2 Chronicles 36:5-6
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Even though Jehoiakim is only 25, the text immediately links his youth to his evil actions, showing that age isn't a shield against disobedience. The phrase "evil in the sight of the LORD his God" is a stark reminder that God sees everything, and Jehoiakim’s choices were not hidden from divine scrutiny.
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. Against him came up Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and bound him in chains to take him to Babylon.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse marks the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim, the son of Josiah, right after his father's death. The narrative in 2 Chronicles is starkly contrasting the godly reforms of Josiah with the subsequent decline of Judah. Jehoiakim's reign is presented as a direct betrayal of his father's legacy, setting the stage for the nation's impending judgment.
Many kings sat on David's throne, but not all followed God. What made some kings fall so far?
Jehoiakim's reign is marked by a disturbing regularity: he started young, reigned for a significant period, and consistently chose evil. This wasn't a slip-up; it was a pattern.
A King's Choice
The Bible doesn't shy away from the reality that leaders, even those in a position of national influence, make choices. Jehoiakim's choice was to do 'what was evil in the sight of the LORD his God.' This phrase is repeated often throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles, highlighting a consistent rejection of God's ways and commands.
The Gravity of Evil
When Scripture says a king did 'evil in the sight of the LORD,' it means their actions actively displeased God, violated His covenant, and often led their people astray. It wasn't just a personal failing; it had national and spiritual consequences.
The verse mentions God's perspective specifically. Why is it important that God saw Jehoiakim's evil?
The phrase 'in the sight of the LORD' is more than just a figure of speech; it’s a theological anchor. It reminds us that our actions are not hidden. God sees everything.
Divine Awareness
When the Bible says God 'saw' something, it implies His active awareness and judgment. Jehoiakim's evil deeds were not overlooked; they were observed by the one who would ultimately hold him accountable. This perspective should shape how we live, knowing that our lives are lived constantly before God.
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Accountability for Leaders
For those in positions of leadership, this is a profound reminder. While earthly powers may praise or condemn, the ultimate measure is God's view. Jehoiakim’s reign, despite its duration, was ultimately defined by its failure to align with God’s standards.
Understand the original words
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.
melek · Hebrew Noun
A title signifying a ruler of a state or nation; in the Old Testament, it often refers to monarchs over Israel, Judah, or foreign nations, frequently representing the exercise of power and authority.
Jehoiakim's reign begins in a period of intense geopolitical pressure and spiritual compromise, directly preceding the major exiles that would shatter Judah.
627 BC
Josiah's Reign Begins
Josiah, a righteous king, begins his reign, later enacting significant religious reforms.
c. 609 BC
Josiah Killed at Megiddo
King Josiah is killed in battle against Pharaoh Neco of Egypt. His death plunges Judah into turmoil.
609 BC
Jehoahaz's Brief Reign
Josiah's son Jehoahaz is made king, but he reigns for only three months before being deposed by Pharaoh Neco.
609 BC— this verse
Jehoiakim Installed as King
Pharaoh Neco installs Eliakim, another son of Josiah, as king, renaming him Jehoiakim. This marks the beginning of his wicked reign.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar defeats the Egyptians and Babylon begins its rise to power over Judah. He takes some of the royal family and nobility captive.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
After Jehoiakim rebels, Babylonians lay siege to Jerusalem and deport King Jehoiachin and thousands more.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Zedekiah's rebellion leads to the final destruction of Jerusalem and the Holy Temple by Nebuchadnezzar, ending the Davidic monarchy.
This prophecy directly condemns Jehoiakim's wicked reign, detailing his unjust actions and foretelling his ignominious end, which aligns with the description of his evil deeds in 2 Chronicles.
2 Kings 23:36-37This passage provides a parallel account of Jehoiakim's beginning his reign and his immediate turn to evil, highlighting the consistent historical record of his character and actions.
Ezekiel 19:5-9This lament uses the imagery of a 'young lion' that is captured and brought to Babylon, which powerfully illustrates the tragic and deserved downfall of Jehoiakim as a consequence of his evil ways.
Proverbs 14:34This proverb explains the broader principle that national righteousness leads to elevation, while sin leads to disgrace, serving as a theological backdrop to why Jehoiakim's evil actions had such devastating consequences for Judah.
Even though Jehoiakim is only 25, the text immediately links his youth to his evil actions, showing that age isn't a shield against disobedience. The phrase "evil in the sight of the LORD his God" is a stark reminder that God sees everything, and Jehoiakim’s choices were not hidden from divine scrutiny.
This verse marks the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim, the son of Josiah, right after his father's death. The narrative in 2 Chronicles is starkly contrasting the godly reforms of Josiah with the subsequent decline of Judah. Jehoiakim's reign is presented as a direct betrayal of his father's legacy, setting the stage for the nation's impending judgment.
This verse marks the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim, the son of Josiah, right after his father's death. The narrative in 2 Chronicles is starkly contrasting the godly reforms of Josiah with the subsequent decline of Judah. Jehoiakim's reign is presented as a direct betrayal of his father's legacy, setting the stage for the nation's impending judgment.
"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. Against him came up Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and bound him in chains to take…" — Even though Jehoiakim is only 25, the text immediately links his youth to his evil actions, showing that age isn't a shield against disobedience. The phrase "evil in the sight of the LORD his God" is…
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Last reviewed October 2026
