2 Kings 23:37

And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his fathers had done.

And he did {H6213} that which was evil {H7451} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, according to all that his fathers {H1} had done {H6213}.

He did what was evil from the perspective of ADONAI, following the example of everything his ancestors had done.

And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as his fathers had done.

And he did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, according to all that his fathers had done.

Commentary

2 Kings 23:37 (KJV) describes King Jehoiakim's spiritual condition and actions, setting a somber tone for Judah's final decline. It states, "And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his fathers had done." This verse is a concise summary of a monarch's reign marked by disobedience and a stark contrast to his righteous father.

Context

This verse introduces King Jehoiakim, also known as Eliakim, who was appointed king by Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt after the death of his father, the godly King Josiah. Josiah had led extensive religious reforms, purging idolatry and restoring the worship of the LORD in Judah (see 2 Kings 22:2 and 2 Kings 23:4-20). Jehoiakim's accession marks a tragic spiritual regression for Judah, as he quickly undid much of his father's good work and led the nation back into sin, aligning with the pattern of wicked kings who preceded Josiah.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Apostasy: Jehoiakim's reign is characterized by a deliberate turning away from God. Despite witnessing his father's devotion and the blessings it brought, Jehoiakim chose a path of unrighteousness, leading to significant spiritual decline for the kingdom.
  • Generational Sin and Influence: The phrase "according to all that his fathers had done" refers not to his immediate father Josiah, but to previous wicked kings of Judah like Manasseh and Ahaz. This highlights a recurring cycle of disobedience in the royal line, emphasizing the dangerous influence of past ungodly examples.
  • Divine Judgment Looms: Jehoiakim's wickedness seals Judah's fate. His actions directly contributed to the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the nation's impending exile and destruction, a consequence of persistent covenant breaking (as warned in Deuteronomy 28:15ff).

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD" is a common biblical idiom used throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles. It signifies actions that are not merely ethically wrong by human standards, but specifically violate God's covenant laws and commandments. It means his conduct was an offense directly against God's holy character and established will for His people. This phrase underscores the theological perspective of the Deuteronomistic history, where a king's righteousness or wickedness determined the nation's fate.

Practical Application

The story of Jehoiakim serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths:

  • Personal Responsibility: Despite having a righteous father and witnessing God's blessings on him, Jehoiakim was personally accountable for his choices. Our spiritual heritage does not negate our individual responsibility to obey God.
  • The Danger of Backsliding: It illustrates how quickly a generation or an individual can abandon faith and return to former sins, even after significant spiritual revival. This emphasizes the need for constant vigilance and commitment to God's ways.
  • Leadership's Impact: A leader's spiritual condition profoundly affects the people they govern. Jehoiakim's ungodliness contributed significantly to Judah's moral decay and ultimate downfall, underscoring the importance of righteous leadership.
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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

  • Ezekiel 19:5

    Now when she saw that she had waited, [and] her hope was lost, then she took another of her whelps, [and] made him a young lion.

  • Ezekiel 19:9

    And they put him in ward in chains, and brought him to the king of Babylon: they brought him into holds, that his voice should no more be heard upon the mountains of Israel.

  • 2 Kings 23:32

    And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his fathers had done.

  • 2 Chronicles 28:22

    And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this [is that] king Ahaz.

  • 2 Chronicles 28:25

    And in every several city of Judah he made high places to burn incense unto other gods, and provoked to anger the LORD God of his fathers.

  • Jeremiah 36:23

    And it came to pass, [that] when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast [it] into the fire that [was] on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that [was] on the hearth.

  • Jeremiah 36:26

    But the king commanded Jerahmeel the son of Hammelech, and Seraiah the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel, to take Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet: but the LORD hid them.
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