2 Kings 23:34-37 - Exposition

ACCESSION AND EARLY YEARS OF JEHOIAKIM . Pharaoh-Nechoh, when he deposed Jehoahaz, at once supplied his place by another king. He had no intention of altering the governmental system of Palestine, or of ruling his conquests in any other way than through dependent monarchs. His choice fell on Josiah's eldest surviving son ( 1 Chronicles 3:15 ), Eliakim, who was the natural successor of his father. Eliakim, on ascending the throne, changed his name, as Jehoahaz appears to have done (see the comment on 2 Kings 23:31 ), and reigned as Jehoiakim. For three years he continued a submissive vassal of the Egyptian monarch, and remitted him his tribute regularly ( 2 Kings 23:36 ). But his rule was in all respects an evil one. He "did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord" ( 2 Kings 23:37 ). He leant towards idolatry ( 2 Chronicles 36:8 ); he was oppressive and irreligious (Josephus, 'Ant. Jud.' 10.5. § 2); he "shed innocent blood" ( Jeremiah 22:17 ); he was luxurious ( Jeremiah 22:14 , Jeremiah 22:15 ), covetous ( Jeremiah 22:17 ), and tyrannical ( Ezekiel 19:6 ).