Topical Encyclopedia Eliakim, later known as Jehoiakim, was a king of Judah who reigned from approximately 609 to 598 BC. He was the son of Josiah, one of Judah's most righteous kings, and the brother of Jehoahaz. Eliakim's original name, meaning "God will establish," was changed to Jehoiakim, meaning "The LORD raises up," by Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt, who placed him on the throne after deposing his brother Jehoahaz (2 Kings 23:34).Historical Context Eliakim's ascension to the throne occurred during a tumultuous period in Judah's history. His father, King Josiah, had been killed at Megiddo while attempting to intercept the Egyptian army (2 Kings 23:29). Following Josiah's death, the people of the land made Jehoahaz king, but his reign was short-lived. Pharaoh Necho II captured Jehoahaz and took him to Egypt, where he died (2 Kings 23:31-33). Necho then installed Eliakim as king, changing his name to Jehoiakim as a symbol of his vassal status to Egypt. Reign and Political Alliances Jehoiakim's reign was marked by political instability and shifting allegiances. Initially, he was a vassal to Egypt, paying heavy tribute to Pharaoh Necho II. However, the geopolitical landscape changed with the rise of the Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II. In 605 BC, after the Battle of Carchemish, Babylon became the dominant power in the region, and Jehoiakim was compelled to switch allegiance from Egypt to Babylon (2 Kings 24:1). Jehoiakim's loyalty to Babylon was short-lived. After three years, he rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, which led to a series of Babylonian incursions into Judah (2 Kings 24:1-2). This rebellion was ill-fated and ultimately contributed to the downfall of Jerusalem. Religious and Moral Conduct Jehoiakim's reign is often characterized by his departure from the religious reforms of his father, Josiah. He is depicted in the biblical narrative as a king who did evil in the sight of the LORD (2 Kings 23:37). His reign saw the resurgence of idolatry and the neglect of the covenantal laws of Yahweh. The prophet Jeremiah, a contemporary of Jehoiakim, frequently condemned the king's actions and prophesied the impending judgment on Judah due to its unfaithfulness (Jeremiah 22:13-19). One notable incident highlighting Jehoiakim's disregard for prophetic warnings is his reaction to the reading of Jeremiah's scroll. Instead of heeding the message, Jehoiakim cut the scroll with a knife and burned it in the fire (Jeremiah 36:23). This act of defiance against God's word exemplified his hardened heart and contributed to the spiritual decline of the nation. Death and Legacy Jehoiakim's reign ended in 598 BC, under circumstances that remain somewhat unclear. The Bible records that he "rested with his fathers" (2 Kings 24:6), but it is also suggested that he may have died violently, as prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 22:18-19). His son, Jehoiachin, succeeded him, but his reign was short-lived due to the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem. Jehoiakim's legacy is one of missed opportunities and spiritual decline. Despite his royal lineage and the godly example of his father, Jehoiakim's reign is remembered for its political missteps and religious apostasy, which ultimately led to the Babylonian exile and the end of the Davidic monarchy in Judah. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 23:34And Pharaohnechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoiakim, and took Jehoahaz away: and he came to Egypt, and died there. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 36:4 Library The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources What is the Key of David? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Jehoiakim in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What are the keys of death (Revelation 1:18)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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