Nehushta is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the Kingdom of Judah during the late 7th century BC. She is noted for her royal lineage and her role as the mother of one of Judah's last kings.

Name and Meaning

The name Nehushta (נְחֻשְׁתָּא) is of Hebrew origin, and it is often understood to mean "bronze" or "copper." This name may reflect a cultural or familial significance, possibly indicating strength or resilience.

Biblical References

Nehushta is mentioned in 2 Kings 24:8 and Jeremiah 13:18. Her primary identification in the biblical narrative is as the mother of King Jehoiachin, also known as Jeconiah or Coniah, who reigned in Judah for a brief period before the Babylonian exile.

Royal Lineage

Nehushta was the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem. Her marriage to King Jehoiakim, the son of King Josiah, placed her in a significant position within the royal family of Judah. As queen mother, Nehushta held a position of influence, although the Bible does not provide extensive details about her personal actions or character.

Historical Context

Nehushta lived during a tumultuous period in Judah's history. Her son, Jehoiachin, ascended to the throne at the age of eighteen and reigned for only three months before being deposed by King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon. The brief reign of Jehoiachin marked the beginning of the Babylonian captivity, a pivotal event in Jewish history.

2 Kings 24:8 : "Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. His mother’s name was Nehushta daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem."

Jeremiah 13:18 : "Say to the king and to the queen mother: 'Take a lowly seat, for your glorious crowns will fall from your heads.'"

Role and Influence

While the Bible does not elaborate on Nehushta's personal influence, her position as queen mother would have afforded her a degree of authority and respect within the court. The mention of the "queen mother" in Jeremiah 13:18 suggests that she, along with her son, was subject to the prophetic warnings of impending judgment and exile.

Legacy

Nehushta's legacy is primarily tied to her son Jehoiachin and the significant historical events that occurred during his reign. The Babylonian exile was a defining moment for the people of Judah, and Nehushta's role as the mother of the last Davidic king to reign in Jerusalem before the exile places her within the broader narrative of God's dealings with His people.

In summary, Nehushta is a figure whose life intersected with critical events in the history of Judah. Her mention in the biblical text, though brief, highlights her connection to the royal lineage and the dramatic changes that occurred during her lifetime.Nehushta

made of brass

Nehushta

(brass), the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem, wife of Jehoiakim and mother of Jehoiachin, kings of Judah. (2 Kings 24:8) (B.C. 616.)

Copper, the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem, and the wife of Jehoiakin (2 Kings 24:8), king of Judah. NEHUSHTA

ne-hush'-ta (nechushta'): Mother of King Jehoiachin (2 Kings 24:8). She was the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem. After the fall of the city she was exiled with her son and his court (2 Kings 24:12 Jeremiah 29:2).

5179. Nchushta' -- perhaps lust, harlotry
... 5178, 5179. Nchushta'. 5179a . perhaps lust, harlotry. Transliteration: Nchushta'
Phonetic Spelling: (nekh-oosh-taw') Short Definition: Nehushta. Nehushta ...
/hebrew/5179.htm - 5k

5179b. Nechushta -- mother of King Jehoiakin
... 5179a, 5179b. Nechushta. 5180 . mother of King Jehoiakin. Transliteration:
Nechushta Short Definition: Nehushta. Word Origin from ...
/hebrew/5179b.htm - 5k

How Nebuchadnezzar, when He had Conquered the King of Egypt Made ...
... But Jehoiachin succeeded him in the kingdom, whose mother's name was Nehushta; she
was a citizen of Jerusalem. He reigned three months and ten days. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how nebuchadnezzar when.htm

Oracles on the Edge of Doom. (vii. 16-xviii Passim, xxii, Xlv. )
... captive.(424). The next Oracle in metre is an elegy, probably prospective,
on the fate of Jehoiachin and his mother Nehushta.(425). Say ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/3 oracles on the edge.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Nehushta (1 Occurrence)
...NEHUSHTA. ne-hush'-ta (nechushta'): Mother of King Jehoiachin (2 Kings 24:8). She
was the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem. ...Nehushta (1 Occurrence). ...
/n/nehushta.htm - 7k

Mother (2641 Occurrences)
... position at the court of the kings of Israel, eg Bathsheba (1 Kings 2:19); Maacah
(1 Kings 15:13); Athaliah (2 Chronicles 22:2); and Nehushta (2 Kings 24:8 ...
/m/mother.htm - 17k

Nehush'ta (1 Occurrence)
Nehush'ta. Nehushta, Nehush'ta. Nehushtan . Multi-Version Concordance
Nehush'ta (1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Nehushta, Nehush'ta. Nehushtan . Reference
/n/nehush'ta.htm - 6k

Elnathan (5 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Whom God has given. (1.) An inhabitant of Jerusalem, the
father of Nehushta, who was the mother of king Jehoiachin (2 Kings 24:8 ...
/e/elnathan.htm - 9k

Queen (59 Occurrences)
... mother into captivity; Jeremiah calls her gebhirah (29:2). The king was Jehoiachin
(Jeconiah, Jeremiah 29:2), and his mother's name was Nehushta (2 Kings 24:8 ...
/q/queen.htm - 44k

King's (375 Occurrences)
... position at the court of the kings of Israel, eg Bathsheba (1 Kings 2:19); Maacah
(1 Kings 15:13); Athaliah (2 Chronicles 22:2); and Nehushta (2 Kings 24:8 ...
/k/king's.htm - 46k

Nehum (1 Occurrence)

/n/nehum.htm - 7k

Jehoi'achin (11 Occurrences)
... Kings 24:8 Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign; and he reigned
in Jerusalem three months; and his mother's name was Nehushta the daughter ...
/j/jehoi'achin.htm - 9k

Eighteen (22 Occurrences)
... Kings 24:8 Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign; and he reigned
in Jerusalem three months: and his mother's name was Nehushta the daughter ...
/e/eighteen.htm - 13k

Elna'than (5 Occurrences)
... Kings 24:8 Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign; and he reigned
in Jerusalem three months; and his mother's name was Nehushta the daughter ...
/e/elna'than.htm - 7k

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