2 Kings 24:18

Zedekiah Reigns in Judah

18 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah. ¹

2 Kings 24:18 Meaning and Commentary

Ver. 18-20. Zedekiah was twenty years old when he began to reign,
&c.] So that he was but between nine and ten years of age when his father Josiah died; for Jehoahaz reigned three months, Jehoiakim eleven years, and his son three months and ten days:

and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was
Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah;
by which it appears that he was the brother of Jehoahaz by father and mother's side, ( 2 Kings 23:31 ) . This and the two following verses are expressed in the same words as in ( Jeremiah 52:1-3 ) , (See Gill on Jeremiah 52:1), (See Gill on Jeremiah 52:2), (See Gill on Jeremiah 52:3), in ( 2 Chronicles 36:10 2 Chronicles 36:13 ) , besides what is here said, is written, that he humbled not himself before Jeremiah the prophet of the Lord, that spoke in his name, but opposed him; and rebelling against the king of Babylon, broke his oath, and hardened his neck and heart against the Lord, and was obstinate, stubborn, and self-willed.

2 Kings 24:18 In-Context

16 The king of Babylon also brought into exile to Babylon all seven thousand men of valor and a thousand craftsmen and metalsmiths—all strong and fit for battle.

17 Then the king of Babylon made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, king in his place and changed his name to Zedekiah.

18 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah.

19 And Zedekiah did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as Jehoiakim had done.

20 For because of the anger of the LORD, all this happened in Jerusalem and Judah, until He finally banished them from His presence. And Zedekiah also rebelled against the king of Babylon.

Cross References

• 1. (2 Chronicles 36:11–14; Jeremiah 52:1–3)