2 Kings 24:18

Zedekiah [was] twenty and one 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.

Zedekiah {H6667} was twenty {H6242} and one {H259} 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 Hamutal {H2537}, the daughter {H1323} of Jeremiah {H3414} of Libnah {H3841}.

Tzidkiyahu was twenty-one years old when he began to rule, and he ruled for eleven years in Yerushalayim. His mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Yirmeyahu, from Livnah.

Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah.

Zedekiah was twenty and one 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.

Commentary

2 Kings 24:18 introduces King Zedekiah, the final monarch to rule the Kingdom of Judah before its devastating fall to the Babylonians. This verse provides essential biographical details: his age at ascension, the duration of his reign, and his maternal lineage.

Context

Zedekiah, whose original name was Mattaniah, was appointed king by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, after he had deported King Jehoiachin and many leading citizens of Judah to Babylon (2 Kings 24:17). His eleven-year reign (597-586 BC) was a turbulent period marked by political intrigue, rebellion against Babylonian overlordship, and the ultimate destruction of Jerusalem and Solomon's Temple. This period is extensively documented in the prophetic books, particularly Jeremiah and Ezekiel, who served as divine messengers during these final years of Judah's independence.

Key Themes

  • The End of an Era: Zedekiah's reign signifies the climactic end of the Davidic monarchy in Judah, a consequence of generations of spiritual rebellion and disobedience to God's covenant.
  • Historical Record: The meticulous recording of regnal details, including the king's age, length of reign, and mother's name, underscores the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy and its function as a reliable historical document. This genealogical information was crucial for legitimacy and understanding family ties within the royal court.
  • Divine Sovereignty: Although human choices led to Judah's downfall, the narrative consistently portrays God's ultimate control over nations and their rulers, using even foreign kings like Nebuchadnezzar as instruments of His judgment (Jeremiah 25:9).

Linguistic Insights

The verse identifies Zedekiah's mother as Hamutal (חֲמוּטַל, Ḥămuṭal), "the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah." It's important to note that this Jeremiah is distinct from the prophet Jeremiah, a common name in that era. Hamutal is also identified as the mother of King Jehoahaz (2 Kings 23:31), making Zedekiah and Jehoahaz full brothers, both sons of King Josiah and Hamutal. The detail about Hamutal being from Libnah, a city in Judah, further roots the royal family in the land.

Practical Application

While this verse provides seemingly dry historical data, it serves as a crucial piece in the larger biblical narrative. It reminds us that history is unfolding according to God's plan, even in times of national decline and judgment. For us today, it underscores the importance of obedience to God's word and the serious consequences of persistent rebellion. The end of Judah's monarchy stands as a solemn warning and a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (as outlined in Deuteronomy 28).

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Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 23:31 (5 votes)

    ¶ Jehoahaz [was] twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.

  • Jeremiah 52:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Jeremiah 52:11 (3 votes)

    Then he put out the eyes of Zedekiah; and the king of Babylon bound him in chains, and carried him to Babylon, and put him in prison till the day of his death.

  • Jeremiah 37:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 36:11 (2 votes)

    ¶ Zedekiah [was] one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned eleven years in Jerusalem.