In what ways can we avoid repeating Jehoiakim's mistakes today?
Setting the Scene: Jehoiakim’s Troubled Reign
•2 Chronicles 36:8 briefly summarizes Jehoiakim’s legacy: “the detestable things he did and all the evil found against him”.
• His rule (609–598 BC) was marked by rebellion against God, oppression of people, and stubborn refusal to heed prophetic warnings (see2 Kings 23:36–24:5;Jeremiah 22–26).
Jehoiakim’s Core Mistakes• Disregarded God’s Word. When Jeremiah’s scroll was read, “the king cut them off with a scribe’s knife and threw them into the fire” (Jeremiah 36:23).
• Pursued selfish gain. “Your eyes and your heart are set only on dishonest gain” (Jeremiah 22:17).
• Exploited the vulnerable. He taxed and conscripted labor without pay (Jeremiah 22:13).
• Trusted political maneuvering over covenant faithfulness, toggling between Egypt and Babylon.
• Hardened his heart—no repentance, no humility.
Timeless Principles to Avoid His Path1. Cherish Scripture as absolute truth. “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable” (2 Timothy 3:16).
2. Practice humble obedience. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).
3. Seek justice and mercy. “He has shown you, O man, what is good…” (Micah 6:8).
4. Listen to godly counsel; silence toward correction breeds disaster (Proverbs 15:31).
5. Depend on the Lord, not shifting alliances or self-made security (Psalm 20:7).
Practical Steps for Today• Daily intake of the Word—read, meditate, apply. “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).
• Quick confession and repentance. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive” (1 John 1:9).
• Ethical integrity in work and leadership—fair wages, honest dealings, transparent motives.
• Active compassion. “Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor” faces divine disfavor (Proverbs 21:13).
• Cultivate humility through prayer, fasting, and accountability; pride blinds, humility opens eyes.
• Align decisions with God’s revealed will rather than expedient culture-driven choices.
Encouragement: The Faithful King We FollowJehoiakim failed, but Christ reigns flawlessly. By yielding to Jesus—the true King who loved, served, and sacrificed—we receive power to walk a different path, honoring God, blessing others, and steering clear of Jehoiakim’s tragic example.
