2 Chronicles 36:5-7
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Even though Jehoiakim was a young man when he began to rule, the chronicler immediately highlights his moral failing, not his youth. The phrase "evil in the sight of the LORD his God" isn't just a generic condemnation; it points to a deliberate turning away from God, suggesting Jehoiakim knew better but chose wrong. This sets the stage for the tragic decline that follows, emphasizing personal responsibility even for kings.
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)
This verse kicks off the account of Jehoiakim's reign, immediately following the tragic end of his brother Jehoahaz, who was exiled to Egypt. The narrative sets a somber tone, highlighting Jehoiakim's wickedness and establishing him as another king who turned away from God, paving the way for further judgment and the eventual destruction of Jerusalem.
The Bible doesn't shy away from calling out sin. What does it mean for our actions to be 'evil in the sight of the LORD'?
This phrase, "evil in the sight of the LORD," appears repeatedly throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles. It's a stark, theological evaluation of a ruler's character and actions. It means more than just personal bad choices; it signifies a fundamental defiance of God's will and covenant. This isn't just about personal morality but about leadership that leads a nation away from God. The king's actions had national repercussions, setting a tone for the entire kingdom. Jehoiakim's reign was eleven years of actively displeasing God, a significant period of national spiritual decline.
Jehoiakim's reign lasted over a decade. What did a sustained period of "evil in the sight of the LORD" actually look like on the ground?
Eleven years is a long time for a kingdom to be led away from God. This wasn't a brief stumble, but a sustained period of actively doing what displeased God. In the context of Kings and Chronicles, this often meant:
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Jehoiakim's reign is historically known for his defiance and the destruction of Jeremiah's scroll, showing a deep-seated rejection of God's word. Such a prolonged period of spiritual decay would have had devastating consequences for the people of Judah, setting the stage for the coming exile.
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.
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.
Jehoiakim's reign was a period of intense geopolitical upheaval, caught between declining Egyptian power and the rising might of Babylon. His choices directly led to increasing foreign domination and ultimately, the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple.
609 BC— this verse
Jehoiakim Appointed King
Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt installed Eliakim (later renamed Jehoiakim) as king of Judah after deposing his brother. This marked significant Egyptian influence over Judah.
c. 605 BC
Battle of Carchemish
The Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar II decisively defeated the Egyptians and their Assyrian allies. This shifted the regional balance of power, making Babylon the dominant force.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem and deported many prominent citizens, including members of the royal family and educated elite, to Babylon. This event began the Babylonian exile.
601-598 BC
Jehoiakim's Rebellion
Jehoiakim rebelled against Babylonian rule, likely encouraged by promises of Egyptian support. This act of defiance sealed Judah's fate and brought further Babylonian attention.
598 BC
Siege and Fall of Jerusalem
Babylonian forces besieged Jerusalem, leading to the capture of the city and the deportation of King Jehoiachin (Jehoiakim's son) and more of the elite. Zedekiah was installed as a puppet king.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem
After another rebellion led by King Zedekiah, Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, ending the Davidic monarchy and intensifying the exile for the Judean people.
This passage gives the same details about Jehoiakim's age and reign, emphasizing his evil deeds and how his lineage led to Jerusalem's downfall.
Jeremiah 22:1-5Jeremiah directly confronts Jehoiakim, calling him out for his evil actions and warning that his reign will end in ruin, echoing the chronicler's assessment.
Ezekiel 19:5-9This prophetic imagery describes a young lion that was captured and led away in chains, a powerful metaphor for Jehoiakim's ultimate fate after his evil reign.
2 Chronicles 35:1-19This chapter describes the righteous reign of Josiah, Jehoiakim's father, providing a stark contrast to Jehoiakim's evil actions and highlighting the spiritual decline of Judah.
Even though Jehoiakim was a young man when he began to rule, the chronicler immediately highlights his moral failing, not his youth. The phrase "evil in the sight of the LORD his God" isn't just a generic condemnation; it points to a deliberate turning away from God, suggesting Jehoiakim knew better but chose wrong. This sets the stage for the tragic decline that follows, emphasizing personal responsibility even for kings.
This verse kicks off the account of Jehoiakim's reign, immediately following the tragic end of his brother Jehoahaz, who was exiled to Egypt. The narrative sets a somber tone, highlighting Jehoiakim's wickedness and establishing him as another king who turned away from God, paving the way for further judgment and the eventual destruction of Jerusalem.
This verse kicks off the account of Jehoiakim's reign, immediately following the tragic end of his brother Jehoahaz, who was exiled to Egypt. The narrative sets a somber tone, highlighting Jehoiakim's wickedness and establishing him as another king who turned away from God, paving the way for further judgment and the eventual destruction of Jerusalem.
"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 was a young man when he began to rule, the chronicler immediately highlights his moral failing, not his youth. The phrase "evil in the sight of the LORD his God" isn't just a ge…
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Last reviewed October 2026
