Jehoiakim was twenty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Zebudah, the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah.
Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he ruled in Jerusalem for eleven years. His mother's name was Zebudah, and she was the daughter of Pedaiah from the town of Rumah.
This verse introduces King Jehoiakim, telling us his age when he started ruling, how long he reigned, and his family background.
📚 Historical Context
Jehoiakim became king of Judah around 609 BC after Pharaoh Necho of Egypt removed his brother Jehoahaz from the throne and installed him instead. This was during a turbulent time when Judah was caught between the rising Babylonian Empire and Egypt, often serving as a vassal state. Jehoiakim's reign would ultimately lead to increased conflict with Babylon and move Judah closer to its eventual destruction and exile.
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