II Chronicles 36:8 · Bible study
2 Chronicles 36:8 Commentary: Jehoiakim's Abominations
Hebrew · 7 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why does 2 Chronicles 36:8 vaguely refer to Jehoiakim's 'abominations' and 'what was found in him'? Understand its meaning and historical context.
Research Summary
- Meaning: A verdict on Jehoiakim's reign, highlighting idolatry and hidden sin, with succession continuing despite judgment.
- Key words: H8441 'abominations' (ritual/ethical detestable); H4672 'found' (exposed); the phrase 'that which was found in him' signals secret sin brought to light.
- Main debate: What does 'found in him' denote? Idolatry (Barnes, Cambridge) or political rebellion against Babylon (Wesley)?
- Theological theme: God sees and judges hidden sin, yet the Davidic line continues by grace.
- Best use: A sobering reminder that God's record is complete and that repentance is urgent; also a witness to the Chronicler's theological shaping of history.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
As for the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, the abominations he committed, and all that was found against him, they are indeed written in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah. And his son Jehoiachin reigned in his place.
WEB World English Bible 2000
Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and his abominations which he did, and that which was found in him, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah; and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his place.
KJV King James Version 1769
Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and his abominations which he did, and that which was found in him, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and his abominations which he did, and that which was found in him, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
And the rest of the matters of Jehoiakim, and his abominations that he hath done, and that which is found against him, lo, they are written on the book of the kings of Israel and Judah, and reign doth Jehoiachin his son in his stead.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
And the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and his abominations which he did, and that which was found in him, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. And Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
But the rest of the acts of Joakim, and his abominations, which he wrought, and the things that were found in him, are contained in the book of the kings of Juda and Israel. And Joachin his son reigned in his stead.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Lo demás de los hechos de Joacim, y las abominaciones que hizo, y lo que en él se halló, he aquí está escrito en el libro de los reyes de Israel y de Judá: y reinó en su lugar Joachîn su hijo.
Os demais dos feitos de Jeoaquim, e as abominações que fez, e o que nele se achou, eis que estão escritos no livro dos reis de Israel e de Judá: e reinou em seu lugar Joaquim seu filho.
Le reste des actions de Jojakim, les abominations qu’ il commit, et ce qui se trouvait en lui, cela est écrit dans le livre des rois d’ Israël et de Juda. Et Jojakin, son fils, régna à sa place.
Was aber mehr von Jojakim zu sagen ist und seine Greuel, die er tat und die an ihm gefunden wurden, siehe, die sind geschrieben im Buch der Könige Israels und Juda' s. Und sein Sohn Jojachin ward König an seiner Statt.
Het overige nu van de geschiedenissen van Jojakim, en zijn gruwelen, die hij deed, en wat aan hem gevonden werd, ziet, dat is geschreven in het boek der koningen van Israel en Juda; en Jojachin, zijn zoon, werd koning in zijn plaats.
Il rimanente delle azioni di Joiakim, le abominazioni che commise e tutto quello di cui si rese colpevole, sono cose scritte nel libro dei re d’Israele e di Giuda. E Joiakin, suo figliuolo, regnò in luogo suo.
A ostatek spraw Joakimowych, i obrzydłości jego, które czynił, i cokolwiek się znajdowało przy nim, to zapisane w księgach królów Izraelskich i Judzkich. A królował Joachyn, syn jego, miasto niego.
Прочие дела Иоакима и мерзости его, какие он делал и какие найдены в нем, описаны в книге царей Израильских и Иудейских. [И почил Иоаким с отцами своими, и погребен был в Ганозане с отцами своими.] И воцарился Иехония, сын его, вместо него.
約雅敬 其餘 的事 和他所 行 可憎的事，並他 一切的行為，都 寫 在 以色列 和猶大 列王 記上。他兒子 約雅斤 接續他 作王。
Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim and the disgusting things he did, and all there is to be said against him, are recorded in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah; and Jehoiachin his son became king in his place.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · II Chronicles 36:8
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that this verse delivers a final, negative verdict on Jehoiakim's reign, deliberately omitting specifics and referring readers to the royal annals for details. Barnes notes that the 'abominations' signal the restoration of the idolatries Josiah had swept away. Cambridge and Wesley both interpret 'that which was found in him' as sin, either idolatry or rebellion against Babylon. Keil and Delitzsch highlight that the Chronicler does not mention Jehoiakim's deportation because he remained a vassal king until his death, and the succession formula shows normal dynastic continuity. The verse functions as a theological summary: Jehoiakim's evil is recorded, his hidden sin exposed, and judgment is implicit.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Idolatry and apostasy: The word 'abominations' typically refers to idolatrous rites; Barnes cites Jer 7:9, 30-31 showing Jehoiakim restored Baal worship and child sacrifice. Cambridge interprets 'found in him' as sin in context of idolatry.
