2Ch 36:1-4 | KingComments | STEP | In this chapter we first find the reign of three sons and a grandson of Josiah who are successively king of Judah. They all have double names: 1. Joahaz/Jehoahaz (or Shallum, ), son of Josiah, ; 2. Jehoiakim (or Eliakim), son of Josiah, ; 3. Jehoiachin (or Jeconiah or Coniah, ), son of Jehoiakim, ; 4. Zedekiah (or Mattaniah), son of Josiah, . The description of their reign is brief. It is as if the chronicler is in a hurry to come to the end, in order to point out a new perspective. During the reign of Zedekiah the destruction of Jerusalem takes place ( ). God’s patience with His people has ended. However, this is not the end of the book. In the last two verses the writer points to a new beginning. God allows through Cyrus the possibility that the Jews who were carried away into exile can return to Jerusalem ( ). After the death of Josiah the people take the initiative and choose a successor ( ). This is not the eldest son, Jehoiakim, but a younger son, Shallum, who takes the name Joahaz. He reigns for only three months ( ). He reigns that short period of time by the grace of the king of Egypt, who deposes him after three months ( ). Here we see the result of Josiah’s failure by interfering in a battle of the king of Egypt ( ). Josiah interfered with Egypt and was overwhelmed by it. The king of Egypt also imposes a heavy fine on the land that must be paid by all the people ( ). As a result, the whole population feels the yoke of domination. This must have been a huge difference with the favors they enjoyed under Josiah. Now the king of Egypt decides who becomes king ( ) and not the people of the land ( ). The power of the king of Egypt is also shown by the fact that he gives another name to Eliakim he made king (cf. ). It seems that Joahaz has caused the displeasure of the king of Egypt, because he is taken to Egypt. There he also died ( ).

‏ 2 Chronicles 36:1-4

Introduction

In this chapter we first find the reign of three sons and a grandson of Josiah who are successively king of Judah. They all have double names:

1. Joahaz/Jehoahaz (or Shallum, 1Chr 3:15-16), son of Josiah, 2Chr 36:1-4;

2. Jehoiakim (or Eliakim), son of Josiah, 2Chr 36:5-8;

3. Jehoiachin (or Jeconiah or Coniah, Jer 22:24 ; 28 ; Jer 24:1 ; Jer 37:1), son of Jehoiakim, 2Chr 36:9-10;

4. Zedekiah (or Mattaniah), son of Josiah, 2Chr 36:11-16.

The description of their reign is brief. It is as if the chronicler is in a hurry to come to the end, in order to point out a new perspective.

During the reign of Zedekiah the destruction of Jerusalem takes place (2Chr 36:17-21). God’s patience with His people has ended.

However, this is not the end of the book. In the last two verses the writer points to a new beginning. God allows through Cyrus the possibility that the Jews who were carried away into exile can return to Jerusalem (2Chr 36:22-23).

Joahaz King of Judah

After the death of Josiah the people take the initiative and choose a successor (2Chr 36:1). This is not the eldest son, Jehoiakim, but a younger son, Shallum, who takes the name Joahaz. He reigns for only three months (2Chr 36:2). He reigns that short period of time by the grace of the king of Egypt, who deposes him after three months (2Chr 36:3). Here we see the result of Josiah’s failure by interfering in a battle of the king of Egypt (2Chr 35:20-24). Josiah interfered with Egypt and was overwhelmed by it.

The king of Egypt also imposes a heavy fine on the land that must be paid by all the people (2Kgs 23:35). As a result, the whole population feels the yoke of domination. This must have been a huge difference with the favors they enjoyed under Josiah.

Now the king of Egypt decides who becomes king (2Chr 36:4) and not the people of the land (2Chr 36:1). The power of the king of Egypt is also shown by the fact that he gives another name to Eliakim he made king (cf. Dan 1:7). It seems that Joahaz has caused the displeasure of the king of Egypt, because he is taken to Egypt. There he also died (Jer 22:10-12).