Jeconiah
Overview
- Testament: Old
- Role: King of Judah carried captive to Babylon
- Family: Son of Jehoiakim; also called Jehoiachin and Coniah
- Key Books: 2 Kings, Jeremiah, Matthew
Biography
Jeconiah, also named Jehoiachin and Coniah, became king of Judah at eighteen and reigned only three months, doing evil in the sight of the LORD. Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem and carried him, his mother, his servants, and the treasures of the temple captive to Babylon. Jeremiah prophesied that none of his seed would prosper sitting on David’s throne. After thirty-seven years of imprisonment, Evil-merodach lifted up his head, freed him, and set his throne above the other captive kings.
Key Events
- Captivity of Jeconiah — Nebuchadnezzar carries the young king and the leaders of Judah to Babylon (2 Kings 24:12-16).
- Release by Evil-merodach — the king of Babylon frees Jeconiah from prison (2 Kings 25:27-30).
Relationships
- Jehoiakim — his father, king before him
- Nebuchadnezzar — who carried him captive
- Jesus Christ — his descendant in the royal genealogy (Matthew 1:11-12)
Important Verses
- Jeremiah 22:30 — “Write ye this man childless… no man of his seed shall prosper.”
- 2 Kings 25:29 — Evil-merodach changes his prison garments and sets him at his table.
Cross-References
Notes
Though cursed as to ruling, Jeconiah appears in Messiah’s legal line; the throne passes through Joseph’s legal descent while the curse is bypassed through the virgin birth.