2 Kings 24:17

KJV

And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah his father's brother king in his stead, and changed his name to Zedekiah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} made Mattaniah {H4983} his father's brother {H1730} king {H4427} in his stead, and changed {H5437} his name {H8034} to Zedekiah {H6667}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king of Bavel made Matanyah, Y'hoyakhin's father's brother, king in place of Y'hoyakhin and changed his name to Tzidkiyahu.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the king of Babylon made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, king in his place and changed his name to Zedekiah.

American Standard Version

And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s father’s brother, king in his stead, and changed his name to Zedekiah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The verse from 2 Kings 24:17 details the pivotal moment when Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, asserted his absolute dominion over Judah by installing Mattaniah, King Jehoiachin's uncle, as a vassal king in Jerusalem. This act of replacing the legitimate Davidic monarch was further underscored by the forced changing of Mattaniah's name to Zedekiah, a powerful symbolic gesture that demonstrated Babylon's complete control, marked a significant step towards Judah's final subjugation, and set the stage for the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and the seventy-year Babylonian exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the brief and tragic three-month reign of King Jehoiachin, whose surrender to Nebuchadnezzar averted the immediate, complete destruction of Jerusalem but initiated the first major wave of Babylonian captivity. The preceding verses, [2 Kings 24:10-16](/2_kings/24-10-16 "2 Kings 24:10-16 - Jehoiachin's Captivity and the First Deportation"), vividly describe Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Jerusalem, the capture of Jehoiachin, and the subsequent deportation of the royal family, court officials, military leaders, and all skilled artisans and smiths to Babylon. This strategic deportation effectively stripped Judah of its leadership, military strength, and capacity for self-sufficiency, leaving a power vacuum and a weakened populace. [2 Kings 24:17](/2_kings/24-17 "2 Kings 24:17 - Zedekiah's Installation as Puppet King") therefore marks the next crucial phase of Babylonian control, where Nebuchadnezzar, having removed the legitimate king and the nation's elite, now asserts his authority by unilaterally appointing a new ruler. This appointment, coupled with a symbolic name change, was designed to ensure the new king's loyalty and to publicly declare Judah's subordinate status.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [2 Kings 24](/2_kings/24 "2 Kings 24 - Jehoiachin and Zedekiah's Reigns") unfold during a tumultuous period in the ancient Near East, characterized by the meteoric rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II. Babylon had decisively defeated its rivals, Assyria and Egypt, establishing itself as the preeminent regional power. Their imperial policy often involved the deportation of conquered populations, particularly the elite and skilled labor, to prevent rebellion, dismantle local power structures, and integrate resources into their own empire, as evidenced by the mass deportations described in [2 Kings 24:14-16](/2_kings/24-14-16 "2 Kings 24:14-16 - Deportation of Judah's Elite"). The appointment of a vassal king, especially a close relative of the deposed monarch, was a common strategy to maintain a semblance of local rule while ensuring absolute loyalty to the suzerain power. Furthermore, the act of changing a vassal's name was a profoundly significant symbolic gesture in the ancient world, signifying the new master's absolute authority, ownership, and the vassal's complete submission and allegiance. It was a public declaration that the vassal's identity and position were now derived solely from the conquering power.
* **Key Themes:** The installation of Zedekiah and the accompanying name change highlight several crucial themes within the broader narrative of [2 Kings](/2_kings "The Book of 2 Kings - Decline and Exile"). Firstly, it underscores the **Babylonian Dominance and Judah's Complete Subjugation**. Judah was no longer a sovereign nation but a mere province under foreign rule, its king a puppet of Babylon. This loss of autonomy is presented as a direct consequence of Judah's persistent covenant unfaithfulness and idolatry, fulfilling the prophecies of divine judgment against a disobedient people, as articulated by prophets like Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8-11 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Babylonian Captivity")). Secondly, the **Significance of a Name Change** is profoundly emphasized. While divine name changes (e.g., [Abram to Abraham](/genesis/17-5 "Genesis 17:5 - God Renames Abram") or [Jacob to Israel](/genesis/32-28 "Genesis 32:28 - Jacob Renamed Israel")) signify a new covenant, identity, or divine purpose, Nebuchadnezzar's renaming of Mattaniah to Zedekiah was an assertion of human power and ownership, a stark reminder that the new king owed his very position and identity to his foreign overlord. This act foreshadows Zedekiah's tragic reign and the ultimate destruction of Jerusalem, as detailed in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and the Exile").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mattaniah (Hebrew, _Mattanyâh'_):** Meaning "Gift of Jah" or "Gift of Yahweh." This name, common in ancient Israel, reflects a theological sentiment acknowledging God as the ultimate giver of life and blessings. The irony of this name in the context of 2 Kings 24:17 is profound, as the man bearing it was not a gift from Yahweh to lead His people in faithfulness and prosperity, but rather a puppet king installed by a pagan emperor. His reign, far from being a blessing, would culminate in the utter destruction of Jerusalem due to his own unfaithfulness and rebellion against both God's prophetic word and Babylon's authority.
* **changed (Hebrew, _çâbab'_):** A primitive root meaning "to revolve, surround, or border," but used here in the causative sense, "to cause to come about" or "to change." In this context, it describes a deliberate and authoritative act of alteration. The king of Babylon "changed" Mattaniah's name, signifying a forcible redefinition of identity and status. This act was not a mere administrative formality but a powerful demonstration of suzerainty, where the conquering power asserted its right to redefine the very essence and allegiance of the vassal. It underscores the complete subjugation of Judah's monarchy and its new, subordinate relationship to Babylon.
* **Zedekiah (Hebrew, _Tsidqîyâh'_):** Meaning "Right of Jah" or "Yahweh is my Righteousness." This new name, imposed by Nebuchadnezzar, is steeped in dramatic irony. Despite bearing a name that invokes the very righteousness of God, King Zedekiah's reign was characterized by unrighteousness, rebellion against the divine decree (delivered through Jeremiah) to submit to Babylon, and a profound lack of trust in Yahweh. His actions directly contradicted the profound theological statement embedded in his name, ultimately leading to Jerusalem's final destruction and his own horrific end, as vividly recounted in [2 Kings 25:1-7](/2_kings/25-1-7 "2 Kings 25:1-7 - Siege of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's Capture").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah his father's brother king in his stead":** This clause highlights Nebuchadnezzar's absolute authority and strategic political maneuvering. By appointing Mattaniah, Jehoiachin's uncle (and thus King Josiah's brother), Nebuchadnezzar maintained a semblance of the Davidic lineage on the throne, which might have appeased some Judeans and reduced immediate resistance. However, the phrase "in his stead" (referring to the deposed Jehoiachin) underscores that this was not a legitimate succession according to Judean custom but an imposition by a foreign power. Judah's king was now a hand-picked proxy, a clear sign that the nation's destiny was no longer in its own hands but entirely dictated by Babylon.
* **"and changed his name to Zedekiah":** This second clause describes the culminating act of subjugation and symbolic re-identification. The renaming of Mattaniah to Zedekiah was a public and ritualistic declaration of Nebuchadnezzar's complete dominion. In the ancient Near East, changing a vassal's name was a powerful act of ownership, stripping away the former identity and allegiance, and imposing a new one that signified absolute dependence and loyalty to the suzerain. The new name, "Yahweh is my Righteousness," was likely chosen by Nebuchadnezzar to appear respectful of Judean religious sensibilities, or perhaps to mock them, but it ultimately served as a profound irony given Zedekiah's subsequent unrighteous rebellion against God's revealed will and Babylon's authority.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices that deepen its theological and historical impact. **Irony** is paramount, particularly in the renaming of Mattaniah to Zedekiah. The new name, "Yahweh is my Righteousness," stands in stark contrast to Zedekiah's actual reign, which was characterized by unrighteousness, rebellion against God's prophets, and ultimately led to the destruction of Jerusalem. This creates a profound and tragic irony, highlighting the disconnect between the king's name and his character and actions, underscoring the failure of human kingship apart from true obedience to God. Additionally, the verse functions as **foreshadowing**. The act of a foreign king installing a puppet ruler and changing his name clearly foreshadows the complete loss of Judah's sovereignty and its impending destruction. It signals that the nation's fate is sealed, and its final demise is only a matter of time, directly linking to the catastrophic events of [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and the Exile"). Finally, the **symbolism** of the name change itself is profoundly significant, representing the complete subjugation and loss of identity for both the king and, by extension, the nation he represents, now fully under the heel of a foreign power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereignty over all nations, even pagan empires, and His use of them as instruments of His divine judgment. The installation of Zedekiah by Nebuchadnezzar, though a human political act, was ultimately within God's permissive will, a direct consequence of Judah's persistent disobedience and idolatry as prophesied by Jeremiah. It underscores the theological truth that while human kings may rise and fall, and earthly kingdoms may dominate, God remains the ultimate ruler, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes, including bringing about judgment for sin and preparing His people for repentance and restoration. The tragic failure of Zedekiah, despite his divinely-infused name, highlights the inherent limitations and ultimate unrighteousness of human kingship apart from true submission to Yahweh, pointing to the need for a truly righteous and faithful king.

