1. In the time of Jehoiakim, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to the country of Judah. Jehoiakim served Nebuchadnezzar for three years. Then Jehoiakim turned against Nebuchadnezzar and broke away from his rule.
2. The Lord sent groups of Babylonians, Arameans, Moabites, and Ammonites to fight against Jehoiakim. He sent them to destroy Judah. This happened just as the Lord had said. He used his servants the prophets to say those things.
3. The Lord commanded this to happen to Judah. In this way he would remove them from his sight. He did this because of all the sins that Manasseh committed.
4. He did this because Manasseh killed many innocent people and filled Jerusalem with their blood. The Lord would not forgive these sins.
5. The other things that Jehoiakim did are written in the book, The History of the Kings of Judah.
6. Jehoiakim died and was buried with his ancestors. His son Jehoiachin became the new king after him.
7. The king of Babylon captured all the land between the Brook of Egypt and the Euphrates River. This land was previously controlled by Egypt. So the king of Egypt did not leave Egypt anymore.
8. Jehoiachin was 18 years old when he began to rule. He ruled three months in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Nehushta daughter of Elnathan from Jerusalem.
9. Jehoiachin did what the Lord said was wrong. He did all the same things that his father had done.
10. At that time the officers of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and surrounded it.
11. Then King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to the city.
12. King Jehoiachin of Judah went out to meet the king of Babylon. His mother, his officers, leaders, and officials also went with him. Then the king of Babylon captured Jehoiachin. This was during the eighth year of Nebuchadnezzar’s rule.