Jeremiah 37:1-2
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This verse might seem like a simple statement of who was king, but notice the subtle detail: Zedekiah, though technically reigning, was made king by a foreign power. This highlights that his reign wasn't truly one of independence, but of vassalage, setting the stage for the intense struggles Jeremiah faced during his rule.
Zedekiah the son of Josiah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon made king in the land of Judah, reigned instead of Coniah the son of Jehoiakim. But neither he nor his servants nor the people of the land listened to the words of the LORD that he spoke through Jeremiah the prophet.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse introduces Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, whose reign begins under Babylonian authority. It marks a shift in the narrative, focusing on the turbulent final years of Jerusalem and its prophet, Jeremiah, as the city faces renewed threats from Babylon after a brief respite.
How did Zedekiah become king? It wasn't a choice he or his people made, but one imposed by a foreign power.
Jeremiah 37:1 introduces us to King Zedekiah, but his story begins not with a divine appointment, but with foreign decree. The verse clearly states that Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, 'made king' Zedekiah, the son of Josiah. This is a crucial detail. Unlike David or Josiah, whose kingship was recognized by God and often affirmed by the people, Zedekiah was placed on the throne by the Babylonian conqueror. His predecessor, Coniah (also known as Jehoiachin), was deposed and taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar, who then installed his own choice, Zedekiah (whose original name was Mattaniah), as a puppet ruler. This set the stage for Zedekiah's reign, one characterized by external pressure and internal compromise rather than divinely ordained leadership.
Zedekiah replaced a king who had barely begun his reign before facing exile. What does this sudden change reveal about Judah's precarious position?
The verse mentions Zedekiah reigning 'instead of Coniah the son of Jehoiakim.' This is more than just a name change; it signifies a moment of profound crisis for Judah. Coniah, or Jehoiachin, had a reign of only three months before being exiled to Babylon along with many of the prominent citizens (2 Kings 24:8-16). His short reign and subsequent captivity underscore the rapidly deteriorating political situation and the diminishing sovereignty of Judah. Zedekiah inherited a throne already weakened, with the shadow of Babylonian power looming large. He was placed in power not to restore Judah's strength, but as a replacement after the previous king's removal by the very empire that now controlled their destiny.
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Zedekiah was put in power by Babylon, but his reign would soon be defined by a critical decision: loyalty to his overlord or to a tempting alliance?
Verse 1 sets the stage for the complex relationship between King Zedekiah, the prophet Jeremiah, and the Babylonian Empire. While Zedekiah was appointed by Nebuchadnezzar, his reign would become a test of true loyalty. As the commentaries note, Zedekiah was 'well affected toward Jeremiah' and sought his counsel (Barnes). However, the political winds would soon shift. Influenced by the resurgence of Egyptian power and potentially by factions within Judah, Zedekiah would eventually break his covenant with Babylon. The initial appointment by Nebuchadnezzar created an obligation, a covenant of vassalage, which Zedekiah ultimately betrayed (Ezekiel 17:13-14). This verse, therefore, isn't just a historical note; it's the beginning of a narrative about a king whose reign was characterized by the difficult, and ultimately disastrous, tension between his imposed subservience and his people's desire for independence.
Understand the original words
nābîʾ · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew title denoting one who speaks on behalf of God, delivering His divine message to His people. Prophets were called to call the nation to repentance and reveal God's purposes, often concerning future events.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of the God of Israel, revealed to Moses, emphasizing His eternal existence, faithfulness, and holiness. It represents the self-existent One who enters into a redemptive relationship with His people.
This verse marks the beginning of the final, tragic chapter of the kingdom of Judah. Zedekiah's reign, installed by the Babylonians, is set against a backdrop of dwindling hope, broken oaths, and the encroaching might of Nebuchadnezzar's empire, leading directly to Jerusalem's destruction.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon carries away many Judean nobles and skilled workers, including the prophet Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of Babylonian dominance over Judah.