* [Jeremiah 27:6-8](/jeremiah/27-6-8 "God's Sovereignty Over Nations and Nebuchadnezzar")
* [Daniel 1:7](/daniel/1-7 "Daniel and His Friends Renamed in Babylon")
* [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47-48 "Consequences of Disobedience and Foreign Rule")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 2 Kings 24:17 serves as a potent reminder that our ultimate allegiance must be to God, not to earthly powers or fleeting circumstances. Just as Zedekiah's name, "Yahweh is my Righteousness," stood in stark contrast to his unrighteous actions, so too are we challenged to examine whether our lives genuinely reflect the "new name" we bear as followers of Christ. Are we truly living out the righteousness of God that we claim to believe in, or is there a disconnect between our proclaimed faith and our daily choices? This passage also speaks to the profound consequences of persistent disobedience, both individually and corporately. While we may not face national exile, our unfaithfulness can lead to spiritual barrenness, a loss of God's manifest blessing, and a diminished witness. Yet, even in judgment, God remains sovereign, working His purposes through seemingly chaotic events. This should cultivate within us a deep trust in His overarching plan, even when circumstances seem dire, and a renewed commitment to living lives of integrity and faithfulness, knowing that our true identity and security are found only in Him, not in the shifting sands of human power or political expediency.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the irony of Zedekiah's name challenge me to align my personal identity and actions more closely with my Christian faith and the righteousness I claim in Christ?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise my allegiance to God for the sake of earthly security, comfort, or perceived stability, similar to Judah's predicament under Babylonian rule?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty in this historical context encourage my trust in Him during times of personal or societal upheaval and uncertainty?**

