Jechoni'ah
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Name and Meaning: Jechoni'ah, also known as Jehoiachin, is a biblical figure whose name means "Yahweh will establish" or "Yahweh has established." He is also referred to as Coniah in some biblical passages.

Biblical References: Jechoni'ah is mentioned in several books of the Bible, including 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. His account is primarily found in 2 Kings 24:8-17, 2 Chronicles 36:9-10, and Jeremiah 22:24-30.

Historical Context: Jechoni'ah was the son of Jehoiakim and the grandson of Josiah, king of Judah. He ascended to the throne of Judah at the age of eighteen, during a tumultuous period marked by the Babylonian threat under King Nebuchadnezzar II. His reign lasted for only three months and ten days before he was deposed and taken into captivity by the Babylonians.

Reign and Captivity: Jechoni'ah's brief reign is characterized by the continuation of the policies of his father, Jehoiakim, which included resistance against Babylonian dominance. However, his reign was cut short when Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem. According to 2 Kings 24:12, "Jehoiachin king of Judah, his mother, his servants, his officials, and his eunuchs surrendered to the king of Babylon." Consequently, Jechoni'ah was taken captive to Babylon along with the royal family, officials, and many of the elite of Judah.

Prophetic Significance: The prophet Jeremiah delivered a significant prophecy concerning Jechoni'ah, declaring that none of his descendants would prosper on the throne of David. Jeremiah 22:30 states, "This is what the LORD says: 'Record this man as childless, a man who will not prosper in his lifetime. For none of his descendants will succeed in sitting on the throne of David or ruling again in Judah.'" This prophecy is often interpreted as a divine judgment on Jechoni'ah's lineage due to the sins of his predecessors and his own actions.

Later Life and Release: Despite the initial harshness of his captivity, Jechoni'ah's circumstances improved later in life. After thirty-seven years in prison, he was released by Evil-merodach, the successor of Nebuchadnezzar, as recorded in 2 Kings 25:27-30. Evil-merodach "spoke kindly to him and set his throne above the thrones of the kings who were with him in Babylon." Jechoni'ah was given a place of honor and a regular allowance for the rest of his life.

Genealogical Importance: Jechoni'ah holds a significant place in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 1:11-12 includes Jechoni'ah in the lineage of Jesus, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promises despite the apparent curse on his line. This inclusion underscores the theme of redemption and the sovereignty of God in bringing about His purposes through history.

Theological Implications: Jechoni'ah's life and the prophecies concerning him illustrate the themes of judgment and mercy. His account serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God, yet also points to the hope of restoration and the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises through the Messiah.
Concordance
Jechoni'ah (1 Occurrence)

Matthew 1:12
And after the Babylonian removal, Jeconiah begat Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begat Zerubbabel,
(See RSV)

Thesaurus
Jechoni'ah (1 Occurrence)
Jechoni'ah. Jechoniah, Jechoni'ah. Jechonias . Multi-Version Concordance
Jechoni'ah (1 Occurrence). Matthew 1:12 And after the Babylonian ...
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Jechonias (2 Occurrences)

/j/jechonias.htm - 7k

Jechoniah (2 Occurrences)

/j/jechoniah.htm - 6k

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