2 Chronicles 36:5
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Even though Jehoiakim began his reign young, the text doesn't excuse his choices; it plainly states he "did what was evil in the sight of the LORD." This is a stark reminder that regardless of our age or beginnings, accountability to God is always present.
Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD his God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse introduces Jehoiakim, a king who followed his wicked father Josiah. While his father had moments of genuine repentance, Jehoiakim's reign quickly spirals into disobedience, setting the stage for the devastating consequences that will soon fall upon Jerusalem and its people as God's judgment becomes inescapable.
Ever notice how some Bible stories seem to repeat a cycle? King Jehoiakim's reign is a prime example of a familiar, and tragic, pattern.
2 Chronicles 36:5 introduces Jehoiakim, highlighting two key facts: his age when he started reigning (25) and the length of his rule (11 years). But the most significant detail is the summary of his character: 'He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD his God.' This isn't a unique observation in the books of Kings and Chronicles. Many kings are described with similar phrases, signaling a consistent failure to follow God's ways. This repetitive language emphasizes how crucial godly leadership was for the nation's well-being, and how disastrous its absence truly was.
What does it truly mean to do 'evil in the sight of the LORD'?
This phrase isn't just about breaking a few rules; it signifies a fundamental rebellion against God's character and commands. It means actively choosing paths that displease Him, ignoring His wisdom, and prioritizing personal desires or the ways of surrounding nations over divine instruction. For Jehoiakim, this likely encompassed a disregard for justice, idolatry, and a refusal to listen to God's prophets, all of which ultimately led to disaster for Judah. It's a stark reminder that our actions have eternal consequences, evaluated not just by human standards, but by God's perfect righteousness.
Understand the original words
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ra' · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A moral or spiritual state that is contrary to God's character, commands, and righteous standards. To do what is "evil in the sight of the LORD" is to act in direct rebellion against His covenant and holiness.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament (YHWH), who reveals Himself as the Creator and Redeemer of His people Israel.
Jehoiakim's reign was a critical period of defiance against Babylon, set against a backdrop of shifting international powers and growing divine judgment, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple.
609 BC— this verse
Jehoiakim Anointed King
Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt installs Jehoiakim as king of Judah, deposing his half-brother Jehoahaz. This marks significant Egyptian influence over Judean affairs.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon defeats the Egyptians at Carchemish and begins his conquest. He deports some Judean nobles and skilled workers, including Daniel, to Babylon.
c. 601 BC
Jehoiakim Rebels Against Babylon
Jehoiakim, encouraged by Egypt, withholds tribute from Babylon, defying Nebuchadnezzar's authority. This act of rebellion would have severe consequences.
598/597 BC
Siege of Jerusalem Begins
Nebuchadnezzar besieges Jerusalem due to Jehoiakim's rebellion. Jehoiakim dies during the siege or shortly before its end.
597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Jehoiakim's son, Jehoiachin, becomes king but reigns only three months before surrendering to the Babylonians. Nebuchadnezzar deports Jehoiachin, his family, and thousands more Judeans to Babylon.
597-587 BC
Zedekiah's Reign
Nebuchadnezzar installs Zedekiah, another son of Josiah, as king. Zedekiah initially remains loyal but eventually rebels, leading to Jerusalem's final destruction.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, ending the Davidic monarchy and exiling the remaining population to Babylon. This event marks a devastating low point for Judah.
This passage describes Jehoiakim's father, Josiah, as a righteous king, highlighting the stark contrast and spiritual decline Jehoiakim represented within the same royal lineage.
Jeremiah 22:13-17The prophet Jeremiah directly condemns Jehoiakim's reign, focusing on his injustice and oppression, which are clear manifestations of doing evil in the Lord's sight.
Ezekiel 19:5-7This prophetic imagery portrays Judah under Jehoiakim as a lion cub captured and exiled, symbolizing the disastrous consequences of his evil rule leading to the nation's downfall.
2 Chronicles 34:1-2This passage describes Jehoiakim's grandfather, Josiah, as a king who did right in the eyes of the Lord, showing the devolution of faithfulness within the royal family over just two generations.
Even though Jehoiakim began his reign young, the text doesn't excuse his choices; it plainly states he "did what was evil in the sight of the LORD." This is a stark reminder that regardless of our age or beginnings, accountability to God is always present.
This verse introduces Jehoiakim, a king who followed his wicked father Josiah. While his father had moments of genuine repentance, Jehoiakim's reign quickly spirals into disobedience, setting the stage for the devastating consequences that will soon fall upon Jerusalem and its people as God's judgment becomes inescapable.
This verse introduces Jehoiakim, a king who followed his wicked father Josiah. While his father had moments of genuine repentance, Jehoiakim's reign quickly spirals into disobedience, setting the stage for the devastating consequences that will soon fall upon Jerusalem and its people as God's judgment becomes inescapable.
"Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD his God." — Even though Jehoiakim began his reign young, the text doesn't excuse his choices; it plainly states he "did what was evil in the sight of the LORD." This is a stark reminder that regardless of our ag…
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Last reviewed October 2026
