Mattaniah, later known as Zedekiah, was the last king of Judah before the Babylonian conquest. He was the son of Josiah, one of Judah's most righteous kings, and the uncle of Jehoiachin, whom he succeeded on the throne. His reign is a significant period in biblical history, marked by political turmoil and spiritual decline.

Name and Ascension to the Throne

Mattaniah, meaning "Gift of Yahweh," was his original name before ascending to the throne. His name was changed to Zedekiah, meaning "Yahweh is Righteous," by Nebuchadnezzar II, the king of Babylon, who placed him on the throne as a vassal king. This change of name symbolized the Babylonian influence and control over Judah during this period. The account of his ascension is recorded in 2 Kings 24:17 : "Then the king of Babylon made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, king in his place and changed his name to Zedekiah."

Reign and Political Context

Zedekiah reigned from approximately 597 to 586 BC. His rule was characterized by a complex political landscape, as Judah was caught between the powerful empires of Babylon and Egypt. Despite being installed by Nebuchadnezzar, Zedekiah's reign was marked by rebellion against Babylonian authority, influenced by false prophets and misguided advisors who promised deliverance from Babylonian oppression.

The prophet Jeremiah played a significant role during Zedekiah's reign, warning him of the consequences of rebellion against Babylon and urging submission as the will of God. However, Zedekiah often vacillated between listening to Jeremiah and succumbing to the pressure of his officials and the people, who desired independence from Babylonian rule.

Spiritual and Moral Decline

Zedekiah's reign was also a time of spiritual decline in Judah. The people continued in idolatry and disobedience to God's commandments, despite the warnings of prophets like Jeremiah. This period is seen as the culmination of Judah's persistent unfaithfulness, leading to divine judgment.

Jeremiah 52:2-3 summarizes Zedekiah's reign: "He did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as Jehoiakim had done. For because of the anger of the LORD, all this happened in Jerusalem and Judah until He finally banished them from His presence."

Fall of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's Fate

Zedekiah's decision to rebel against Babylon ultimately led to the siege of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The city fell after a prolonged siege, resulting in the destruction of the Temple and the city walls, and the exile of many Judeans to Babylon. Zedekiah attempted to flee but was captured near Jericho. His sons were killed before his eyes, and he was blinded and taken in chains to Babylon, as recorded in 2 Kings 25:7 : "Then they put out Zedekiah’s eyes, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon."

Zedekiah's tragic end serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God and reliance on human wisdom over divine guidance. His reign marks the end of the Davidic line of kings ruling in Jerusalem until the promised restoration.2 Kings 24:17
And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah his father's brother king in his stead, and changed his name to Zedekiah.
Nave's Topical Index

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
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