Jeconiah Biblical Old Testament character Date of Birth: . Country: Dive

1. Jehoiachin: The Last King of Judah
2. Babylonian Captivity
3. Records and Recognition
4. Imprisonment and Release
5. Legacy and Descendants

Jehoiachin: The Last King of Judah

Jehoiachin, the penultimate king of Judah, reigned for a mere 3 months and 10 days (2 Kings 24:8). Ascending to the throne at the age of 18 amidst a rebellion against Babylonia, he surrendered Jerusalem to the invading Babylonian forces in 598/97 BCE.

Babylonian Captivity

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon exiled Jehoiachin, his family, entourage, and 10,000 skilled Jewish captives to Babylonia (2 Kings 24:12). He installed Jehoiachin's uncle, Zedekiah, as the new king of Judah.

Records and Recognition

Babylonian palace records document Jehoiachin as a "king of Judah," indicating his status as a captive ruler. He received a monthly food ration from 597 to 560 BCE.

Imprisonment and Release

Jehoiachin endured 37 years of imprisonment before being released and granted an honorable position at the Babylonian court. He lived out his life in Babylon.

Legacy and Descendants

Jehoiachin's family became leaders of the Jewish exiles in Babylonia. His descendants played a pivotal role in the return to their homeland in 538 BCE, under the patronage of the Persian king Cyrus.