2 Chronicles 36:9

KJV

Jehoiachin [was] eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem: and he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Jehoiachin {H3078} was eight {H8083} years {H8141} old {H1121} when he began to reign {H4427}, and he reigned {H4427} three {H7969} months {H2320} and ten {H6235} days {H3117} in Jerusalem {H3389}: and he did {H6213} that which was evil {H7451} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoyakhin was eight years old when he began his reign, and he ruled in Yerushalayim for three months and ten days. He did what was evil from ADONAI's perspective.

Berean Standard Bible

Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months and ten days. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD.

American Standard Version

Jehoiachin was eight years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem: and he did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 36:9 concisely introduces Jehoiachin, a tragically young and short-lived king of Judah, whose brief reign of just over three months in Jerusalem was marked by a divine verdict of evil. This verse serves as a stark testament to the accelerating moral decay of Judah's monarchy and the impending, inevitable judgment of God, setting the immediate stage for the final destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of the Chronicler's rapid-fire account of Judah's final kings, a narrative characterized by brevity and a consistent theological judgment against their reigns. Immediately preceding Jehoiachin is his father, Jehoiakim, whose equally wicked reign is recounted in [2 Chronicles 36:5-8](/2_chronicles/36-5 "2 Chronicles 36:5-8 - Jehoiakim's Evil Reign and Death"), ending with his death and the first significant Babylonian incursion. Following Jehoiachin's brief tenure, [2 Chronicles 36:10](/2_chronicles/36-10 "2 Chronicles 36:10 - Jehoiachin's Exile and Zedekiah's Reign") swiftly details his deportation to Babylon and the installation of Zedekiah, the last king of Judah. The Chronicler's focus is less on political intrigue and more on the moral and spiritual failures of these kings, demonstrating how their persistent disobedience to God's covenant directly led to the nation's downfall and exile, fulfilling the prophetic warnings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jehoiachin's reign took place in 597 BCE, a pivotal moment in Judah's history. The once-dominant Assyrian Empire had collapsed, and the Neo-Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar, was rapidly asserting its control over the Near East. Judah, a small vassal state, found itself caught between these geopolitical shifts. Jehoiachin ascended the throne during Nebuchadnezzar's first major siege of Jerusalem, a direct consequence of his father Jehoiakim's rebellion against Babylon. Culturally, the expectation for a king in Judah was to uphold the Mosaic covenant, lead the people in righteousness, and maintain exclusive worship of Yahweh. The recurring phrase "did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD" is a theological judgment indicating a failure to meet this divine standard, often involving idolatry, injustice, and a disregard for prophetic counsel.
* **Key Themes:** The account of Jehoiachin's reign, though brief, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Chronicles. First, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment and Covenant Faithfulness**. The consistent pattern of kings doing "that which was evil in the sight of the LORD" (as seen with Jehoiakim in [2 Chronicles 36:5](/2_chronicles/36-5 "2 Chronicles 36:5 - Jehoiakim's Disobedience") and Zedekiah in [2 Chronicles 36:12](/2_chronicles/36-12 "2 Chronicles 36:12 - Zedekiah's Rebellion")) underscores Judah's persistent rebellion against God's covenant and the inevitable consequences. Second, it highlights the **Consequences of Leadership**, demonstrating how the moral and spiritual choices of the king directly impacted the destiny of the entire nation, leading to national catastrophe. Finally, the swift and decisive end of Jehoiachin's reign, culminating in exile, reinforces the **Sovereignty of God in History**. Even amidst human wickedness and political chaos, God remains in control, orchestrating events to bring about His righteous purposes, including the discipline of His people through exile, which was also a period of preparation for future restoration as prophesied by Jeremiah (cf. [Jeremiah 25:11-12](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11-12 - Seventy Years of Babylonian Captivity")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"eight years old" (Hebrew, _ben shmonim shanim'_):** This phrase highlights Jehoiachin's extreme youth at the time of his ascension. While the parallel account in [2 Kings 24:8](/2_kings/24-8 "2 Kings 24:8 - Jehoiachin's Age and Reign in Kings") states he was eighteen, the Chronicler's emphasis on "eight years old" (if taken literally or as a scribal variant) underscores the tragic immaturity and lack of experience of the king, yet still holds him accountable for his actions. It paints a picture of a kingdom in such disarray that even a child (or very young man) was thrust into a position of immense responsibility, only to immediately fail God's standards.
* **"did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD" (Hebrew, _vaya'as hara' b'einei Yahweh'_):** This is a recurring, formulaic phrase throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles, serving as a divine verdict on the reign of a king. It signifies not merely personal moral failings but a comprehensive rejection of God's covenant, laws, and prophetic warnings. For a king, this "evil" typically involved promoting idolatry, engaging in injustice, failing to lead the nation in covenant faithfulness, and disregarding the Torah. This theological condemnation explains the brevity and ignominious end of Jehoiachin's reign, directly linking his actions to God's judgment and the nation's impending doom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jehoiachin [was] eight years old when he began to reign":** This clause introduces the new king and immediately highlights a striking detail: his youth. The textual variant with 2 Kings 24:8 (eighteen years old) is notable, but the Chronicler's choice, whether intentional or a scribal error, emphasizes the rapid succession of kings and the precarious state of the kingdom, perhaps even suggesting a greater degree of vulnerability or a lack of personal agency in his early decisions, though he is still held accountable.
* **"and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem":** This incredibly brief reign underscores the extreme instability and rapid deterioration of the kingdom of Judah. It signifies the terminal stage of the Davidic monarchy, where kings were mere puppets or short-lived figures in the face of overwhelming Babylonian power and divine judgment. This brevity is a direct consequence of the nation's and its leaders' persistent sin.
* **"and he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD":** This concluding phrase delivers the divine judgment on Jehoiachin's reign. Despite his youth and the brevity of his time on the throne, he is unequivocally condemned by God's standard. This moral failure, consistent with his father and successor, confirms that the kingdom's downfall was not merely a political misfortune but a direct result of its spiritual rebellion and covenant unfaithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in this concise verse to convey its profound theological message. **Repetition** is evident in the formulaic phrase "did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD," which echoes throughout the accounts of Judah's later kings, creating a cumulative sense of moral decay and divine displeasure. This repetition emphasizes the consistent pattern of sin that led to the nation's downfall. **Juxtaposition** is powerfully used by placing Jehoiachin's extreme youth ("eight years old") immediately alongside the divine verdict of his evil actions. This contrast highlights the tragic inevitability of the royal line's corruption, suggesting that even a young king, perhaps influenced by his predecessors or the prevailing culture, was unable to escape the pervasive spiritual sickness that afflicted Judah. Finally, the brevity of Jehoiachin's reign, coupled with his moral failure, serves as a form of **foreshadowing**, hinting at the imminent and complete destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its people, which would follow shortly thereafter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The brief, tragic account of Jehoiachin's reign in 2 Chronicles 36:9 stands as a poignant theological statement about the consequences of persistent covenant unfaithfulness and the unwavering nature of divine justice. His short tenure, marked by the familiar verdict of "evil in the sight of the LORD," encapsulates the terminal decline of the Davidic monarchy and the nation of Judah. It demonstrates that God's patience, while vast, is not infinite, and that repeated rebellion against His commands inevitably leads to severe judgment, culminating in the exile. This period, though dark, was also part of God's sovereign plan to purge His people and prepare them for future restoration, even as it brought to a temporary end the line of kings reigning in Jerusalem.

