeremiah is the maternal grandfather of Jehoahaz.

Historical and Geographical Background

Libnah, the town associated with Jeremiah, was a city in the Shephelah region of Judah. It is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, often in the context of military campaigns and territorial descriptions. Libnah was one of the cities that revolted against King Jehoram of Judah, as recorded in 2 Kings 8:22. The city's strategic location and its involvement in various historical events suggest it was a place of some significance during the period of the divided monarchy.

Family and Royal Connections

Jeremiah's daughter, Hamutal, became the queen mother when her son Jehoahaz ascended to the throne of Judah. Jehoahaz's reign was brief, lasting only three months before he was deposed by Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt and taken into captivity (2 Kings 23:33-34). Despite the short duration of Jehoahaz's rule, the mention of his maternal lineage highlights the importance of familial ties and alliances in the political landscape of ancient Judah.

Theological Significance

While Jeremiah of Libnah does not play a direct role in the theological narratives of the Bible, his mention underscores the intricate web of relationships that influenced the history of Judah. The inclusion of his name in the genealogical record serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the people of Israel and the divine orchestration of events leading to the fulfillment of God's purposes.

Conclusion

Jeremiah of Libnah, though a minor figure in the biblical text, is part of the broader tapestry of Judah's history. His connection to the royal family through his daughter Hamutal and grandson Jehoahaz places him within the narrative of Judah's final days before the Babylonian exile. His mention in the Scriptures, though brief, contributes to our understanding of the complex social and political dynamics of the time.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 23:31
Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
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2 Kings 24:18
Zedekiah was twenty and one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
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Jeremiah 52:1
Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
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Library

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