### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Yᵉhôwyâqîym**, represented by `{{H3079}}`, identifies the Jewish king **Jehoiakim**. Derived from `{{H3068}}` and another root word, its base definition is "Jehovah will raise." The name appears **37 times** across **37 unique verses**, chronicling the tumultuous reign of this king of Judah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Jehoiakim's reign is marked by foreign domination and spiritual decline. Originally named Eliakim, he was the son of Josiah, and was installed as king by Pharaohnechoh of Egypt, who changed his name to Jehoiakim [[2 Kings 23:34]]. He reigned for eleven years in Jerusalem [[2 Chronicles 36:5]]. His rule was characterized as doing "that which was evil in the sight of the LORD" ([[2 Chronicles 36:5]], [[2 Kings 24:19]]). During his reign, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon besieged Jerusalem, and the Lord gave Jehoiakim into his hand [[Daniel 1:1-2]]. He became Nebuchadnezzar's servant for three years before rebelling [[2 Kings 24:1]]. His defiance of God was famously demonstrated when he burned the prophetic scroll written by Baruch at the mouth of Jeremiah ([[Jeremiah 36:29]], [[Jeremiah 36:32]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and names are crucial to understanding Jehoiakim's context:
* `{{H2977}}` **Yôʼshîyâh** (founded of Jah; Joshijah, the name of two Israelites; Josiah): Jehoiakim's father and the preceding king of Judah, establishing his royal lineage [[Jeremiah 1:3]].
* `{{H5019}}` **Nᵉbûwkadneʼtstsar** (Nebukadnetstsar...king of Babylon; Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar): The king of Babylon who subjugated Jehoiakim and began the process of carrying Judah into captivity [[Daniel 1:1]].
* `{{H3414}}` **Yirmᵉyâh** (Jah will rise; Jirmejah, the name of eight or nine Israelites; Jeremiah): The prophet whose divine warnings and words Jehoiakim rejected and burned ([[Jeremiah 36:1]], [[Jeremiah 36:32]]).
* `{{H7451}}` **raʻ** (bad or (as noun) evil): This word is used repeatedly to describe Jehoiakim's actions and character during his reign ([[2 Chronicles 36:5]], [[Jeremiah 52:2]]).
* `{{H3078}}` **Yᵉhôwyâkîyn** (Jehovah will establish; Jehojakin, a Jewish king; Jehoiachin): The son of Jehoiakim who reigned in his place after he "slept with his fathers" ([[2 Kings 24:6]], [[2 Chronicles 36:8]]).
### Theological Significance
The narrative of `{{H3079}}` carries significant theological weight, illustrating several key themes.
* **Rebellion Against God's Word:** Jehoiakim's deliberate act of burning Jeremiah's scroll is a stark example of rejecting divine prophecy. The Lord’s judgment was that because he burned the roll, the king of Babylon would certainly come and destroy the land [[Jeremiah 36:29]].
* **Consequences of Evil Leadership:** His reign is defined by evil, abominations, and paying tribute to foreign powers like Egypt ([[2 Chronicles 36:8]], [[2 Kings 23:35]]). This evil set a precedent for his successors, as King Zedekiah also did evil "according to all that Jehoiakim had done" [[Jeremiah 52:2]].
* **Divine Judgment:** The Lord delivered Jehoiakim into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar [[Daniel 1:2]]. Prophecies were made against him, declaring that he would have no one to sit on the throne of David and his body would be cast out without proper lament ([[Jeremiah 36:30]], [[Jeremiah 22:18]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3079}}` is more than just a name; it represents a pivotal and tragic chapter in Judah's history. Jehoiakim's story is one of a king who, despite his name meaning "Jehovah will raise," presided over a period of spiritual and political decline. His active rebellion against God's prophets and His written word serves as a powerful biblical illustration of the consequences that follow when a leader and a nation turn away from the LORD.
TRV