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The Reign of Jehoiakim
It was the waning days of the nation of Judah. Their last
great king, Josiah, was dead. In his place his son,
Jehoiakim began to reign. Read II Kings 23:36-37. “Jehoiakim
was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he
reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was
Zebudah the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah. And he did evil in
the sight of the Lord, according to all that his fathers had
done.” NKJV Our aim is to see what evil he practiced and to
see what we can learn from his life.
Body:
I.
His reign was characterized by extortion, oppression of the
poor, dishonesty, and injustice.
(Jeremiah
22:13-17)
King Jehoiakim built lavish mansions. He was concerned more
about meeting his own selfish desires than helping those in
need. Lesson: Our responsibility is cited in
James 1:27.
“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is
this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to
keep oneself unspotted from the world.” Be involved in
promoting justice.
II.
His reign was characterized by threatening and killing
prophets who spoke the truth.
(Jeremiah
26:2-5, 12-15)
He also killed Uriah, the prophet. Recall Paul’s words of
Galatians 4:16.
“Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the
truth?”
III.
His reign was characterized by a disregard for God’s Word.
Jeremiah was commanded by God to write his prophecies on a
scroll. The scroll was of papyrus or parchment. (Jeremiah
36:2)
The chain of inspiration was from God’s mouth to Jeremiah’s
mouth to Baruch’s transcription. (Jeremiah
36:4-6)
It was still the Word of the Lord! The scroll was read to
the people. The princes and King Jehoiakim heard the reading
of it by Jehudi. The king wanted to see the scroll for
himself. (Jeremiah
36:21-23)
Jehoiakim’s reaction to God’s Word was not to repent but
rather to destroy the scroll. A new scroll was made. (Jeremiah
36:27-32)
·
God’s Word is truth whether we accept it or not. (John
17:17)
We can’t “cut out” portions that we don’t like. (Revelation
22:18-19)
·
God’s Word is eternal. (Isaiah
40:8)
·
God’s Word is powerful. (Hebrews
4:12)
Conclusion:
Tragic was the end of Jehoiakim. The Lord says that they
shall not lament him. (Jeremiah
22:18-19)
Note:
II Thessalonians 1:6-10
Bobby Stafford
October 13, 2013
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