* [2 Kings 24:8-9](/2_kings/24-8 "2 Kings 24:8-9 - Jehoiachin's Reign and Evil")
* [Jeremiah 22:24-30](/jeremiah/22-24 "Jeremiah 22:24-30 - Prophecy Against Coniah/Jehoiachin")
* [Ezekiel 1:1-3](/ezekiel/1-1 "Ezekiel 1:1-3 - Ezekiel's Prophetic Call in Exile")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of King Jehoiachin, despite its brevity, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It underscores the critical importance of spiritual integrity, particularly for those in positions of leadership, reminding us that God holds all individuals accountable for their actions and influence, regardless of age or the duration of their authority. Jehoiachin's immediate failure, even in a short reign, highlights that the trajectory of our lives, whether long or short, is defined by our alignment with God's will. Furthermore, this narrative serves as a sobering reminder of the destructive nature of sin, especially when it becomes systemic or is embraced by those in power. It illustrates how individual choices can have far-reaching consequences, impacting entire communities and even generations. Ultimately, it calls us to a deep self-examination, prompting us to consider whether our own lives, and the communities we belong to, are truly "in the sight of the LORD" doing what is good, or if we are subtly or overtly embracing practices that are evil in His eyes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the brevity of Jehoiachin's reign challenge our understanding of influence and legacy, suggesting that impact is not solely measured by duration?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, "do that which is evil in the sight of the LORD" today, even subtly, through our choices or complacency?**
* **What does this account teach us about God's justice and His patience with sin, and how should this shape our response to moral failings in society and in our own lives?**

