Born Mattaniah, "gift of the LORD" (2 Kings 24:17).
About
Last king of Judah, son of Josiah, born Mattaniah. The king of Babylon set him on the throne in place of Jehoiachin and changed his name to Zedekiah. He reigned eleven years, did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and would not humble himself before Jeremiah. He asked Jeremiah in secret for a word from the Lord, yet let his officials throw the prophet into a dungeon. He rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, who besieged Jerusalem until famine gripped the city. Zedekiah fled by night and was overtaken in the plains of Jericho. At Riblah his sons were killed before his eyes, and he was blinded, bound and carried to Babylon.
Relationships
FatherJosiahFather, whose third son he is called in 1 Chronicles 3
RelativeJehoiachinKinsman he replaced, nephew in 2 Kings, brother in 2 Chronicles
Advised byJeremiahProphet he consulted in secret but would not obey
Taken captive byNebuchadnezzarKing of Babylon who made him king, then took him away in fetters
Key Scripture AppearancesKJV
2 Kings 24:17
And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah his father’s brother king in his stead, and changed his name to Zedekiah.2 Kings 24:17, KJV
2 Chronicles 36:12
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD his God, and humbled not himself before Jeremiah the prophet speaking from the mouth of the LORD.2 Chronicles 36:12, KJV
Jeremiah 37:17
Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took him out: and the king asked him secretly in his house, and said, Is there any word from the LORD? And Jeremiah said, There is: for, said he, thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.Jeremiah 37:17, KJV
Jeremiah 38:5
Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand: for the king is not he that can do any thing against you.Jeremiah 38:5, KJV
2 Kings 25:7
And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon.2 Kings 25:7, KJV
See how Zedekiah connects to every other figure in Scripture.