23:32-37

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End of Judah’s independence (2Ki 23:31-37)

Pharaoh Necho now considered himself to be the controller of Judah, and would not accept the king chosen by the people of Judah.

The unfortunate Jehoahaz was thrown into prison and later taken to Egypt, where he eventually died. Necho made Jehoahaz’s older brother Jehoiakim king instead, and placed a heavy tax on Judah (2Ki 23:31-37).

It soon became clear why the people of Judah had not chosen Jehoiakim as king. He was a proud, cruel and oppressive ruler, who murdered those who opposed him and insultingly rejected the advice of God’s prophets (see 2Ki 24:4; Jer 26:20-23; 36:1-32).

In spite of the heavy taxes his country had to pay Egypt, he built himself luxurious royal buildings, forcing people to work on his selfish projects without payment (Jer 22:13-17).