2 Kings 23:34

KJV

And Pharaohnechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoiakim, and took Jehoahaz away: and he came to Egypt, and died there.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Pharaohnechoh {H6549} made Eliakim {H471} the son {H1121} of Josiah {H2977} king {H4427} in the room of Josiah {H2977} his father {H1}, and turned {H5437} his name {H8034} to Jehoiakim {H3079}, and took {H3947} Jehoahaz {H3059} away {H3947}: and he came {H935} to Egypt {H4714}, and died {H4191} there.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Pharaoh N'khoh made Elyakim the son of Yoshiyahu king in place of Yoshiyahu his father and changed his name to Y'hoyakim. He also carried Y'ho'achaz off to Egypt, where he died.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Pharaoh Neco made Eliakim son of Josiah king in place of his father Josiah, and he changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim. But Neco took Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt, where he died.

American Standard Version

And Pharaoh-necoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and changed his name to Jehoiakim: but he took Jehoahaz away; and he came to Egypt, and died there.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The brief account in 2 Kings 23:34 chronicles a pivotal moment in the accelerating decline of the Kingdom of Judah, immediately following the death of its last righteous king, Josiah. This verse details Pharaoh Nechoh's decisive intervention in Judah's affairs, as he deposes the recently enthroned Jehoahaz, exiles him to Egypt where he eventually dies, and installs another of Josiah's sons, Eliakim, as king, symbolically renaming him Jehoiakim. This act starkly illustrates Judah's complete loss of sovereignty and its reduction to a vassal state, setting the stage for its ultimate destruction and exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the concluding chapters of 2 Kings, which meticulously document the final, tragic years of the Kingdom of Judah leading up to the Babylonian exile. It immediately follows the unexpected and devastating death of King Josiah at Megiddo, a righteous king whose reforms had momentarily delayed God's judgment but could not avert it due to the deep-seated idolatry of the nation. The narrative in [2 Kings 23:29](/2_kings/23-29 "2 Kings 23:29 - Josiah's Death in Battle") sets the stage for this foreign intervention. Following Josiah's death, the "people of the land" had quickly appointed his son Jehoahaz (also known as Shallum) as king, as detailed in [2 Kings 23:30-31](/2_kings/23-30-31 "2 Kings 23:30-31 - Jehoahaz Becomes King"). However, Jehoahaz's reign was brief and unrighteous, lasting only three months before Pharaoh Nechoh asserted his dominance, as detailed in this verse, completely overturning the people's choice and imposing his own will upon Judah's succession. This rapid succession of events underscores the nation's instability and vulnerability, highlighting the immediate unraveling of Josiah's legacy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 7th century BCE was a period of immense geopolitical upheaval in the ancient Near East. The once-dominant Assyrian Empire was in rapid decline, creating a power vacuum that Egypt and the rising Neo-Babylonian Empire sought to fill. Pharaoh Nechoh II was actively campaigning in the Levant, attempting to re-establish Egyptian influence in the region and block the westward expansion of Babylon. His march north, which led to the confrontation with Josiah at Megiddo, was part of this broader strategy. The act of a conquering monarch deposing a king and installing a new one, often accompanied by a name change, was a common practice in the ancient Near East. It was a potent symbol of absolute suzerainty, signifying the conqueror's ownership and control over the vassal state and its ruler. The new name served as a constant reminder of the vassal's subservience and allegiance to the overlord, publicly declaring the shift in power dynamics.
* **Key Themes:** The events of [2 Kings 23:34](/2_kings/23-34 "2 Kings 23:34 - Pharaoh Nechoh Deposes Jehoahaz") contribute significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. The most prominent is the **loss of sovereignty**, as Judah's ability to determine its own leadership is completely stripped away, replaced by foreign dictate. This serves as a stark precursor to the nation's impending **foreign domination and judgment**, highlighting that despite Josiah's reforms, the nation's persistent unfaithfulness had reached a point where divine discipline, often executed through foreign powers, was inevitable. The Lord had declared that Judah would be removed from His sight, as stated in [2 Kings 23:27](/2_kings/23-27 "2 Kings 23:27 - God's Judgment on Judah"), and Nechoh's actions are a tangible manifestation of this unfolding judgment. Furthermore, the **significance of the name change** from Eliakim to Jehoiakim is a powerful symbolic act, not merely a casual alteration but a profound declaration of the pharaoh's authority and control over the king's very identity and destiny, reinforcing Judah's subjugated status and foreshadowing future acts of subjugation, such as those described in [Daniel 1](/daniel/1 "Daniel 1 - Daniel in Babylon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eliakim (Hebrew, _ʾElyaqim'_):** Meaning "God of raising" or "God establishes." This name, given to Josiah's son at birth, likely reflected a hope or belief in divine establishment. The profound irony, as the text reveals, is that his actual establishment as king was not by divine appointment through the people of Judah, but by the pagan Pharaoh Nechoh, who then immediately changed his name, further underscoring the shift in ultimate authority from Yahweh to a foreign power.
