Jeremiah 37:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And king {H4428} Zedekiah {H6667} the son {H1121} of Josiah {H2977} reigned {H4427} instead of Coniah {H3659} the son {H1121} of Jehoiakim {H3079}, whom Nebuchadrezzar {H5019} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} made king {H4427} in the land {H776} of Judah {H3063}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Tzidkiyahu the son of Yoshiyahu became king, succeeding Koniyahu the son of Y'hoyakim, whom N'vukhadretzar king of Bavel had made king over the land of Y'hudah.

Berean Standard Bible

Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon made Zedekiah son of Josiah the king of Judah, and he reigned in place of Coniah son of Jehoiakim.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 37:1 serves as a critical historical and theological pivot point, initiating the final, tragic chapter of the Kingdom of Judah's monarchy. This verse precisely establishes the commencement of King Zedekiah's reign, a period characterized by profound political instability, pervasive spiritual apostasy, and the relentless advance of Babylonian power, ultimately culminating in the catastrophic siege and destruction of Jerusalem and the full realization of the long-prophesied Babylonian exile. It underscores the profound consequences of Judah's persistent disobedience and God's sovereign hand in orchestrating historical events to fulfill His divine purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 37:1 marks a crucial transition within the prophetic book, shifting the narrative focus to the reign of Zedekiah, Judah's final king. Preceding chapters detail Jeremiah's unheeded prophecies against earlier kings, Jehoiakim and Jehoiachin, and the initial deportations to Babylon. Specifically, [Jeremiah 36](/jeremiah/36 "Jeremiah 36 - Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll") recounts King Jehoiakim's defiant rejection of God's word by burning Jeremiah's prophetic scroll, an act that symbolically sealed Judah's fate. Furthermore, [Jeremiah 24](/jeremiah/24 "Jeremiah 24 - The Good and Bad Figs") and [Jeremiah 29](/jeremiah/29 "Jeremiah 29 - Jeremiah's Letter to the Exiles") provide essential context for the first major deportation under Jehoiachin (also known as Coniah) in 597 BC, which effectively established Judah as a Babylonian vassal state. This verse, therefore, meticulously sets the stage for the desperate final years leading to Jerusalem's ultimate fall in 586 BC, with Jeremiah's increasingly urgent and unpopular prophecies of surrender to Babylon becoming the central conflict throughout Zedekiah's reign, as vividly illustrated in later passages like [Jeremiah 38](/jeremiah/38 "Jeremiah 38 - Jeremiah Imprisoned in the Cistern").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 7th and early 6th centuries BC were a period of immense geopolitical upheaval in the ancient Near East, dominated by the ascendancy of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II. Judah, a small and strategically located kingdom, found itself precariously positioned between the declining power of Egypt and the formidable might of Babylon. Following the first major Babylonian invasion in 605 BC, Judah became a reluctant vassal state. The second major invasion in 597 BC saw King Jehoiachin (Coniah) deposed and exiled to Babylon along with thousands of Judah's elite, including skilled craftsmen and the prophet Ezekiel, as meticulously recorded in [2 Kings 24:10-16](/2_kings/24-10-16 "2 Kings 24:10-16 - Jehoiachin's Captivity and Exile"). In Jehoiachin's place, Nebuchadnezzar appointed Mattaniah, Jehoiachin's uncle and Josiah's son, renaming him Zedekiah. This decisive act of "making king" explicitly highlights Judah's complete loss of sovereignty and its humiliating status as a puppet state, a stark reminder of the dire consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. Zedekiah's subsequent ill-advised rebellion against Babylon, fueled by false prophets and misplaced trust in Egyptian aid, directly precipitated the final, devastating siege and destruction of Jerusalem.
* **Key Themes:** This foundational verse encapsulates several critical themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty in History**, demonstrating that even the actions of a formidable pagan ruler like Nebuchadnezzar are ultimately instruments in God's overarching plan for judgment and discipline upon His unfaithful people, a truth also asserted in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant"). Secondly, it marks **The End of an Era** for the Davidic monarchy in Judah. Zedekiah's reign represents the final, tragic act before the complete cessation of independent kingship in Jerusalem, a direct consequence of generations of idolatry, covenant breaking, and social injustice, fulfilling the severe prophecies of exile found in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"). Thirdly, the verse underscores **Vassalage and Loss of Independence**, emphasizing Judah's complete subjugation and the profound humiliation of having a foreign power dictate its leadership. This loss of national autonomy serves as a severe and tangible consequence of spiritual rebellion. Finally, Zedekiah's reign is inextricably linked to **The Prophet's Unheeded Warnings**, as Jeremiah persistently called for submission to Babylon as God's righteous judgment, a message consistently rejected by Zedekiah and his officials, leading to further suffering and the ultimate destruction of the nation, as vividly depicted in [Jeremiah 38:17-18](/jeremiah/38-17-18 "Jeremiah 38:17-18 - Jeremiah's Counsel to Zedekiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **king (Hebrew, _melek'_):** This term (H4428) denotes a monarch or sovereign ruler. Its repeated use in this verse, first for Zedekiah and then for Nebuchadnezzar, underscores the transfer of ultimate authority. While Zedekiah holds the title, the true power lies with Nebuchadnezzar, who "made" him king, highlighting Judah's diminished status and the external imposition of its leadership.
* **reigned (Hebrew, _mâlak'_):** The verb (H4427) signifies the act of ruling or ascending the throne. Here, it is used twice: first, Zedekiah "reigned," indicating his official position, and second, Nebuchadnezzar "made king" (a causative form of the same root), explicitly stating the source of Zedekiah's authority. This dual usage emphasizes Zedekiah's lack of true independent power, as his reign was entirely contingent upon Babylonian approval.
