King Jehoiakim

King Jehoiakim, a ruler of Judah from 609 to 598 BC, is often remembered as a king who defied God's law and suffered divine judgment.

Jehoiakim was originally named Eliakim, the son of King Josiah, one of Judah’s most faithful kings. However, after Josiah's death in battle against Pharaoh Neco of Egypt (2 Kings 23:29), Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim's younger brother, briefly ruled Judah. Pharaoh Neco deposed Jehoahaz after only three months and placed Eliakim on the throne, renaming him Jehoiakim (2 Kings 23:34). This change symbolized his subservience to Egypt, as he became a vassal king under Egyptian control.

Unlike his father Josiah, who had instituted sweeping reforms and sought to restore true worship (2 Kings 22-23), Jehoiakim was a corrupt and oppressive ruler. Scripture condemns him for his injustices, idolatry, and refusal to heed prophetic warnings. Jeremiah 22:13-19 paints a bleak picture of Jehoiakim as a selfish king who exploited his people for personal gain, constructing a luxurious palace while neglecting justice and righteousness.

Moreover, Jehoiakim’s defiance of God’s Word was blatant. In one of the most striking acts of rebellion recorded in Scripture, he burned a scroll of Jeremiah’s prophecies after it was read to him (Jeremiah 36:23).

Jehoiakim's reign took place during a tumultuous time in world history. Initially, he was a vassal to Egypt, but in 605 BC, Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, defeated Egypt at the Battle of Carchemish. This shifted the balance of power, and Jehoiakim was forced to submit to Babylon (2 Kings 24:1). However, after three years, he rebelled, trusting in Egypt for help rather than repenting and seeking God. This political move was futile, as Babylon eventually besieged Jerusalem.

God’s sovereignty is evident in Jehoiakim’s downfall. His rebellion led to divine judgment, as foretold by the prophets. While the details of his death remain unclear, Jeremiah prophesied that he would receive a dishonorable burial (Jeremiah 22:18-19). He died as Babylon tightened its grip on Judah, paving the way for the exile.