* **Jehoiakim (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôwyâqîym'_):** Meaning "Jehovah will raise" or "Yahweh establishes." Pharaoh Nechoh's renaming of Eliakim to Jehoiakim is highly significant. While both names carry similar meanings related to divine establishment, the shift from the generic "El" (God) to "Yah" (a shortened form of Yahweh, Israel's covenant God) is notable. This was not a theological endorsement by Nechoh, but rather a calculated political maneuver. By allowing a name that still referenced Judah's God, Nechoh perhaps aimed to maintain some semblance of local religious continuity while simultaneously asserting his absolute power by being the one to bestow the name. The name change itself, regardless of its specific components, was the primary symbol of vassalage and subjugation, a public declaration of the pharaoh's dominion.
* **died (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** A primitive root meaning "to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill." In the context of Jehoahaz, this word signifies his literal death in exile in Egypt. His demise there, away from his homeland and throne, serves as a stark and tragic conclusion to his brief, unrighteous reign and symbolizes the complete and irreversible loss of Judah's independence. It underscores the finality of Pharaoh Nechoh's power over Judah's leadership and destiny.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Pharaohnechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father,"**: This clause immediately reveals the foreign imposition of leadership. Pharaoh Nechoh, having just defeated and killed King Josiah, bypasses the people's choice (Jehoahaz) and unilaterally appoints Eliakim. This action demonstrates Nechoh's absolute authority over Judah's internal affairs, effectively turning the kingdom into an Egyptian protectorate. The phrase "in the room of Josiah his father" emphasizes the direct succession but under foreign control, highlighting the tragic irony that Josiah's legacy of independent, righteous rule was immediately undermined by his own son's foreign-imposed enthronement.
* **"and turned his name to Jehoiakim,"**: This is the most potent symbolic act in the verse. The act of changing a vassal king's name was a widely recognized sign of suzerainty in the ancient Near East. It signified the complete submission of the vassal to the overlord, who now had the power to redefine the vassal's identity and allegiance. It was a public declaration that Eliakim's authority and very being were now derived from and dependent upon Pharaoh Nechoh, rather than from Yahweh or the people of Judah. This name change served as a constant reminder of Judah's subjugated status and the depth of its humiliation.
* **"and took Jehoahaz away: and he came to Egypt, and died there."**: This final clause details the fate of Jehoahaz, the people's initial choice for king. His removal and exile to Egypt confirm the pharaoh's unchallenged power. His death in Egypt, away from his homeland and throne, symbolizes the tragic end of Judah's brief, independent attempt at self-governance after Josiah. It also foreshadows the broader national exile that would soon befall Judah under Babylonian rule, marking the beginning of the end for the Davidic monarchy in Jerusalem and the fulfillment of prophetic warnings.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several key literary devices to convey its profound message. **Symbolism** is paramount, particularly in the act of Pharaoh Nechoh changing Eliakim's name to Jehoiakim. This name change is not merely a record of fact but a powerful symbol of Judah's complete loss of autonomy and the conqueror's absolute dominion over the conquered. It visually and verbally represents the shift from an independent kingdom to a mere vassal state. **Foreshadowing** is also evident; the deposition of Jehoahaz and his death in exile, coupled with the imposition of a foreign-controlled king, strongly foreshadows the eventual and complete destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile of the entire nation, which would occur just a few years later. The rapid succession of puppet kings, starting with Jehoiakim, directly precedes the events described in [2 Kings 24:1-2](/2_kings/24-1-2 "2 Kings 24:1-2 - Judah Becomes a Babylonian Vassal"). Furthermore, there is a subtle **irony** in the fact that the righteous reign of Josiah, who had purged idolatry and sought to restore covenant faithfulness, is immediately followed by such a humiliating and unrighteous succession, orchestrated by a pagan ruler. This highlights the deep-seated spiritual decay within Judah that even Josiah's efforts could not fully reverse, demonstrating the nation's irreversible trajectory towards judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over the rise and fall of nations, even utilizing pagan rulers as instruments of His divine purpose and judgment. While Pharaoh Nechoh acted out of geopolitical ambition, the biblical narrative consistently presents such events as part of Yahweh's overarching plan, often as a consequence of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness. The rapid succession of kings and the imposition of foreign will underscore the theological principle that God "removes kings and sets up kings" ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")), even when human actors are driven by their own motives. Judah's subjugation serves as a stark reminder that persistent disobedience, despite periods of revival, ultimately leads to divine discipline and the loss of blessings, including national independence. This event marked a point of no return for the southern kingdom, signaling the irreversible trajectory towards exile, a theme consistently echoed by the prophets.

