¶ 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.
Zedekiah {H6667} was one {H259} and twenty {H6242} 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 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.
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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. -
Joshua 10:29
Then Joshua passed from Makkedah, and all Israel with him, unto Libnah, and fought against Libnah: -
2 Chronicles 36:11
¶ Zedekiah [was] one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. -
2 Kings 8:22
Yet Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day. Then Libnah revolted at the same time. -
Joshua 15:42
Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan,
Jeremiah 52:1 serves as the historical introduction to the final chapter of the Book of Jeremiah, providing crucial background for the tragic events that follow. This verse immediately establishes the reign of King Zedekiah, Judah's last monarch before the Babylonian exile, setting the stage for the fulfillment of Jeremiah's long-standing prophecies concerning Jerusalem's downfall.
Historical and Cultural Context
Zedekiah, whose original name was Mattaniah, was appointed king by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon after the first deportation of Judahites, including King Jehoiachin, in 597 BC. At 21 years old, he began an eleven-year reign marked by political instability and spiritual apostasy. His rule culminated in the complete destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the final major deportation of the Jewish people to Babylon. This period represents the darkest hour for the Davidic monarchy and the independent kingdom of Judah, fulfilling numerous warnings given by prophets like Jeremiah.
His mother, Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah, is also mentioned. This detail, though seemingly minor, grounds Zedekiah's lineage in a specific place and family, connecting him to the broader historical narrative of Judah's kings, often including their mothers' names for contextual and perhaps legal/dynastic reasons. The city of Libnah itself was a Levitical city in the Shephelah, southwest of Jerusalem, adding another layer to the geographical and tribal tapestry of ancient Judah.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The name Zedekiah (Hebrew: Tsidqiyahu) means "My righteousness is Yahweh." This carries significant irony, as Zedekiah's reign was far from righteous and directly led to the judgment of God upon Judah. His actions stood in stark contrast to the divine righteousness his name proclaimed, highlighting the spiritual disconnect of his rule.
Practical Application
The introduction to Zedekiah's reign reminds us of the profound consequences of leadership choices, both for the leader and for those they govern. It underscores the importance of heeding divine warnings and living in accordance with God's will. Even in the face of inevitable judgment, God's word, delivered through His prophets, serves as a testament to His justice and His long-suffering patience. This historical account serves as a somber reminder that continued rebellion against God's commands ultimately leads to severe consequences.