Lesson 22: Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah Introduction: The downward course of Judah, following the reforms of Josiah, concludes with the evil son of Josiah, Jehoahaz (reigned for 3 months), and the three kings which followed him. Jehoahaz was deposed by the king of Egypt, who appointed Jehoiakim king. Jehoiakim, after eleven years of evil, was carried away by Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon. He was succeeded by Jehoiachin who also was an evil king. Jehoiachin was carried into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar, and his uncle, Zedekiah, another evil king, was appointed by Nebuchadnezzar. Zedekiah rebelled against the Babylonians and continued his evil ways for eleven years before he was carried away into captivity. Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed. I. Jehoiakim (also called Eliakim) 2 Kings 23:35-24:7; 2 Chron. 36:5-8 A. Pharaoh Necho made Eliakim, the son of Josiah, king in place of Josiah. He also changed his name to Jehoiakim (2 Kgs. 23:34). B. Jehoiakim gave the silver and gold to Pharaoh and taxed the land according to Pharaoh's command (23:35). C. Jehoiakim reigned eleven years in Jerusalem and did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord (23:36,37). D. Jehoiakim became the vassal of Nebuchadnezzar for three years, then rebelled against him (2 Kgs. 24:1). E. The Lord sent raiding troops of Chaldeans, Syrians, Moabites, and Ammonites against Judah to destroy it "according to the word of the Lord which He had spoken by his servants the prophets" (2 Kgs. 24:2; Jer. 25:4-11). F. Nebuchadnezzar carried Jehoiakim into captivity (2 Chron. 36:6). II. Jehoiachin (also called Coniah and Jeconiah) 2 Kgs. 24:8-16; 2 Chron. 36:9,10 A. "Jehoiakim slept with his fathers, and Jehoiachin reigned in his stead" (2 Kgs. 24:6). B. Jehoiachin did evil in the sight of the Lord according to all his father had done (2 Kgs. 24:9). C. It was prophesied that none of Jehoiachin's descendents would prosper sitting on the throne in David ruling anymore in Judah (Jer. 22:24-30). 1. Jesus was a descendents of Jehoiachin (Mat. 1:11,12). 2. Jesus would prosper sitting on the throne of David (Is. 9:6,7; 16:5; Ps.132:11,12; Luk. 1:32). 3. Jesus would not reign in Judah. His was not an earthly kingdom (John 18:36). Premillennialists teach that Jesus will return to earth and reign and prosper on the throne of David in Judah for a 1000 years, but the Bible teaches Jesus is reigning now and will not return to reign on the earth. D. Jehoiachin was carried away into Babylonian captivity (2 Kgs. 24:15). III. Zedekiah (also called Mattaniah, Jehoiachin's uncle; 2 Kgs. 24:17) 2 Kgs. 24:17-25:7; 2 Chron. 36:11-14 A. Nebuchadnezzar made Zedekiah king over Judah and Jerusalem (2 Chron. 36:10). B. Zedekiah reigned eleven years and did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord (2 Kgs. 24:18-19). C. Zedekiah rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon (2 Kgs. 24:20). D. Zedekiah did not humble himself before Jeremiah, the prophet of God (2 Chron. 36:12). He allowed others to put Jeremiah in prison (Jer. 38:5,6). E. The leaders of the priests and the people transgressed, according to all the abominations of the nations. They defiled the house of the Lord (2 Chron.36:14). F. The people of Judah mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the Lord rose against His people beyond remedy (2 Chron. 36:16). G. Zedekiah called for Jeremiah and asked his counsel (Jer. 38:14-23). 1. Jeremiah told Zedekiah to surrender to the Babylonians and the city would not be destroyed and Zedekiah would escape. 2. Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, "Please, obey the voice of the Lord which I speak to you, so it shall be well with you, and your soul shall live" (Jer. 38:20). 3. Zedekiah refused to listen to Jeremiah. H. God brought against them the king of the Chaldeans (2 Chron. 36:17-20). 1. The Chaldeans killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, put out his eyes and then bound him and carried him off to Babylon (2 Kgs. 25:7). 2. Those who escaped the sword were carried away to Babylon (2 Kgs. 25:11; 2 Chron. 36:20). 3. The treasures of the temple were taken to Babylon (2 Kgs. 25:13-17). 4. The temple was burned and the walls of Jerusalem were destroyed (2 Chron. 36:19). Principles: 1. The claim of God upon man is that man worship Him and keep His commandments. 2. For those who persist in evil, divine retribution is inevitable (Chron. 36:17-21; Deut. 28:21,36,52; Jer. 5:19). 3. God can raise up, at any moment, fitting instruments to do his will. 4. It is not in man to direct his steps (Jer. 10:23). Questions: 1. The reigns of Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah were characterized by ____________. 2. Jehoiakim was a vassal of what king? What is a vassal? 3. Why did God choose to remove Judah from His sight? Was Manasseh involved? Cite scripture. 4. Name the prophets who prophesied during the reigns of Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah. 5. Jehoiachin was carried away into captivity during what year of his reign? 6. Zedekiah would not listen to Jeremiah. Why not? Cite scripture. 7. Describe in detail Nebuchadnezzar's treatment of Judah as prophesied in Jeremiah. Citescriptures. 8. How did the king of Babylon punish Zedekiah? 9. It is not in men to direct his own steps. What does this mean and how can it be applied in our lives today? 10. God's people transgressed after the abominations of the heathen (2 Chron. 36:14). Explain this statement and list some present day abominations. What attitude should God's people have toward these things? Give New Testament scriptures.