2 Chronicles 36:5-7
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. Nebuchadnezzar also carried part of the vessels of the house of the LORD to Babylon and put them in his palace in Babylon.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to skim past the details, but the text emphasizes that Jehoiakim reigned for eleven years in Jerusalem, a significant span of time. This wasn't a fleeting moment of bad choices; it was a prolonged period where he consistently "did what was evil in the sight of the LORD his God," highlighting a deep-seated rebellion against God's ways.
This passage is part of the final section of 2 Chronicles, which chronicles the decline and eventual exile of Judah. It sets the stage by introducing King Jehoiakim, immediately highlighting his wickedness. This sets up the further judgment that God brings upon Jerusalem, as described in the verses that follow.
What does it really mean for someone to do 'evil in the sight of the LORD'? It's more than just breaking rules.
This phrase, 'evil in the sight of the LORD,' is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, especially in the books of Kings and Chronicles. It signifies actions and attitudes that are not just morally wrong by human standards, but fundamentally opposed to God's character and covenant. It points to a rebellion against His authority and a rejection of His ways. Jehoiakim's reign is marked by this description, indicating a deep-seated corruption that permeated his rule.
Eleven years is a significant amount of time. What can happen when a leader consistently chooses evil?
Jehoiakim's eleven-year reign in Jerusalem wasn't just a period of personal sin; it had profound consequences for the entire nation. The repeated description of kings doing 'evil in the sight of the LORD' in these historical books isn't just a biographical detail. It's a theological explanation for the nation's downfall. Consistent disobedience and corruption from leadership lead to national disaster, eventually culminating in exile. Jehoiakim's reign was a chapter in this downward spiral.
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.
keliy · Hebrew Noun
An object made of metal, stone, or clay used for the service of the temple; they were consecrated for holy use in the worship of Yahweh.
c. 609 BC— this verse
Jehoiakim begins to reign
Pharaoh Necho of Egypt installed Eliakim as king, changing his name to Jehoiakim. This happened after Josiah's death and Jehoahaz's brief rule.
605 BC
Battle of Carchemish
The Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar II decisively defeated the Egyptians and Assyrians, establishing Babylonian dominance over the region.
605 BC
First deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem and deported some of the nobility and skilled workers to Babylon, including the prophet Daniel.
c. 601 BC
Jehoiakim rebels against Babylon
Jehoiakim stopped paying tribute to Nebuchadnezzar, likely emboldened by Egyptian incursions. This act of defiance led to future consequences.
598-597 BC
Second deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem again, and Jehoiakim died during this time. His son Jehoiachin reigned briefly before being deported with thousands more.
This passage directly parallels the beginning of Jehoiakim's reign, stating his age and that he also 'did what was evil in the sight of the LORD,' highlighting the consistent evil nature of his rule from its inception.
Jeremiah 22:13-19The prophet Jeremiah condemns Jehoiakim's reign for injustice and oppression, directly linking his evil actions to the suffering of his people and prophesying his ignominious end, further illustrating 'what was evil in the sight of the LORD'.
Ezekiel 19:1-9This poetic lament uses the metaphor of a lion cub taken captive to describe the fall of Jerusalem and its king, strongly implying the king's evil actions led to the nation's downfall, a direct consequence of doing 'evil in the sight of the LORD'.
1 Samuel 15:11This verse shows God expressing regret over Saul's reign because Saul turned away from following the LORD and did not carry out the LORD's commands, illustrating the deep sorrow and disappointment God feels when a ruler 'does what is evil in His sight'.
It's easy to skim past the details, but the text emphasizes that Jehoiakim reigned for eleven years in Jerusalem, a significant span of time. This wasn't a fleeting moment of bad choices; it was a prolonged period where he consistently "did what was evil in the sight of the LORD his God," highlighting a deep-seated rebellion against God's ways.
This passage is part of the final section of 2 Chronicles, which chronicles the decline and eventual exile of Judah. It sets the stage by introducing King Jehoiakim, immediately highlighting his wickedness. This sets up the further judgment that God brings upon Jerusalem, as described in the verses that follow.
This passage is part of the final section of 2 Chronicles, which chronicles the decline and eventual exile of Judah. It sets the stage by introducing King Jehoiakim, immediately highlighting his wickedness. This sets up the further judgment that God brings upon Jerusalem, as described in the verses that follow.
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YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the God of Israel, revealing His covenant faithfulness, holiness, and sovereignty; He is the self-existent One who enters into relationship with His people.
597 BC
Zedekiah installed as king
Nebuchadnezzar installed Zedekiah, another son of Josiah, as king of Judah, but he too would eventually rebel.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple destruction
After Zedekiah's final rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem, blinded Zedekiah, and destroyed Solomon's Temple, marking the end of the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
"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…" — It's easy to skim past the details, but the text emphasizes that Jehoiakim reigned for eleven years in Jerusalem, a significant span of time. This wasn't a fleeting moment of bad choices; it was a…
