2 Kings 23:36-37
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The verse highlights the stark contrast between Jehoiakim's lineage and his reign. While his father, Josiah, was a reformer who honored God, Jehoiakim's mother is the only family detail mentioned, suggesting a disconnect from that godly heritage. This subtle emphasis hints at the choices he made, steering away from his father's faithfulness despite his royal bloodline.
Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Zebidah the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah. And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his fathers had done.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse kicks off the final section of 2 Kings, shifting from the grand reforms of King Josiah to the rapid decline and eventual fall of Jerusalem. It introduces Jehoiakim, Josiah's successor, setting the stage for a period marked by foreign domination and spiritual compromise that ultimately leads to the Babylonian exile. The preceding chapters detail Josiah's righteous reign and religious cleanup, making Jehoiakim's comparatively short and wicked rule a stark and tragic contrast.
The Bible doesn't just record the good deeds of kings; it honestly portrays their failures too. Jehoiakim's story is a stark reminder of how personal choices can have far-reaching consequences.
The Weight of a King's Choices
Jehoiakim's reign, spanning eleven years in Jerusalem, is presented with a somber undertone. While the verse gives us his age and the duration of his rule, the surrounding biblical narrative paints a picture of a king who led Judah astray. He wasn't a follower of God's ways.
Instead of seeking God, Jehoiakim followed the wicked counsel of his time, even going so far as to burn a scroll containing God's prophetic word (Jeremiah 36). This act of defiance and suppression of truth is a hallmark of his leadership.
His reign was marked by heavy tribute payments to Egypt and later Babylon, a sign of national weakness and spiritual compromise.
Kings don't rule in a vacuum. The influences of their family, even if not fully detailed, play a part in shaping their path. Who was Jehoiakim's mother, and what might that connection signify?
The Mother's Name: A Glimpse of Identity
The verse specifically names Jehoiakim's mother: Zebidah, daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah. While the Bible doesn't offer a detailed biography of Zebidah, her inclusion is significant.
It's worth noting that Jehoiakim was originally named Eliakim by his father, Josiah. However, Pharaoh Necho changed his name to Jehoiakim when he installed him as king. This suggests that his mother, Zebidah, may have been from a family that had a different lineage or political alignment than the Davidic royal line, perhaps one that Pharaoh favored or that had ties to the northern kingdom's history (Rumah might connect to this).
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Regardless of the exact political implications, the mention of his mother, her name, and her origin reminds us that even kings have roots, and these roots can carry their own histories and influences.
Understand the original words
malak · Hebrew Verb
A royal official or ruler who exercises authority over a nation or territory. Biblically, the king was intended to be under the ultimate sovereignty of God, responsible for leading the people in covenant faithfulness.
Yerushalayim · Hebrew Noun
The capital city of the Kingdom of Judah, central to Israel’s national and spiritual identity. It is frequently referred to as the location of the Temple and the city where the LORD chose to place His name.
ra' · Hebrew Adjective
In a biblical context, that which is morally corrupt, contrary to the will of God, and displeasing to Him. It often denotes idolatry, injustice, and disobedience to the revealed law of God.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, revealed to Moses as the 'I AM.' It signifies His eternal existence, His holiness, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises with Israel.
ab · Hebrew Noun
In the context of the Davidic dynasty, this refers to the previous kings of Judah. Their actions often set a pattern—either of righteousness and adherence to the Law, or of apostasy and idolatry—which subsequent generations followed.
c. 627 BC
Josiah's reforms begin
King Josiah, Jehoiakim's father, initiates significant religious reforms in Judah, centralizing worship in Jerusalem and destroying idolatrous practices.
609 BC
Josiah killed at Megiddo
Josiah is killed in battle against the Egyptians under Pharaoh Neco II, a devastating blow to Judah and its reform movement.
c. 609 BC
Jehoahaz reigns briefly
Jehoahaz, Josiah's son, is chosen by the people to succeed him but is quickly deposed by Pharaoh Neco II.
c. 609 BC— this verse
Eliakim becomes Jehoiakim
Pharaoh Neco II installs Eliakim, another son of Josiah, as king of Judah, renaming him Jehoiakim. This marks the beginning of his reign.
605 BC
First Babylonian deportation
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon defeats the Egyptians and begins deporting elites and skilled workers from Judah, including figures like Daniel.
597 BC
Second Babylonian deportation
Jehoiakim rebels against Babylon, leading to further devastation and another deportation, this time including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
After Zedekiah's rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, ending the Davidic monarchy and initiating the Babylonian Exile.
This passage also records Jehoiakim's age at the start of his reign and the length of his rule, reinforcing the historical details provided in 2 Kings.
Jeremiah 22:13-17The prophet Jeremiah directly addresses Jehoiakim, condemning his oppressive rule and unjust actions, which provides crucial context for understanding the spiritual and moral failure of his reign, even though it doesn't mention his birth or mother.
2 Kings 24:1-6This section continues the account of Jehoiakim's reign, detailing his eventual defeat and death, showing the consequences of the path he took during his eleven years on the throne.
2 Chronicles 36:9-10This passage mentions Jehoiachin, Jehoiakim's son, and his young age when he became king, indirectly highlighting the problematic succession and the legacy left by Jehoiakim's reign.
The verse highlights the stark contrast between Jehoiakim's lineage and his reign. While his father, Josiah, was a reformer who honored God, Jehoiakim's mother is the only family detail mentioned, suggesting a disconnect from that godly heritage. This subtle emphasis hints at the choices he made, steering away from his father's faithfulness despite his royal bloodline.
This verse kicks off the final section of 2 Kings, shifting from the grand reforms of King Josiah to the rapid decline and eventual fall of Jerusalem. It introduces Jehoiakim, Josiah's successor, setting the stage for a period marked by foreign domination and spiritual compromise that ultimately leads to the Babylonian exile. The preceding chapters detail Josiah's righteous reign and religious cleanup, making Jehoiakim's comparatively short and wicked rule a stark and tragic contrast.
This verse kicks off the final section of 2 Kings, shifting from the grand reforms of King Josiah to the rapid decline and eventual fall of Jerusalem. It introduces Jehoiakim, Josiah's successor, setting the stage for a period marked by foreign domination and spiritual compromise that ultimately leads to the Babylonian exile. The preceding chapters detail Josiah's righteous reign and religious cleanup, making Jehoiakim's comparatively short and wicked rule a stark and tragic contrast.
"Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Zebidah the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah. And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that…" — The verse highlights the stark contrast between Jehoiakim's lineage and his reign. While his father, Josiah, was a reformer who honored God, Jehoiakim's mother is the only family detail mentioned, su…
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Last reviewed October 2026