### FAQ
**Why did Nebuchadnezzar change Mattaniah's name to Zedekiah?**

Answer: Nebuchadnezzar changed Mattaniah's name to Zedekiah as a powerful symbolic act to assert his absolute authority and dominion over Judah and its new king. In the ancient Near East, renaming a conquered king or vassal was a common practice signifying that the new ruler owed his position, identity, and allegiance entirely to the conquering suzerain. It stripped away the old identity and allegiance, publicly declaring the vassal's complete submission and dependence on Babylon. This act underscored Judah's loss of sovereignty and its reduction to a mere puppet state under Babylonian control, as seen in other instances like Daniel's name being changed to Belteshazzar in [Daniel 1:7](/daniel/1-7 "Daniel's Name Change in Babylon").

**Was Zedekiah a good king who honored his new name, "Yahweh is my Righteousness"?**

Answer: No, tragically, Zedekiah was not a good king and did not honor the profound theological statement embedded in his new name. Despite "Yahweh is my Righteousness" being his new name, Zedekiah's reign was marked by unrighteousness, rebellion, and a profound lack of trust in God. He rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, breaking his oath of allegiance, and more significantly, he consistently ignored the warnings and prophecies of Jeremiah, who urged him to submit to Babylon as God's will ([Jeremiah 37:1-2](/jeremiah/37-1-2 "Zedekiah's Disobedience and Jeremiah's Imprisonment")). His unfaithfulness led to Jerusalem's final, devastating siege and destruction, his sons being executed before his eyes, and his own blinding and captivity in Babylon, as detailed in [2 Kings 25:1-7](/2_kings/25-1-7 "Zedekiah's Capture and Punishment").

**What was the ultimate significance of the names Mattaniah and Zedekiah in this context?**

Answer: The names Mattaniah ("Gift of Yahweh") and Zedekiah ("Yahweh is my Righteousness") carry profound and ironic significance within this historical context. Mattaniah's original name highlights the theological truth that all blessings, including leadership, come from God, yet he was installed by a pagan king, not as a divine gift for Judah's good, but as an instrument of foreign control and judgment. The new name, Zedekiah, is even more ironic. While it proclaims God's righteousness, the king who bore it proved utterly unrighteous in his actions, leading his people to ruin. This stark contrast between the name and the man's character serves as a powerful commentary on the failure of human kingship and the desperate need for a truly righteous ruler, one whose very being embodies the righteousness of Yahweh. The names, therefore, amplify the tragedy of Judah's spiritual decline and the consequences of rejecting God's covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Zedekiah's installation and his tragically ironic name, "Yahweh is my Righteousness," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Zedekiah, a king whose name proclaimed righteousness but whose actions demonstrated unrighteousness, perfectly illustrates the inherent failure of human kingship to truly deliver God's people from sin and its consequences. His inability to save Judah, despite bearing a name that invoked the Lord's righteousness, points forward to the ultimate need for a King who truly embodies and bestows divine righteousness. Jesus Christ is that King. He is the true "Gift of Yahweh" (echoing Mattaniah's original name), uniquely sent by the Father to redeem humanity through His sacrificial love, as proclaimed in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World"). Furthermore, Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of "Yahweh is my Righteousness" (Zedekiah's imposed name). Unlike Zedekiah, whose name was a hollow promise, Jesus *is* our righteousness, as [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "Christ Our Righteousness") declares, for "in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself" ([2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "God Reconciling the World to Himself")). He perfectly fulfilled all righteousness through His sinless life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection, offering His perfect righteousness to all who believe ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Righteousness Through Faith")). The earthly king's subjugation and ultimate failure underscore the eternal, unshakable nature of Christ's kingdom, which is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")) and will never be overthrown, for He reigns forever as King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

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

Jeremiah 37:1

¶ And king Zedekiah the son of Josiah reigned instead of Coniah the son of Jehoiakim, whom Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon made king in the land of Judah.

2 Chronicles 36:4

And the king of Egypt made Eliakim his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem, and turned his name to Jehoiakim. And Necho took Jehoahaz his brother, and carried him to Egypt.

2 Kings 23:34

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.

Jeremiah 52:1

¶ Zedekiah [was] one and twenty 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.

1 Chronicles 3:16

And the sons of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, Zedekiah his son.

2 Chronicles 36:10

And when the year was expired, king Nebuchadnezzar sent, and brought him to Babylon, with the goodly vessels of the house of the LORD, and made Zedekiah his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem.