2 Kings 23:37

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 23:37 succinctly encapsulates the reign of King Jehoiakim, describing him as a monarch who consistently acted wickedly in the eyes of the LORD, mirroring the ungodly patterns of his predecessors. This verse serves as a stark and somber introduction to a period of profound spiritual decline for Judah, immediately following the righteous reforms of his father, King Josiah, and setting the stage for the nation's irreversible trajectory toward divine judgment and exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of King Josiah's death in battle at Megiddo and the brief, three-month reign of his son Jehoahaz, who was subsequently deposed by Pharaoh Necho II. Jehoiakim, originally named Eliakim, is installed as a puppet king by the Egyptian pharaoh, marking a significant shift in Judah's political and spiritual landscape. The preceding chapters (especially [2 Kings 22](/2_kings/22 "2 Kings 22 - Josiah's Discovery and Reforms") and [2 Kings 23](/2_kings/23 "2 Kings 23 - Josiah's Reforms and Passover")) detail Josiah's extensive and fervent reforms, which purged idolatry from the land and restored the worship of Yahweh according to the rediscovered Book of the Law. Jehoiakim's accession and immediate turn to evil thus represent a tragic and rapid reversal of Josiah's efforts, signaling the deep-seated spiritual corruption within Judah that even a righteous king could not permanently eradicate. His reign marks the beginning of the end for the Southern Kingdom, leading directly into the Babylonian invasions and the final destruction of Jerusalem.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jehoiakim ascended to the throne in 609 BC, a tumultuous period dominated by the geopolitical struggle between the declining Assyrian Empire, the resurgent Egyptian Empire, and the rising Babylonian Empire. Judah, a small kingdom, was caught in the middle, forced to navigate shifting allegiances. Jehoiakim was placed on the throne by Pharaoh Necho II, making Judah a vassal state to Egypt and obligating it to pay heavy tribute (as described in [2 Kings 23:35](/2_kings/23-35 "2 Kings 23:35 - Jehoiakim's Tribute to Pharaoh")). Culturally, despite Josiah's reforms, the deep-seated idolatry and syncretistic practices that had flourished under kings like [Manasseh](/2_kings/21 "2 Kings 21 - Manasseh's Wicked Reign") were still prevalent among the populace. The people had only superficially embraced the reforms, and the spiritual leadership of the king was crucial. Jehoiakim's choice to revert to "evil" likely involved re-establishing pagan worship, oppressive taxation, and ignoring the prophetic warnings of figures like Jeremiah, who condemned his unrighteous rule (see [Jeremiah 22:13-19](/jeremiah/22-13 "Jeremiah 22:13-19 - Prophecy Against Jehoiakim")).

