2 Kings 23:36

Jehoiakim [was] twenty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Zebudah, the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah.

Jehoiakim {H3079} was twenty {H6242} and five {H2568} years {H8141} old {H1121} when he began to reign {H4427}; and he reigned {H4427} eleven {H259}{H6240} years {H8141} in Jerusalem {H3389}. And his mother's {H517} name {H8034} was Zebudah {H2080}, the daughter {H1323} of Pedaiah {H6305} of Rumah {H7316}.

Y'hoyakim was twenty-five years old when he began his reign, and he ruled for eleven years in Yerushalayim. His mother's name was Z'vudah the daughter of P'dayah, from Rumah

Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Zebidah daughter of Pedaiah; she was from Rumah.

Jehoiakim was twenty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem: and his mother’s name was Zebidah the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah.

Commentary

Context of 2 Kings 23:36

This verse introduces King Jehoiakim, detailing his age at ascension, length of reign, and his mother's name. Jehoiakim's rise to the throne marks a significant turning point in the waning years of the Kingdom of Judah. He was not the direct successor chosen by the people or through normal succession; instead, he was placed on the throne by Pharaoh Neco II of Egypt, who had previously deposed Jehoiakim's half-brother, Jehoahaz (also known as Shallum). This Egyptian intervention, described in 2 Kings 23:34, underscores Judah's diminished sovereignty and its precarious position between the emerging Babylonian Empire and the declining Egyptian power. Jehoiakim's reign directly preceded the final downfall of Judah and the Babylonian exile.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Transition of Power and Foreign Influence: The details about Jehoiakim's enthronement highlight Judah's loss of autonomy. His appointment by Pharaoh Neco signifies a period where Judah became a vassal state, subject to the will of foreign powers rather than divine guidance or independent rule. This foreign imposition sets the stage for a reign marked by political instability and spiritual decline.
  • Genealogical Record and Historical Accuracy: The inclusion of Jehoiakim's mother, Zebudah, daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah, is a typical feature of biblical royal records. These genealogical notes provided historical validation, legitimacy, and often hints about the social standing or influence of the queen mother, which was significant in ancient Near Eastern monarchies. This meticulous record-keeping emphasizes the Bible's historical reliability.
  • The King's Character and Legacy: While this verse merely provides factual data, the subsequent narrative in 2 Kings and Jeremiah reveals Jehoiakim to be a wicked king who reversed the reforms of his father, King Josiah. His reign was characterized by idolatry, injustice, and defiance against God's prophets, particularly Jeremiah, as seen in his burning of Jeremiah's scroll in Jeremiah 36:23.

Linguistic Insights

Jehoiakim's original name was Eliakim (אֶלְיָקִים, ’Elyaqim), meaning "God raises up" or "God establishes." Pharaoh Neco changed his name to Jehoiakim (יְהוֹיָקִים, Yehoyaqim), which means "Yahweh raises up" or "Yahweh establishes." This name change, a common practice for overlords asserting dominion, was ironic given Jehoiakim's ungodly reign and the fact that his rule was established by a foreign king, not truly "raised up" by Yahweh in a blessed sense. The name change served as a political statement, signifying a new allegiance and the subjugation of Judah.

Practical Application

The introduction of Jehoiakim serves as a somber reminder of the consequences when a nation or its leaders depart from divine principles. Despite the historical details, the underlying message points to the spiritual decline that often precedes national downfall. For believers today, this verse highlights:

  • Accountability of Leadership: Regardless of how one comes to power, there is an ultimate accountability to God for one's actions and decisions.
  • The Dangers of Worldly Alliances: Judah's increasing reliance on foreign powers like Egypt, rather than trusting in God, led to its demise. This serves as a timeless warning against prioritizing worldly alliances over divine guidance and trust.
  • God's Sovereign Record: Even in periods of decline and human failure, God's meticulous record of history and judgment continues, assuring us that all things are known to Him.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 36:5

    Jehoiakim [was] twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem: and he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD his God.

  • Jeremiah 1:3

    It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.

  • 1 Chronicles 3:15

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

  • Jeremiah 26:1

    ¶ In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah came this word from the LORD, saying,
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