2 Chronicles 36:5 – “Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord his God.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In 2 Chronicles 36:5, we are introduced to the reign of Jehoiakim, the king of Judah who ruled for eleven years. Unlike his father Josiah, who had sought to bring Judah back to worshiping the Lord, Jehoiakim’s reign was marked by evil and rebellion against God. The verse highlights that he “did evil in the eyes of the Lord his God,” indicating that Jehoiakim not only abandoned the godly reforms his father had implemented but actively led the nation away from God’s commandments.

The phrase “did evil in the eyes of the Lord” is a recurring description in the Bible for kings who disobeyed God’s laws and led their people into idolatry and sin. Jehoiakim’s reign is remembered as one where Judah continued its downward spiral, rejecting the prophets God sent to call them back to righteousness.

Historical Context

Jehoiakim was placed on the throne by Pharaoh Neco of Egypt after the dethronement of his brother Jehoahaz (2 Chronicles 36:4). This change in leadership already indicated that Judah was no longer fully independent but was subject to foreign influence and control. Jehoiakim’s reign began under Egyptian dominance but later shifted as Babylon, under King Nebuchadnezzar, became the dominant power in the region.

During Jehoiakim’s reign, Babylon would eventually lay siege to Jerusalem, marking the beginning of Judah’s downfall and the approach of the Babylonian exile. Jehoiakim’s rebellion against both Babylonian and divine authority contributed to the nation’s collapse. Despite numerous warnings from prophets like Jeremiah, Jehoiakim refused to repent or lead the nation back to God.

Theological Implications

Theologically, this verse reminds us of the seriousness of disobedience to God. Jehoiakim, though given the opportunity to reign as king over God’s people, chose to rebel against God’s commands and led the nation deeper into sin. His actions had far-reaching consequences, not just for himself but for the entire kingdom of Judah.

The phrase “did evil in the eyes of the Lord” points to the reality that all human actions are seen and judged by God. Jehoiakim may have been able to rule with power on an earthly level, but before God, his deeds were evil, and they led to judgment. This emphasizes that a king’s responsibility, especially over God’s people, is not just political but deeply spiritual. God holds leaders accountable for how they lead their people in relation to His commands.

Literary Analysis

In the structure of 2 Chronicles, Jehoiakim’s reign represents the continued decline of Judah. This verse is part of a larger narrative arc that shows the progressive fall of the kingdom due to the unfaithfulness of its kings and people. The brief mention that Jehoiakim “did evil in the eyes of the Lord” serves as a summary judgment of his entire reign.

Literarily, this phrase also echoes the pattern found throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles, where the deeds of each king are evaluated in terms of their faithfulness to God. Jehoiakim’s reign stands in stark contrast to that of his father Josiah, whose faithfulness was praised. The Chronicler’s focus here is not on political success or failure but on the spiritual condition of the king and the nation under his leadership.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• 2 Kings 23:36-37: This passage provides a parallel account of Jehoiakim’s reign, similarly describing his eleven years of evil in the sight of God.
• Jeremiah 22:13-19: The prophet Jeremiah specifically condemned Jehoiakim for his oppressive rule, greed, and failure to uphold justice. Jeremiah warned that Jehoiakim’s reign would end in disgrace, and he would not be mourned when he died.
• Deuteronomy 28:15-20: In this section of the law, God warns Israel of the curses that will come upon them if they disobey His commands. Jehoiakim’s reign is an example of how those curses began to unfold as Judah faced political turmoil, invasion, and ultimately exile.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, 2 Chronicles 36:5 is a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience to God. Jehoiakim had the opportunity to lead God’s people, but he chose instead to do what was evil. This serves as a warning that leadership and influence come with great responsibility, and when we stray from God’s path, there are serious consequences.

As believers, we are called to live in a way that pleases God, knowing that our actions are seen by Him. Jehoiakim’s reign shows that ignoring God’s commands leads to destruction, but faithfulness brings life and blessing. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives and leadership, asking whether we are leading others toward God or away from Him.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Even though Jehoiakim did evil, God’s love for His people did not diminish. Throughout Jehoiakim’s reign, God sent prophets like Jeremiah to warn him and the people of Judah to repent and return to God. God’s love is shown in His patience and His willingness to give the people many opportunities to turn back to Him before judgment fell.

God’s discipline, while difficult, is always motivated by His desire to bring His people back to a right relationship with Him. Though Judah faced destruction and exile because of its sin, God’s ultimate plan was to restore and redeem His people, pointing forward to the coming of Jesus Christ.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jehoiakim’s failure as a king highlights the need for a perfect King who would lead His people in righteousness. Throughout the Old Testament, we see that the kings of Judah and Israel were often unfaithful, leading the people into sin rather than toward God. This failure points forward to Jesus Christ, the King who reigns in perfect obedience to the Father and leads His people in righteousness.

Jesus came to fulfill the role of the perfect King, not only ruling with justice and righteousness but also offering Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of His people. Where Jehoiakim and other kings failed, Jesus succeeded. His kingdom is not marked by rebellion and sin but by love, grace, and truth (John 1:14). Jesus, as the Son of David, fulfills the promise of an eternal kingdom where God’s people are led by a righteous and faithful King (Luke 1:32-33).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What can we learn from Jehoiakim’s failure about the importance of obedience to God in our own leadership and daily lives?
2. How does the description that Jehoiakim “did evil in the eyes of the Lord” challenge us to examine our own actions before God?
3. In what ways do we see God’s patience and love toward His people, even when they disobey? How can we respond to God’s call to repentance in our own lives?
4. How does Jehoiakim’s failure as a king point us to the need for Jesus, the perfect King, in our lives today?
5. How can we actively lead others toward God’s truth and righteousness, rather than away from Him?

This verse serves as both a warning and an encouragement, reminding us that our actions are seen by God and that faithfulness to Him brings life and blessing. In Christ, we find the perfect example of righteous leadership and the hope of eternal life.