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Deuteronomistic history (Joshua-Kings). Firstly, it highlights the **consequences of leadership**, demonstrating how a king's spiritual disposition directly impacts the nation's fate. Josiah's righteousness brought a period of reprieve, while Jehoiakim's wickedness accelerated divine judgment. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **covenant faithfulness and apostasy**. Judah's history is presented as a cycle of obedience and disobedience to the Mosaic Covenant, with the kings often setting the spiritual tone. Jehoiakim's actions are a clear act of apostasy, a deliberate turning away from the covenant obligations despite recent revival. Thirdly, the phrase "according to all that his fathers had done" introduces the theme of **generational sin and influence**, not in the sense of inherited guilt, but as a pattern of ungodly behavior that can be perpetuated or broken. In Jehoiakim's case, he chose to emulate the wicked kings of the past, rather than his immediate, righteous father, Josiah. This decision ultimately sealed Judah's fate, fulfilling the warnings of judgment for persistent disobedience found in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:15ff](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15ff - Curses for Disobedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Evil (Hebrew, _ra'_):** This common Hebrew term, רַע (_ra'_), signifies not merely misfortune or physical harm, but primarily moral wickedness, depravity, and actions that are displeasing or offensive to God. When applied to a king's conduct in the Deuteronomistic history, it denotes a profound violation of the covenant, often involving idolatry, injustice, and a disregard for divine law. Jehoiakim's "evil" was a deliberate rejection of the LORD's commands and a return to the very abominations Josiah had purged.
* **Sight of the LORD (Hebrew, _bəʿênê Yahweh_):** The phrase בְּעֵינֵי יְהוָה (_bəʿênê Yahweh_), literally "in the eyes of Yahweh," is a crucial theological idiom used throughout Kings and Chronicles. It indicates that the judgment of the king's actions is not based on human opinion or political expediency, but on God's ultimate, righteous standard. It emphasizes God's omnipresence and His role as the supreme judge of human conduct, particularly that of His chosen leaders. This phrase underscores the theological perspective that God is actively observing and evaluating the moral and spiritual state of His people and their rulers.
* **His fathers (Hebrew, _ʾăḇōṯāw_):** The Hebrew word אֲבֹתָיו (_ʾăḇōṯāw_), meaning "his fathers" or "his ancestors," is key to understanding the lineage of wickedness Jehoiakim chose to follow. While Josiah was his immediate father, the context clearly indicates that "his fathers" here refers to the long line of ungodly kings of Judah who preceded Josiah, such as [Manasseh](/2_kings/21-2 "2 Kings 21:2 - Manasseh's Wickedness") and [Ahaz](/2_kings/16-2 "2 Kings 16:2 - Ahaz's Evil Reign"). This phrase highlights a pattern of spiritual decline in the royal house that Jehoiakim willingly embraced, rejecting the righteous example of his own father.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD":** This clause delivers the definitive theological verdict on Jehoiakim's reign from the perspective of the Deuteronomistic historian. It immediately establishes his character as contrary to God's will and covenant. His actions were not merely politically inept or socially unjust, but fundamentally offensive to the holy character of Yahweh. This phrase is a common, formulaic condemnation for wicked kings in the books of Kings, signaling a reign marked by idolatry, injustice, and a rejection of divine instruction.
* **"according to all that his fathers had done":** This second clause specifies the nature of Jehoiakim's evil: it was a return to the established pattern of wickedness set by previous ungodly kings of Judah. This is a crucial distinction, as his immediate father, Josiah, was renowned for his righteousness. Jehoiakim consciously chose to emulate the idolatrous and oppressive practices of his wicked ancestors, effectively undoing the spiritual reforms and revival that Josiah had painstakingly implemented. This demonstrates a deliberate rejection of God's ways and a regression into the spiritual apostasy that had plagued Judah for generations, sealing the nation's fate.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Foremost is **Formulaic Language**, as the phrase "did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD" is a recurring evaluative statement used throughout the books of Kings to pass divine judgment on monarchs, immediately signaling their spiritual standing and the nature of their reign. This repetition underscores the consistent standard by which kings are judged. There is also a powerful **Contrast** implied by Jehoiakim's actions against the backdrop of his father Josiah's righteous reign, which was meticulously detailed in the preceding chapters. This stark contrast highlights Jehoiakim's deliberate choice to revert to wickedness despite having witnessed the blessings of obedience. Finally, the verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, as Jehoiakim's immediate turn to evil, combined with the recurring formula of condemnation, strongly hints at the impending and inevitable divine judgment that will befall Judah, culminating in its destruction and exile, thus fulfilling the prophetic warnings against covenant disobedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological implications of 2 Kings 23:37 are profound, highlighting the enduring principles of divine judgment, human accountability, and the critical role of leadership. Jehoiakim's reign serves as a stark reminder that spiritual heritage, no matter how righteous (as in Josiah's case), does not guarantee personal faithfulness. Each individual, especially those in positions of authority, is personally responsible for their choices before God. His deliberate return to the sins of his wicked "fathers" underscores the persistent human inclination towards idolatry and rebellion, even in the face of clear divine revelation and recent spiritual revival. This verse also reinforces the Deuteronomistic theology that links the nation's well-being directly to the spiritual fidelity of its king and people. Jehoiakim's wickedness was not merely a personal failing but a national catastrophe, accelerating Judah's trajectory toward the Babylonian exile, a direct consequence of persistent covenant breaking.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 22:13-19](/jeremiah/22-13 "Jeremiah 22:13-19 - Prophecy Against Jehoiakim's Unrighteousness")
* [2 Chronicles 36:5](/2_chronicles/36-5 "2 Chronicles 36:5 - Jehoiakim's Reign in Parallel Account")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic account of Jehoiakim serves as a timeless cautionary tale for all believers. It powerfully illustrates that proximity to righteousness, or even a direct spiritual heritage, does not negate one's personal responsibility to obey God. Jehoiakim had the unparalleled example of his father Josiah, who led a sweeping revival and purged the land of idolatry, yet he chose to disregard this legacy and revert to the sins of previous generations. This challenges us to examine our own lives: are we merely coasting on the faith of our parents or community, or are we actively pursuing a personal, vibrant relationship with God? The verse also highlights the immense impact of leadership, not just in the public square but within families, churches, and workplaces. A leader's spiritual choices profoundly influence those under their care. Finally, Jehoiakim's story is a sober reminder of the danger of spiritual backsliding and the ease with which individuals and communities can abandon God's ways, even after experiencing revival. It calls for constant vigilance, intentional discipleship, and a steadfast commitment to living "in the sight of the LORD," regardless of prevailing cultural norms or the examples of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jehoiakim's choice to follow his "fathers" (wicked predecessors) rather than his immediate father (Josiah) challenge my understanding of personal responsibility versus environmental influence?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise my walk with God, even after experiencing spiritual growth or revival?**
* **If my actions were to be judged "in the sight of the LORD" today, what would His verdict be, and what changes might I need to make?**
* **How does the spiritual condition of leaders (in any sphere) impact the well-being of those they lead, and what is my role in praying for and supporting righteous leadership?**

