Topical Encyclopedia Jehoiachin, also known as Jeconiah or Coniah, was the nineteenth king of Judah and reigned for a brief period before being taken into Babylonian captivity. His release from prison by Evil-Merodach, the king of Babylon, marks a significant event in the history of the Jewish exiles.Background and Reign Jehoiachin was the son of Jehoiakim and the grandson of Josiah, one of Judah's most righteous kings. He ascended to the throne at the age of eighteen and reigned in Jerusalem for only three months before the Babylonian conquest. His reign is recorded in 2 Kings 24:8-17 and 2 Chronicles 36:9-10. During his short rule, Jehoiachin continued the idolatrous practices of his predecessors, which contributed to the divine judgment upon Judah. Captivity in Babylon In 597 BC, Nebuchadnezzar II, the king of Babylon, besieged Jerusalem. Jehoiachin surrendered to Nebuchadnezzar, who took him captive along with his family, officials, and many of the leading citizens of Judah. This event is detailed in 2 Kings 24:12-16: "Jehoiachin king of Judah, his mother, his servants, his officials, and his eunuchs surrendered to the king of Babylon. So in the eighth year of his reign, the king of Babylon took him captive." Jehoiachin was imprisoned in Babylon, where he remained for thirty-seven years. His captivity is a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God and the fulfillment of prophetic warnings given by Jeremiah and other prophets. Release by Evil-Merodach The release of Jehoiachin from prison is recorded in 2 Kings 25:27-30 and Jeremiah 52:31-34. In the year that Evil-Merodach (also known as Amel-Marduk) became king of Babylon, he showed favor to Jehoiachin. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this event in 2 Kings 25:27-30: "On the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month of the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, Evil-Merodach king of Babylon, in the year he became king, released Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison. He spoke kindly to him and set his throne above the thrones of the other kings who were with him in Babylon. So Jehoiachin changed out of his prison clothes, and he dined regularly at the king’s table for the rest of his life. And the king provided Jehoiachin a daily portion for the rest of his life." Evil-Merodach's act of kindness towards Jehoiachin included elevating him above other captive kings and providing for him generously. This gesture may have been motivated by political strategy, personal favor, or divine providence, reflecting God's continued care for the Davidic line despite the nation's exile. Significance Jehoiachin's release is significant for several reasons. It symbolizes a glimmer of hope for the exiled Jewish community, suggesting that God had not forgotten His covenant with David. The elevation of Jehoiachin also foreshadows the eventual restoration of the Jewish people to their homeland and the continuation of the Davidic line, which is ultimately fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. The account of Jehoiachin's release serves as a reminder of God's mercy and faithfulness, even in the midst of judgment. It underscores the biblical theme of redemption and the assurance that God's promises endure despite human failure. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 25:27-30And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the year that he began to reign did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison; Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 52:31-34 Library On Daniel. I. Preface by the Most Holy Hippolytus, (Bishop) of ... Resources Who was King Jehoiakim in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Mordecai in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the curse of Jeconiah? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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