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** This word (H1121) carries a broad meaning, encompassing not just a literal son but also a descendant, subject, or even a quality. In this verse, it clarifies the lineage of both Zedekiah (son of Josiah) and Coniah (son of Jehoiakim), establishing their place within the Davidic royal line, even as that line was nearing its end. The succession, though disrupted by foreign intervention, still traces through the established royal family.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And king Zedekiah the son of Josiah reigned":** This clause introduces the central figure of this final, tumultuous period of Judah's monarchy. It establishes Zedekiah's identity, his royal title, and his lineage as a son of the relatively righteous King Josiah, providing a crucial historical anchor for the subsequent events in Jeremiah. The verb "reigned" sets the chronological context for the unfolding prophecies and historical accounts.
* **"instead of Coniah the son of Jehoiakim,":** This phrase clarifies the immediate, irregular succession, indicating that Zedekiah's enthronement was a direct replacement for Coniah (also known as Jehoiachin or Jeconiah). It implicitly references the earlier Babylonian deportation of Coniah, which paved the way for Zedekiah's appointment and serves as a stark reminder of the direct intervention of a foreign power in Judah's internal affairs and its loss of self-determination.
* **"whom Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon made king in the land of Judah.":** This final and most crucial clause explicitly states the true power dynamic and the source of Zedekiah's authority. It identifies Nebuchadrezzar as the ultimate sovereign, emphasizing that Zedekiah's kingship was not by traditional Davidic succession or popular acclamation, but solely by the decree of the Babylonian conqueror. This highlights Judah's complete subjugation and its humiliating status as a vassal state, with its king being a mere puppet ruler. The phrase "in the land of Judah" underscores the physical and political reality of Babylonian control extending over the very territory of God's chosen people.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 37:1, though seemingly a simple historical statement, employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning. The **Repetition** of the root for "king" (`mâlak` and `melek`) not only emphasizes the theme of kingship and the transfer of power but, more profoundly, highlights the **Irony** of Zedekiah's position. While he is formally called "king," the text immediately clarifies that he was "made king" by Nebuchadnezzar, effectively stripping his title of genuine sovereign authority and underscoring Judah's diminished status. This establishes a clear **Contrast** between the ideal Davidic king, ruling by divine appointment and covenant faithfulness, and Zedekiah, a puppet ruler whose reign is a direct consequence of Judah's rebellion and God's judgment. The verse functions as a precise **Historical Marker** or **Chronicle**, meticulously anchoring the subsequent prophetic narratives in a specific time and political reality. By setting the scene for Zedekiah's reign, the verse also serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, signaling the impending doom and the final, irreversible judgment that would befall Jerusalem and Judah under this king's leadership, a judgment that Jeremiah had tirelessly prophesied.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This foundational verse in Jeremiah powerfully articulates the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty over human history and political powers. Despite the appearance of human ambition and geopolitical maneuvering, it is Nebuchadnezzar, a formidable pagan king, who acts as an unwitting instrument in God's divine plan, fulfilling the prophetic warnings against Judah's persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. The transfer of power from Coniah to Zedekiah, dictated by Babylon, is not merely a historical event but a tangible manifestation of God's judgment, demonstrating that even the Davidic monarchy, though divinely established, was not immune to the consequences of rebellion. This verse underscores that God raises up and casts down rulers according to His will, orchestrating the affairs of nations to accomplish His righteous purposes, even through seemingly ungodly means, ultimately for the discipline and purification of His people and the demonstration of His ultimate control.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 37:1, while a succinct historical record, offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. In an age characterized by political volatility, shifting global powers, and often overwhelming societal challenges, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God remains utterly sovereign over all earthly authorities and historical trajectories. Even when circumstances seem chaotic, and human leaders appear to be in full control, God is meticulously working out His eternal purposes, often using unexpected instruments and seemingly disparate events. This profound truth provides immense comfort and a compelling call to trust, urging us not to despair over political outcomes or global instability but to fix our hope firmly on the Lord, who is truly "King of kings" and Lord of all creation. It also serves as a sober reminder of the severe consequences of persistent disobedience, both for nations and for individuals. Just as ancient Judah lost its freedom, identity, and its very existence as an independent kingdom due to its rebellion against God's covenant, we are called to heed divine warnings, live in faithful obedience to God's word, and prioritize His kingdom and righteousness above all else, recognizing that true freedom, lasting peace, and genuine blessing are found only in humble submission to His righteous and loving rule.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the knowledge of God's absolute sovereignty over earthly rulers and historical events impact your perspective on current political and global challenges?**
* **In what ways might we, like ancient Judah, be tempted to place our ultimate trust in human alliances, political systems, or national strength rather than in God's ultimate control and provision?**
* **What specific warnings or calls to obedience from God's Word might we be tempted to ignore or downplay in our own lives, and what potential consequences might such disregard entail?**

