2 Chronicles 36:8

KJV

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and his abominations which he did, and that which was found in him, behold, they [are] written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the rest {H3499} of the acts {H1697} of Jehoiakim {H3079}, and his abominations {H8441} which he did {H6213}, and that which was found {H4672} in him, behold, they are written {H3789} in the book {H5612} of the kings {H4428} of Israel {H3478} and Judah {H3063}: and Jehoiachin {H3078} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

Other activities of Y'hoyakim, including all the abominations he did publicly and those discovered later, are recorded in the Annals of the Kings of Isra'el and Y'hudah. Then Y'hoyakhin his son took his place as king.

Berean Standard Bible

As for the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, the abominations he committed, and all that was found against him, they are indeed written in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah. And his son Jehoiachin reigned in his place.

American Standard Version

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and his abominations which he did, and that which was found in him, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 36:8 succinctly chronicles the end of King Jehoiakim's tumultuous eleven-year reign, highlighting his numerous "abominations" and confirming that his deeds are meticulously recorded in the historical annals of Judah. This verse then immediately notes the succession of his son, Jehoiachin, to the throne, marking a rapid and tragic transition of power that underscores Judah's accelerating spiritual and political decline on the precipice of Babylonian exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the very end of 2 Chronicles, a book that meticulously traces the history of the Davidic monarchy from Solomon to the Babylonian exile, emphasizing the consequences of faithfulness and unfaithfulness to God's covenant. Chapter 36 specifically details the final, rapid succession of four kings—Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah—each reigning briefly and proving unfaithful, thereby accelerating Judah's judgment. Verse 8 serves as a concise epitaph for Jehoiakim, mirroring the Chronicler's pattern of summarizing each king's reign before moving to the next, often with a focus on their moral and spiritual standing. It directly follows the account of Jehoiakim's installation and his unrighteous rule, setting the stage for the even briefer and more tragic reign of [Jehoiachin, who ruled for only three months and ten days](/2_chronicles/36-9 "2 Chronicles 36:9 - Jehoiachin's Brief Reign"). The brevity of this summary, particularly concerning Jehoiakim's "abominations," points to the Chronicler's theological purpose: to show that Judah's downfall was a direct result of its kings' and people's persistent sin, despite God's repeated warnings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Jehoiakim reigned over Judah from 609 to 598 BC, a period of intense geopolitical upheaval. He was installed as a puppet king by Pharaoh Necho of Egypt after the death of his righteous father, Josiah, at Megiddo ([2 Kings 23:34](/2_kings/23-34 "2 Kings 23:34 - Pharaoh Necho Installs Jehoiakim")). Subsequently, as the Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar rose to dominance, Jehoiakim was forced to switch allegiances, becoming a vassal of Babylon. His reign was characterized by profound spiritual apostasy, injustice, and oppression, directly contrary to the covenant stipulations and the prophetic warnings of Jeremiah. The prophet Jeremiah frequently condemned Jehoiakim for his greed, injustice, and defiance of God's word, even burning Jeremiah's scroll ([Jeremiah 36:23](/jeremiah/36-23 "Jeremiah 36:23 - Jehoiakim Burns Jeremiah's Scroll")). The "abominations" mentioned in the verse would have included idolatrous practices, the shedding of innocent blood, and general moral corruption that mirrored the detestable practices of the surrounding pagan nations, thereby provoking divine wrath and contributing to the inevitable Babylonian invasion and exile.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several critical themes prevalent in 2 Chronicles and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience**, particularly from those in positions of leadership. Jehoiakim's "abominations" are presented as the direct cause of divine judgment, illustrating the principle that sin, especially against God's covenant, leads to national ruin. Secondly, the phrase "behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah" underscores the theme of **Divine Record-Keeping and Accountability**. It emphasizes that all human actions, good or evil, are meticulously observed and recorded, serving as a testament to God's perfect knowledge and ultimate justice. This reinforces the idea that no king, no matter how powerful, escapes the divine reckoning. Thirdly, the swift mention of Jehoiachin's succession points to the theme of **Succession and Accelerating Decline**. The rapid turnover of unrighteous kings in Judah's final years demonstrates a kingdom spiraling out of control, devoid of righteous leadership, and rushing headlong towards its divinely ordained destruction and exile. This tragic sequence of events underscores God's unwavering **Sovereignty** over history, even amidst human wickedness, as His purposes and prophetic pronouncements are brought to pass.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abominations (Hebrew, _tôʿēḇâ_):** This term is far stronger than mere "displeasing" or "unpleasant." It denotes something morally repugnant, detestable, and utterly contrary to God's holy character and covenant commands. In the Old Testament, _tôʿēḇâ_ is frequently used to describe idolatrous practices (e.g., child sacrifice, worship of foreign gods), sexual perversions (e.g., homosexuality, incest), and unjust dealings (e.g., dishonest weights, shedding innocent blood). Jehoiakim's "abominations" would have encompassed a range of these actions, signifying his profound spiritual rebellion and defiance of God's law, which directly contributed to Judah's downfall.