### FAQ
**Why does 2 Chronicles say Jehoiachin was eight years old, while 2 Kings says eighteen?**

Answer: This is a well-known textual variant. [2 Chronicles 36:9](/2_chronicles/36-9 "2 Chronicles 36:9 - Jehoiachin's Reign") states Jehoiachin was eight years old, while the parallel account in [2 Kings 24:8](/2_kings/24-8 "2 Kings 24:8 - Jehoiachin's Reign in Kings") states he was eighteen. Most biblical scholars consider the "eighteen years old" reading in 2 Kings to be the more accurate, original text, with the "eight years old" in Chronicles likely being a scribal error (a common type of error in ancient Hebrew manuscripts involving similar-looking letters or numbers). While an eight-year-old king would be highly unusual, the Chronicler's primary concern is not precise biographical detail but the theological verdict on the king's reign, emphasizing his immediate failure to uphold God's standards regardless of his exact age.

**What was the specific "evil" Jehoiachin did?**

Answer: The text of [2 Chronicles 36:9](/2_chronicles/36-9 "2 Chronicles 36:9 - Jehoiachin's Evil Reign") does not specify the particular "evil" Jehoiachin committed. However, the recurring phrase "did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD" (also used for his father Jehoiakim in [2 Chronicles 36:5](/2_chronicles/36-5 "2 Chronicles 36:5 - Jehoiakim's Evil")) is a theological indictment used throughout Kings and Chronicles. It typically refers to a king's failure to uphold the Mosaic covenant, which included tolerating or promoting idolatry, engaging in social injustice, and disregarding the prophetic word. Given the extreme brevity of his reign and the context of Judah's spiritual decline, it's likely Jehoiachin continued the pattern of unfaithfulness established by his predecessors, failing to lead the nation in obedience to Yahweh.

**How significant was Jehoiachin's reign despite its brevity?**

Answer: Despite reigning for only "three months and ten days," Jehoiachin's reign was profoundly significant. It marked the first major deportation of the Jewish elite to Babylon, including skilled craftsmen, warriors, and prominent figures like the prophet Ezekiel (cf. [Ezekiel 1:1-3](/ezekiel/1-1 "Ezekiel 1:1-3 - Ezekiel's Call in Exile")). This event, often referred to as the first Babylonian exile (597 BCE), effectively ended Judah's independent monarchy and signaled the beginning of the end for the kingdom of Judah. It was a pivotal moment in the fulfillment of God's judgment against His people's persistent sin, ushering in the period of the Babylonian Captivity that would profoundly shape Jewish identity and theology for centuries to come.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The brief and failed reign of Jehoiachin in 2 Chronicles 36:9 serves as a powerful testament to the brokenness of human kingship and the ultimate need for a perfect, righteous King. His short tenure, marked by the damning verdict of "evil in the sight of the LORD," underscores the tragic trajectory of the Davidic line, which, despite God's eternal covenant with David (cf. [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")), consistently produced flawed rulers who led the nation astray. Jehoiachin's immediate failure and subsequent exile highlight the inability of any earthly monarch to truly fulfill God's righteous demands or secure lasting peace and salvation for His people. This historical reality points forward to Jesus Christ, the true Son of David, in whose genealogy Jehoiachin (also known as Jeconiah or Coniah) is explicitly named (cf. [Matthew 1:11-12, 17](/matthew/1-11 "Matthew 1:11-12, 17 - Jesus' Genealogy Through Jeconiah")). Unlike Jehoiachin, Jesus' reign is not marked by evil but by perfect righteousness and sinlessness (cf. [Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Jesus, Our Holy High Priest"), [1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")). He is the King who truly takes away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and whose kingdom is eternal, unshakable, and not of this world (cf. [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Reign of Christ"), [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), providing the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise for a perfect, everlasting ruler.

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 24:8

¶ Jehoiachin [was] eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. And his mother's name [was] Nehushta, the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem.

2 Kings 24:17

And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah his father's brother king in his stead, and changed his name to Zedekiah.