King Jehoiachin, also known as Jeconiah or Coniah, was a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the narratives concerning the history of Judah during a tumultuous period marked by foreign invasions and political upheaval.
Jehoiachin was the son of King Jehoiakim and reigned as the king of Judah for a brief time, approximately three months, around 597 BCE. His reign was marked by the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. After the city fell, Jehoiachin was taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar II, the king of Babylon, during the Babylonian Exile.
Biblical references that mention King Jehoiachin include:
1. **2 Kings 24:8-16** – This passage narrates Jehoiachin’s ascension to the throne at the age of 18, his brief reign, and the events surrounding his capture and exile to Babylon:
– “Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he became king, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Nehushta the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem.”
2. **2 Chronicles 36:9-10** – This text provides a similar account of his reign and capture, highlighting the consequences of his rule:
– “Jehoiachin was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem. He did evil in the sight of the Lord.”
3. **Jeremiah 22:24-30** – In this passage, the prophet Jeremiah prophesies against Jehoiachin, predicting dire consequences for him and his descendants:
– “As I live, says the Lord, though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah were the signet on My right hand, yet I would pluck you off.”
4. **Ezekiel 1:2** – Jehoiachin is mentioned as part of the historical context during the time of Ezekiel’s prophecies, linking him to the circumstances faced by the exiled community:
– “In the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s captivity…”
5. **Matthew 1:12** – Jehoiachin is also included in the genealogy of Jesus, establishing his significance in the lineage of David:
– “After the exile to Babylon, Jehoiachin was the father of Shealtiel…”
After his exile, Jehoiachin eventually received a measure of favor from the Babylonian king, and he was released from prison and given a place of honor in Babylon (2 Kings 25:27-30). His story encapsulates themes of royal failure, exile, and the hope of redemption within the broader narrative of Israel’s history.