### FAQ
**Who were "his fathers" that Jehoiakim emulated, given that his immediate father, Josiah, was righteous?**

Answer: The phrase "his fathers" in this context refers not to his immediate father, Josiah, but to the long line of wicked kings of Judah who preceded Josiah, such as [Manasseh](/2_kings/21 "2 Kings 21 - Manasseh's Idolatry") and [Ahaz](/2_kings/16 "2 Kings 16 - Ahaz's Evil Reign"). These kings were notorious for their idolatry, unrighteousness, and leading the nation astray from the covenant with Yahweh. Jehoiakim deliberately chose to follow their ungodly example, rejecting the spiritual legacy of his own father, Josiah, who had led a significant religious reform. This highlights Jehoiakim's personal culpability and his conscious decision to revert to the spiritual apostasy that had plagued Judah for generations.

**What does it mean for Jehoiakim to do "evil in the sight of the LORD"?**

Answer: This is a crucial theological statement in the books of Kings, indicating that Jehoiakim's actions were not merely ethically wrong by human standards, but were a direct offense against God's holy character and His revealed will. It signifies that his conduct violated the covenant laws and commandments given by God to Israel. This phrase underscores that God is the ultimate judge of all human behavior, especially that of His chosen leaders. For Jehoiakim, this "evil" likely encompassed re-establishing idolatrous practices, engaging in injustice and oppression, and disregarding the prophetic warnings of the LORD, such as those delivered by [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/22-13 "Jeremiah 22:13 - Condemnation of Jehoiakim").

**How did Jehoiakim's reign contribute to Judah's ultimate downfall and the Babylonian exile?**

Answer: Jehoiakim's wickedness played a significant role in sealing Judah's fate. His deliberate rejection of God's ways, his reintroduction of idolatry, and his oppressive rule (as condemned by [Jeremiah 22](/jeremiah/22 "Jeremiah 22 - Prophecies Against Judah's Kings")) directly contributed to the accumulation of sin that brought about divine judgment. Despite the temporary reprieve offered by Josiah's reforms, Jehoiakim's reign demonstrated that the nation's heart had not truly turned back to God. His actions, coupled with the persistent sin of the people, ensured that the prophecies of destruction and exile, warned about in the Mosaic Law ([Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")) and by prophets like Jeremiah, would be fulfilled. His unrighteousness accelerated the process of divine discipline, leading to the first Babylonian deportations during his reign ([2 Kings 24:1-2](/2_kings/24-1 "2 Kings 24:1-2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Invasion")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic account of King Jehoiakim, who "did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his fathers had done," powerfully underscores the desperate need for a perfect, righteous King. Jehoiakim, a son of David, failed utterly to embody the covenant faithfulness required of Israel's monarch, choosing instead to replicate the spiritual apostasy of his wicked ancestors. His reign, marked by a deliberate turning away from God, highlights the inherent sinfulness of humanity and the cyclical failure of earthly kings to maintain true righteousness. This narrative ultimately points forward to Jesus Christ, the true Son of David, who alone perfectly fulfilled the role of Israel's King. Unlike Jehoiakim, Jesus always did "that which was pleasing in the sight of the Father" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). He was without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Without Sin")), perfectly obedient to God's will ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")), and established a kingdom of righteousness that will never end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Christ's Eternal Kingdom")). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus breaks the cycle of sin and judgment that plagued kings like Jehoiakim, offering forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe, thereby establishing a new covenant where true righteousness is imputed to His followers ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). He is the King who truly takes away the sin of the world and reigns in perfect justice and love.

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 19:5

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.