### FAQ
**Who was Zedekiah and how did he become king?**

Answer: Zedekiah was the last king of Judah, originally named Mattaniah. He was the youngest son of King Josiah, a relatively righteous king who initiated significant religious reforms. Zedekiah did not ascend to the throne through traditional succession or popular acclamation but was appointed by Nebuchadnezzar II, the king of Babylon. This occurred after Nebuchadnezzar deposed Zedekiah's nephew, Coniah (also known as Jehoiachin or Jeconiah), who had reigned for only three months and ten days before being taken captive to Babylon in 597 BC, along with many of Judah's prominent citizens and treasures. Thus, Zedekiah reigned as a vassal king, entirely dependent on Babylonian authority, a fact explicitly stated in [2 Kings 24:17](/2_kings/24-17 "2 Kings 24:17 - Zedekiah Becomes King").

**What was the significance of Coniah/Jehoiachin's brief reign and exile?**

Answer: Coniah, also known as Jehoiachin or Jeconiah, had a very brief reign of just over three months (2 Kings 24:8). His reign ended abruptly with the second major Babylonian deportation in 597 BC, where he, along with the queen mother, court officials, and thousands of the elite of Judah—including skilled craftsmen and the prophet Ezekiel—were taken into exile to Babylon. This event was profoundly significant because it marked a severe escalation of God's judgment on Judah, demonstrating that even the Davidic line itself was subject to divine discipline and the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. It also solidified Judah's status as a vassal state, setting the stage for the final destruction of Jerusalem under Zedekiah, as the land was further depleted of its leadership, resources, and skilled population. Jeremiah frequently referenced this exile, even sending a letter to the exiles in [Jeremiah 29](/jeremiah/29 "Jeremiah 29 - Jeremiah's Letter to the Exiles"), indicating that the true future and hope of God's people lay with those in Babylon, not with the rebellious remnant in Judah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 37:1, detailing the installation of Zedekiah as a puppet king by a foreign power, profoundly highlights the brokenness and ultimate failure of the Davidic monarchy and the desperate need for a true, sovereign King. Zedekiah, whose name ironically means "Righteousness of Yahweh," utterly failed to live up to its meaning, leading Judah to its final destruction and the cessation of independent kingship. This human failure of kingship points directly to Jesus Christ, the ultimate and perfect King, the true Son of David, whose reign is not imposed by fleeting human empires but established by divine decree. Unlike Zedekiah, who was "made king" by Nebuchadnezzar and eventually lost his throne in humiliation, Jesus' kingship is eternal, unshakeable, and divinely appointed, as prophesied by the angel Gabriel to Mary in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Christ's Eternal Kingdom"). The loss of Judah's sovereignty and the impending exile under Zedekiah serve as a powerful foreshadowing of humanity's spiritual exile from God due to sin, and Christ's redemptive work as the one who brings true liberation and restoration. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, ushering in a new covenant and a spiritual kingdom not bound by earthly borders or political machinations, as He declared to Pilate in [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom is Not of This World"). Thus, Zedekiah's tragic and impotent reign serves as a dark backdrop, illuminating the glorious, efficacious, and redemptive reign of Christ, who truly embodies the "Righteousness of Yahweh" and brings about a lasting kingdom of peace, justice, and eternal life.

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

2 Kings 24:17

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

Jeremiah 22:24

[As] I live, saith the LORD, though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah were the signet upon my right hand, yet would I pluck thee thence;

2 Kings 24:12

And Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his servants, and his princes, and his officers: and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign.

Jeremiah 52:31

¶ And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, in the five and twentieth [day] of the month, [that] Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the [first] year of his reign lifted up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah, and brought him forth out of prison,

2 Chronicles 36:9

Jehoiachin [was] eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem: and he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD.

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.

1 Chronicles 3:15

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