597 BC
Second Deportation and Deposition of Jehoiachin
After a brief rebellion, King Jehoiachin (also called Jeconiah and Coniah) and thousands more Judeans are exiled to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar replaces him on the throne.
597 BC— this verse
Zedekiah Appointed King
Nebuchadnezzar installs Zedekiah (originally named Mattaniah), an uncle of Jehoiachin, as king of Judah. Zedekiah is made to swear an oath of allegiance to Babylon.
c. 594-589 BC
Growing Alliance with Egypt
Despite Jeremiah's warnings, Zedekiah and Judah's princes begin looking to Egypt for support against Babylon, violating their oath of loyalty.
c. 589 BC
Judah Revolts Against Babylon
Zedekiah, encouraged by promises of Egyptian military aid, breaks his treaty with Nebuchadnezzar and rebels, plunging Judah into a final war.
588 BC
Babylonian Siege of Jerusalem Begins
Nebuchadnezzar's armies lay siege to Jerusalem, cutting off the city and its inhabitants. The period described in Jeremiah 37 begins amidst this desperate situation.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Third Deportation
After a prolonged siege and a temporary lifting of the blockade by the Egyptians, Nebuchadnezzar's forces recapture Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and exile the remaining population.
This passage provides the historical context for Zedekiah's ascension to the throne, explaining that he was appointed by Nebuchadnezzar and was a relative of the deposed king Jehoiachin (also referred to as Coniah).
2 Chronicles 36:10Similar to 2 Kings, this verse recounts Zedekiah's appointment as king by the Babylonians, highlighting the shift in power and the foreign influence over Judah's monarchy.
Jeremiah 22:24-30This passage directly addresses Coniah (Jehoiakim's son) and pronounces judgment upon him and his lineage, offering a stark contrast to the brief reign and eventual downfall of Zedekiah that follows.
Ezekiel 17:15-20Ezekiel prophesies against Zedekiah for breaking his covenant with Babylon and seeking an alliance with Egypt, illustrating the political instability and treacherous decisions made during Zedekiah's reign.
pooleJeremiah 37:1: "And king Zedekiah the son of Josiah reigned instead of Coniah the son of Jehoiakim, whom Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon made king in the land of Judah."
The Egyptians raise the siege of the Chaldeans; and king Zedekiah sendeth to Jeremiah, to pray and inquire of the Lord for them, Jeremiah 37:1-5 . He prophesieth the Chaldeans’ return and victory, Jeremiah 37:6-10 . He is apprehended for a fugitive, beaten, and put into prison, Jeremiah 37:11-15 . He assureth Zedekiah of the cap…
barnesJeremiah 37:1: "And king Zedekiah the son of Josiah reigned instead of Coniah the son of Jehoiakim, whom Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon made king in the land of Judah."
It is evident that Zedekiah was well affected toward Jeremiah. In Jeremiah 37-38 , dealing with events during the siege of Jerusalem, we have an account of his relations with Jeremiah and of the prophet's personal history up to the capture of the city.
This verse might seem like a simple statement of who was king, but notice the subtle detail: Zedekiah, though technically reigning, was made king by a foreign power. This highlights that his reign wasn't truly one of independence, but of vassalage, setting the stage for the intense struggles Jeremiah faced during his rule.
This verse introduces Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, whose reign begins under Babylonian authority. It marks a shift in the narrative, focusing on the turbulent final years of Jerusalem and its prophet, Jeremiah, as the city faces renewed threats from Babylon after a brief respite.
This verse introduces Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, whose reign begins under Babylonian authority. It marks a shift in the narrative, focusing on the turbulent final years of Jerusalem and its prophet, Jeremiah, as the city faces renewed threats from Babylon after a brief respite.
"Zedekiah the son of Josiah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon made king in the land of Judah, reigned instead of Coniah the son of Jehoiakim. But neither he nor his servants nor the people of the land listened to the words of the LORD th…" — This verse might seem like a simple statement of who was king, but notice the subtle detail: Zedekiah, though technically reigning, was made king by a foreign power. This highlights that his reign…
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Last reviewed October 2026