* **Written (Hebrew, _kāṯûḇ_):** The passive participle "written" emphasizes the permanence and established fact of the record. It signifies that Jehoiakim's acts and abominations are not merely remembered but are formally documented. This highlights the Chronicler's reliance on and affirmation of existing historical records, lending credibility to the biblical narrative. More profoundly, it speaks to the divine principle of accountability, where every action is recorded and will ultimately be brought to light, underscoring God's meticulous oversight of human history and His unwavering justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and his abominations which he did, and that which was found in him":** This opening clause comprehensively summarizes Jehoiakim's reign. "The rest of the acts" refers to the full scope of his deeds, implying that the Chronicler is providing a summary rather than an exhaustive account. The phrase "his abominations which he did" specifically singles out his detestable, covenant-breaking actions as a defining characteristic of his rule, highlighting the spiritual depravity that marked his kingship. "And that which was found in him" suggests a deeper insight into his character—his inherent wickedness, his true nature, or the specific charges and judgments leveled against him, perhaps referring to the divine assessment of his heart and motives.
* **"behold, they [are] written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah":** This clause serves as an authoritative reference, pointing to existing historical records. The "book of the kings of Israel and Judah" likely refers to royal annals or state chronicles maintained by the kingdoms, which the Chronicler consulted and affirmed. The inclusion of "behold" draws the reader's attention to the certainty and veracity of this historical documentation. Theologically, it asserts the factual basis of the biblical narrative and reinforces the theme of divine accountability, where the actions of kings are not forgotten but are permanently recorded for historical and divine judgment.
* **"and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead":** This final clause marks the immediate and direct succession of Jehoiakim's son, Jehoiachin. It signifies the continuity of the Davidic line, yet in this context, it also emphasizes the rapid and tragic turnover of unrighteous kings in Judah's final years. This swift transition sets the stage for the next phase of Judah's decline, as Jehoiachin's reign would prove to be even shorter and would culminate in the first major deportation to Babylon, signaling the imminent destruction of Jerusalem.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in this concise verse to convey significant theological and historical truths. **Conciseness** is paramount, as Jehoiakim's entire reign is summarized in a single sentence, reflecting the Chronicler's focus not on exhaustive historical detail but on the theological implications of each king's rule. This brevity, especially concerning a king whose reign was marked by profound wickedness, subtly conveys divine judgment and the Chronicler's disinterest in elaborating on unrighteousness. The phrase "his abominations which he did" serves as a powerful instance of **Euphemism** or **Understatement**, as it broadly covers a range of detestable acts without explicit enumeration, allowing the reader to infer the depth of his depravity based on prior knowledge or the broader context of Judah's decline. The reference to the "book of the kings" functions as an **Appeal to Authority**, lending historical veracity and weight to the Chronicler's summary. Furthermore, the verse employs **Foreshadowing**, as the rapid succession and the emphasis on "abominations" implicitly point towards the impending and inevitable Babylonian exile, which is the ultimate consequence of such persistent rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Chronicles 36:8 serves as a stark reminder of the profound biblical principle that actions have consequences, particularly for those entrusted with leadership. Jehoiakim's "abominations" were not merely personal failings but acts of covenant unfaithfulness that directly contributed to the divine judgment upon Judah. This verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, which included both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. The meticulous recording of Jehoiakim's deeds in the "book of the kings" highlights God's perfect knowledge and ultimate justice, affirming that all human history unfolds under His sovereign gaze, and no deed, good or evil, escapes His notice or accountability. The rapid succession of unrighteous kings, epitomized by Jehoiakim's brief and wicked reign, illustrates the accelerating spiritual decay of Judah, a nation that had repeatedly rejected God's warnings through His prophets, thereby sealing its own fate and demonstrating the tragic end of a people who abandon their divine covenant.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience and Exile")
* [Jeremiah 22:13-19](/jeremiah/22-13 "Jeremiah 22:13-19 - Prophecy Against Jehoiakim's Unjust Reign")
* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God Will Repay Each Person According to What They Have Done")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief, sobering account of Jehoiakim's reign in 2 Chronicles 36:8 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers regarding accountability, the nature of sin, and the impact of leadership. Jehoiakim's "abominations" serve as a stark warning that defiance against God's commands leads to ruin, not only for the individual but for those under their influence. This verse compels us to consider the gravity of our own choices, recognizing that our actions, whether in public or private, are not inconsequential but are observed and ultimately accounted for before a holy God. It challenges us to examine what is "found in" us—our true character, motives, and allegiances—and to confront any "abominations" in our lives, whether they be overt acts of rebellion or subtle compromises with the world. Furthermore, the divine record-keeping reminds us that true justice will prevail, and God's sovereignty extends even over the rise and fall of leaders and nations, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled despite human wickedness. This should inspire both humility and a renewed commitment to living lives of integrity, righteousness, and humble obedience to God's word, seeking to honor Him in every sphere of influence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do my personal choices and actions reflect my allegiance to God, especially when I am in a position of influence or authority?**
* **What "abominations" (attitudes, habits, or practices) in my own life or within my community might be contrary to God's holiness, and how can I seek repentance and transformation?**
* **How does the concept of God's meticulous record-keeping and ultimate justice shape my understanding of accountability and my motivation for righteous living?**
* **What lessons can I draw from Jehoiakim's failure regarding the importance of listening to prophetic warnings and aligning my life with God's revealed will?**

