2 Kings 24:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah his father's brother king in his stead, and changed his name to Zedekiah.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Babylon installs Mattaniah, renamed Zedekiah, as a puppet king over Judah.
What Does 2 Kings 24:17 Mean?
Babylon now sets up a ruler of its choosing. Mattaniah, the uncle of the exiled Jehoiachin, is placed on the throne, and his name is changed to Zedekiah, a sign of his subjection to the empire that crowned him. He reigns at Babylon's pleasure, not as a free king.
To rename a man was to claim authority over him. Judah's king is now a vassal, his very name given by another. Yet the name Zedekiah means 'the LORD is my righteousness,' a hidden reminder that righteousness comes from God alone. The true and righteous King was still to come, in whom that name would find its fulfillment.
2 Kings 24:17 in the Original Language
tsedeq (צֶדֶק), 'righteousness' -- rightness and justice; the root within the name Zedekiah.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Kings 24:17
What does 2 Kings 24:17 mean?
Babylon installs Mattaniah, renamed Zedekiah, as a puppet king over Judah.