Who is…
Jehoiakim

Meaning: he whom Jehovah has set up

also known as: Eliakim

He is the 2nd son of King Josiah, and 18th king of the Kingdom of Judah, which he ruled over for 11 years (B.C. 610-599).

The record of his life can be read in 2 Kings 23:34—24:6 and 2 Chronicles 36:5-8.

His original name was Eliakim.

On the death of his father, his younger brother Jehoahaz (= Shallum, Jeremiah 22:11), who favored the Chaldeans against the Egyptians, was made king by the people; but the king of Egypt, Pharaoh-necho, invaded the land and deposed Jehoahaz (2 Kings 23:33-34; Jeremiah 22:10-12), setting Eliakim on the throne in his stead, and changing his name to Jehoiakim.

After this the king of Egypt took no part in Jewish politics, having been defeated by the Chaldeans at Carchemish (2 Kings 24:7; Jeremiah 46:2). Israel was now invaded and conquered by Nebuchadnezzar. Jehoiakim was taken prisoner and carried captive to Babylon (2 Chronicles 36:6-7). It was at this time that Daniel also and his three companions were taken captive to Babylon (Dan. 1:1-2).

Nebuchadnezzar reinstated Jehoiakim on his throne, but treated him as a vassal king. In the year after this, Jeremiah caused his prophecies to be read by Baruch in the court of the temple. Jehoiakim, hearing of this, had them also read in the royal palace before himself. The words displeased him, and taking the roll from the hands of Baruch he cut it in pieces and threw it into the fire (Jeremiah 36:23).

During his disastrous reign, there was a return to the old idolatry and corruption of the days of Manasseh.

After 3 years of subjection to Babylon, Jehoiakim withheld his tribute and threw off the yoke (2 Kings 24:1), hoping to make himself independent.

Nebuchadnezzar sent bands of Chaldeans, Syrians, and Ammonites (2 Kings 24:2) to chastise his rebellious vassal.

They cruelly harassed the whole country (compare Jeremiah 49:1-6).

Death

The king came to a violent death, and his body having been thrown over the wall of Jerusalem, to convince the beseieging army that he was dead, after having been dragged away, was buried beyond the gates of Jerusalem “with the burial of an ass,” B.C. 599 (Jeremiah 22:18-19; 36:30).

Successor

Nebuchadnezzar placed his son Jehoiachin on the throne, wishing still to retain the kingdom of Judah as tributary to him.

Relatives

ALSO SEE

Article Version: September 24, 2021