Why was Jehoahaz chosen by "the people of the land" instead of his older brother Eliakim (Jehoiakim)?

While the text does not explicitly state the reasons, it's plausible that "the people of the land" (likely a powerful socio-political group or influential elders) chose Jehoahaz over his elder brother Eliakim for several reasons. He may have been seen as more aligned with Josiah's policies or perhaps more amenable to their influence. Eliakim might have been perceived as too pro-Egyptian, or Jehoahaz might have been preferred for his age or a perceived stronger character. This act of choosing a younger son over an elder was not unprecedented in Israelite history (e.g., Solomon over Adonijah, 1 Kings 1:11-40). However, Pharaoh Necho quickly overturned this choice, demonstrating the true locus of power in Judah at that moment (2 Kings 23:33-34).

What happened to Jehoahaz after his three-month reign?

As detailed in the subsequent verses of 2 Kings, Pharaoh Necho II, who had killed Josiah, asserted his authority over Judah. He deposed Jehoahaz, imprisoned him at Riblah in the land of Hamath, and then carried him away to Egypt, where he eventually died in exile. This marked the first time a Judean king was forcibly removed from his throne and exiled by a foreign power, foreshadowing the later Babylonian exiles. The prophet Jeremiah lamented his fate, emphasizing that he would never return to his homeland (Jeremiah 22:10-12).

23:30 23:30

2 Kings 23:31

23:32 23:32

Bible Versions

¶ 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.

Jehoahaz {H3059} was twenty {H6242} and three {H7969} years {H8141} old {H1121} when he began to reign {H4427}; and he reigned {H4427} three {H7969} months {H2320} in Jerusalem {H3389}. And his mother's {H517} name {H8034} was Hamutal {H2537}, the daughter {H1323} of Jeremiah {H3414} of Libnah {H3841}.

Y'ho'achaz was twenty-three years old when he began his reign, and he ruled for three months in Yerushalayim. His mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Yirmeyahu from Livnah.

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.

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.

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Jeremiah 22:11

For thus saith the LORD touching Shallum the son of Josiah king of Judah, which reigned instead of Josiah his father, which went forth out of this place; He shall not return thither any more:
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.
1 Chronicles 3:15

And the sons of Josiah [were], the firstborn Johanan, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum.

Bible Versions

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