And the king of Egypt made Eliakim his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem, and turned his name to Jehoiakim. And Necho took Jehoahaz his brother, and carried him to Egypt.
The king of Egypt made Eliakim (Jehoahaz's brother) the new king over Judah and Jerusalem, and changed his name to Jehoiakim. Then Pharaoh Necho took Jehoahaz away with him to Egypt.
The Egyptian pharaoh removed one Jewish king and replaced him with his brother, demonstrating Egypt's control over Judah at this time.
📚 Historical Context
This occurred around 609 BC after King Josiah died in battle against Pharaoh Necho at Megiddo. The people of Judah had chosen Jehoahaz as their king, but after just three months, the victorious Egyptian pharaoh removed him and installed his brother as a puppet ruler instead. Changing the king's name from Eliakim to Jehoiakim was a common practice to show dominance and assert authority over vassal kingdoms.
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