MPV Commentary

Jehoiakim, Reigning Ill, Is Carried into Babylon.

5. Jehoiakim did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. He followed the course of his idolatrous predecessors, and the people, who were largely opposed to Josiah's reforming policies, took advantage of the lax administration that allowed them to return to their sinful ways. His character is vividly portrayed in Jeremiah's prophecy (Jeremiah 22:13-19). As the deputy of the king of Egypt, Jehoiakim departed from his father's principles and exploited his subjects to meet the insatiable demands of his master, plunging into all manner of evil.

6. Against him came Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. This refers to Nebuchadnezzar's first expedition against Palestine during the lifetime of his father Nabopolassar. Nebuchadnezzar defeated the Egyptian invaders at Carchemish and drove them out of Asia, reducing all the provinces west of the Euphrates to obedience, including Jehoiakim's kingdom. Jehoiakim became a vassal of the Assyrian empire (2 Kings 24:1). However, after three years, he threw off the yoke, likely instigated by the king of Egypt, who planned another expedition against Carchemish. But Nebuchadnezzar completely vanquished Jehoiakim and stripped him of all his possessions between the Euphrates and the Nile (2 Kings 24:7). Then, marching against the Egyptian's ally in Judah, he took Jerusalem, seized a portion of the sacred temple vessels, and deposited them in the temple of his god Belus at Babylon (Daniel 1:2; 5:2). Although Jehoiakim was initially taken prisoner, he was allowed to remain in his tributary kingdom. However, after committing another offense, Jerusalem was besieged by a host of Assyrian dependents. In a sally against them, Jehoiakim was killed (see 2 Kings 24:2-7; also Jeremiah 22:18, 19; 36:30).

9, 10. Jehoiachin was eight years old when he became king, also known as Jeconiah or Coniah (Jeremiah 22:24). His reign lasted only a short time, but his appointment by the people angered Nebuchadnezzar, who came against Jerusalem in person at the end of the year (2 Chronicles 36:10), captured the city, and sent Jehoiachin to Babylon in chains. He also removed all the nobles and skilled artisans and pillaged the remaining treasures from both the temple and palace (see 2 Kings 24:8-17).