* [Jeremiah 22:10-12](/jeremiah/22-10-12 "Jeremiah 22:10-12 - Prophecy Against Jehoahaz/Shallum")
* [2 Chronicles 36:1-4](/2_chronicles/36-1-4 "2 Chronicles 36:1-4 - Parallel Account of Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim")
* [Daniel 1:1-2](/daniel/1-1-2 "Daniel 1:1-2 - God Delivers Judah to Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of 2 Kings 23:34 serves as a profound historical and spiritual lesson, challenging believers to consider the consequences of unfaithfulness, both individually and corporately. Judah's loss of sovereignty, symbolized by the foreign imposition of its king and the symbolic name change, underscores the reality that spiritual decline often precedes and enables external subjugation. When a nation or an individual deviates from God's ways, it opens the door for other forces to exert control, whether they be political, cultural, or spiritual. This passage reminds us that while God is sovereign and can use even the actions of pagan rulers to accomplish His purposes, human choices still carry immense weight and consequence. It calls us to a deeper commitment to righteousness and faithfulness, recognizing that true freedom and flourishing come from submission to God's benevolent rule, not from worldly power or compromise. It also encourages us to look beyond immediate circumstances and discern God's hand at work, even in periods of apparent defeat or decline, trusting that His ultimate plan will prevail for His glory and the good of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Judah's rapid decline after Josiah's death challenge our understanding of the impact of individual leadership versus collective spiritual state?**
* **What does Pharaoh Nechoh's ability to depose and install kings teach us about the nature of worldly power and God's sovereignty over it?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, inadvertently surrender our spiritual "sovereignty" to external influences or worldly values?**
* **How can understanding this period of Judah's history deepen our appreciation for God's patience and His eventual, just judgment?**

### FAQ
**Why was Pharaoh Nechoh so interested in Judah's succession?**

Answer: Pharaoh Nechoh's interest in Judah's succession was primarily geopolitical. As the Neo-Babylonian Empire rose to power in the east, Egypt sought to re-establish its influence in the Levant, a crucial land bridge connecting Africa and Asia. Judah, strategically located, was a key buffer state. By installing his chosen king, Eliakim (Jehoiakim), Nechoh ensured that Judah would be a loyal vassal, providing resources, tribute, and a strategic ally against the encroaching Babylonian threat. This was part of a larger Egyptian strategy to control the region and secure its northern borders, following the decline of the Assyrian Empire. His actions were not about the internal affairs of Judah per se, but about securing Egyptian imperial interests, as seen in the broader historical context of [2 Kings 23](/2_kings/23 "2 Kings 23 - Josiah's Reforms and Death").

**What was the significance of the name change from Eliakim to Jehoiakim?**

Answer: The name change from Eliakim to Jehoiakim was a powerful and common political statement in the ancient Near East, signifying absolute suzerainty. When a conquering monarch changed the name of a vassal ruler, it was a profound act of subjugation, demonstrating the conqueror's complete authority and ownership over the conquered. It stripped the vassal king of his established identity and imposed a new one, reinforcing his subservient status. For Eliakim, it meant that his kingship and very identity were now derived from and dependent upon Pharaoh Nechoh, rather than from his lineage or the will of his people. This act served as a constant, public reminder of Judah's loss of independence and its new status as an Egyptian vassal state, foreshadowing the later name changes imposed by Babylon on Jewish exiles, such as those described in [Daniel 1:6-7](/daniel/1-6-7 "Daniel 1:6-7 - Daniel and His Friends Renamed").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic account of [2 Kings 23:34](/2_kings/23-34 "2 Kings 23:34 - Pharaoh Nechoh Deposes Jehoahaz"), detailing the humiliation of Judah's kingship under foreign dominion, profoundly highlights the desperate need for a true and righteous King who would not be subject to earthly powers or human failings. The cycle of unrighteous kings, culminating in Judah's complete loss of sovereignty, underscores the inadequacy of human leadership and the brokenness of the Davidic line in its latter days. This narrative points forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate King, who fulfills the eternal promises made to David, ensuring a throne that would endure forever ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). Unlike Jehoiakim, whose name was changed by a pagan pharaoh as a sign of subjugation, Jesus's name, "Jesus" (meaning "Yahweh saves"), was given by divine decree, signifying His ultimate authority and redemptive mission ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus' Name and Mission")). He is the King whose kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")), and therefore, His reign cannot be overthrown by any earthly power or foreign invader. He is the one who truly "raises up" and "establishes" His people, not into a physical kingdom subject to geopolitical shifts, but into a spiritual kingdom of light, delivering them from the dominion of darkness ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness into Light")). The failure of Judah's kingship in this passage thus serves as a somber backdrop, illuminating the unparalleled glory and eternal sovereignty of Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings")).

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

Ezekiel 19:3

And she brought up one of her whelps: it became a young lion, and it learned to catch the prey; it devoured men.

Ezekiel 19:4

The nations also heard of him; he was taken in their pit, and they brought him with chains unto the land of Egypt.

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:

Jeremiah 22:12

But he shall die in the place whither they have led him captive, and shall see this land no more.

1 Chronicles 3:15

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

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.

Daniel 1:7

Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel [the name] of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.