King of Judah, son of Josiah, born Eliakim. After his brother Jehoahaz was deposed, Pharaoh Necho made him king in the place of Josiah and changed his name to Jehoiakim. He taxed the land to pay the tribute Pharaoh demanded. He reigned eleven years in Jerusalem and did evil in the eyes of the Lord. When a scroll of Jeremiah's words was read before him, the king burned it and ordered the prophet seized. He served Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon three years and then rebelled. 2 Kings says he slept with his fathers, and 2 Chronicles says Nebuchadnezzar bound him in fetters to carry him to Babylon. His son Jehoiachin reigned after him.
Relationships
FatherJosiahFather, in whose place Pharaoh Necho made him king
BrotherJehoahaz (Judah)Brother, carried off to Egypt when Jehoiakim was made king
SonJehoiachinSon, who reigned after him and was taken to Babylon
RivalJeremiahProphet whose scroll he burned and whose arrest he ordered
RivalNebuchadnezzarKing of Babylon he served three years, then rebelled against
Key Scripture AppearancesKJV
2 Kings 23:34
And Pharaoh-nechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoiakim, and took Jehoahaz away: and he came to Egypt, and died there.2 Kings 23:34, KJV
2 Kings 24:1
In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him.2 Kings 24:1, KJV
Jeremiah 36:23
And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth.Jeremiah 36:23, KJV
Jeremiah 22:18
Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah; They shall not lament for him, saying, Ah my brother! or, Ah sister! they shall not lament for him, saying, Ah lord! or, Ah his glory!Jeremiah 22:18, KJV
Daniel 1:2
And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.Daniel 1:2, KJV
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