### FAQ
**What were Jehoiakim's "abominations" mentioned in 2 Chronicles 36:8?**

Answer: While 2 Chronicles 36:8 does not explicitly list Jehoiakim's "abominations," the broader biblical narrative, particularly the book of Jeremiah, provides significant insight. The term "abominations" (Hebrew: _tôʿēḇâ_) in the Old Testament refers to actions that are morally repugnant and deeply offensive to God, often including idolatry, injustice, and violence. Jehoiakim was known for reversing his father Josiah's reforms, reintroducing pagan worship, and building his palace through forced labor and injustice ([Jeremiah 22:13-17](/jeremiah/22-13 "Jeremiah 22:13-17 - Jeremiah's Condemnation of Jehoiakim")). He also defiantly burned the scroll of Jeremiah's prophecy, demonstrating his contempt for God's word ([Jeremiah 36:23](/jeremiah/36-23 "Jeremiah 36:23 - Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll")). His reign was characterized by oppression, unrighteousness, and a general disregard for the covenant, all of which contributed to Judah's accelerating downfall.

**What is the "book of the kings of Israel and Judah" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "book of the kings of Israel and Judah" refers to the royal annals or official historical records maintained by the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. These were not necessarily the biblical books of Kings or Chronicles as we know them today, but rather the original source documents from which the biblical authors drew their information. The Chronicler frequently cites these external records throughout 1 and 2 Chronicles (e.g., [1 Chronicles 9:1](/1_chronicles/9-1 "1 Chronicles 9:1 - Genealogies of Israel and Judah")), affirming the historical basis of the biblical narrative. The mention here underscores the veracity of the account of Jehoiakim's reign and highlights that his deeds, both good and evil, were officially documented, serving as a testament to God's oversight of human history and the ultimate accountability of all rulers.

**Why does 2 Chronicles summarize Jehoiakim's reign so briefly, especially given its significance?**

Answer: The Chronicler's primary purpose is theological rather than purely historical. While the books of Kings provide more detailed accounts of Jehoiakim's reign, 2 Chronicles focuses on the spiritual trajectory of Judah, emphasizing the consequences of faithfulness and unfaithfulness to the Davidic covenant. The brevity of Jehoiakim's summary, particularly the emphasis on his "abominations," serves to highlight the pervasive wickedness that characterized Judah's final kings and directly led to the Babylonian exile. The Chronicler is less interested in the political intrigues and more in demonstrating that Judah's downfall was a direct result of its persistent sin and rejection of God's warnings, culminating in Jehoiakim's defiance and the subsequent rapid succession of unrighteous kings. This concise summary underscores the accelerating pace of divine judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic account of Jehoiakim's reign in 2 Chronicles 36:8, marked by "abominations" and leading to Judah's decline, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate failure of human kingship and the profound need for a perfect, righteous King. The record of Jehoiakim's sin, "written in the book of the kings," points to the universal human condition of sinfulness, where all have fallen short of God's glory and stand condemned by a divine record ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). The "abominations" of Jehoiakim, representing humanity's rebellion against God, highlight the desperate need for a Savior who can not only forgive but also eradicate sin. This is where Jesus Christ enters the narrative as the true and eternal King, the Son of David, who perfectly fulfills the Davidic covenant ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). Unlike Jehoiakim, in whom "abominations" were found, Jesus was utterly without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Was Tempted But Without Sin")). His "acts" were not abominations but perfect obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, where He bore the "abominations" of humanity, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His reign is not fleeting like Jehoiakim's but eternal, bringing true justice, righteousness, and salvation to all who believe. The "book of the kings" that recorded human failure is superseded by the [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Only Those Written in the Lamb's Book of Life Enter Heaven"), where the names of those redeemed by Christ are eternally recorded.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 24:5

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and all that he did, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

2 Kings 24:6

So Jehoiakim slept with his fathers: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead.

Matthew 1:11

And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:

Matthew 1:12

And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;

1 Chronicles 3:16

And the sons of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, Zedekiah his son.

1 Chronicles 3:17

And the sons of Jeconiah; Assir, Salathiel his son,

Jeremiah 22:28

[Is] this man Coniah a despised broken idol? [is he] a vessel wherein [is] no pleasure? wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into a land which they know not?