- Political rebellion against Babylon: Wesley says 'found in him' refers to Jehoiakim's secret rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar, which later came to light and brought judgment.
- General hidden sin (comprehensive): Keil & Delitzsch discuss that the phrase 'that which was found on him' includes all evil deeds recorded in the book of Kings, not limiting it to one category.
What is clear: The verse delivers a negative verdict on Jehoiakim, emphasizing that his sins were both known to God and eventually exposed, and that his son succeeded him as king.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of 'abominations' | All traditions see this as referring to idolatrous practices that are detestable to God and covenant-breaking. | Some stress child sacrifice and Baal worship (Barnes citing Jeremiah); others emphasize that the term covers any gross sin (Keil & Delitzsch). |
| Meaning of 'that which was found in him' | It denotes sin that was previously hidden and later exposed. | Wesley interprets this as rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar; Cambridge and Barnes see it as general wickedness (idolatry and violence). |
| Purpose of the verse's brevity | The Chronicler is summarizing and referring to other sources for detail. | Some say he avoids giving Jehoiakim more attention because the story is well known (Matthew Henry); others see it as a literary choice to move quickly toward the exile (Keil & Delitzsch). |
| The succession to Jehoiachin | The formula shows that the Davidic dynasty continued even in judgment. | Does this imply grace (God preserving the line) or merely report history without comment? Keil & Delitzsch argue it follows the standard chronicler formula, while others see theological significance in the continuation. |
Historical & Cultural Context
Jehoiakim was placed on the throne by Pharaoh Neco of Egypt, who changed his name from Eliakim (2 Chr 36:4). He ruled eleven years in Jerusalem, doing evil in Yahweh's sight (v.5). His reign saw the rising power of Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar. In the fourth year of Jehoiakim's reign (about 606 BC), Nebuchadnezzar invaded, bound the king in fetters, and apparently intended to deport him (v.6). Yet Jehoiakim remained in place as a vassal, paying tribute. The Chronicler's phrase 'abominations' (H8441, used for ritual detestability and idolatry) suggests that Jehoiakim reversed his father Josiah's reforms, reintroducing Baal worship and child sacrifice (see Jer 7:9, 30-31; Jer 19:3-13). 'That which was found in him' likely refers to hidden sin exposed, perhaps his secret rebellion against Babylon (Wesley) or his concealed idolatries that eventually came to light. The verse closes with the succession of his son Jehoiachin, who reigned only three months before being taken to Babylon. The Chronicler, writing after the exile, uses this terse summary to explain why God's judgment fell: a king who outwardly submitted to Babylon but inwardly harbored rebellion and idolatry.
Textual Notes
The supplied sources note no significant textual variants for this verse. The parallel in 2 Kings 24:5-6 uses similar phrasing, and the Chronicler appears to be drawing from the same tradition without major scribal differences.
Reception History
Early Jewish tradition read this verse as part of the Chronicler's judgment on kings who led Israel into sin, emphasizing that hidden deeds are recorded in heaven. The Geneva Bible notes (1599) saw Jehoiakim as a cautionary example of a ruler who provoked God's wrath. Matthew Henry (1710) used the passage to show how God 'lays up' sins and brings them to account. In modern scholarship, Keil & Delitzsch and others examine how the Chronicler selects and shapes his sources to make theological points about the exile. Across eras, this verse has been cited to warn against secret sin and to affirm that God's covenant purposes persist even through unworthy kings.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Hidden sin finds the light. 'That which was found in him' (v.8) shows that sins kept secret, whether idolatry, rebellion, or injustice, are eventually exposed by God. Nothing escapes His sight.
- Idolatry is never innocent. The word 'abominations' (H8441) points to practices that God calls detestable. Jehoiakim restored the very idols his father Josiah destroyed, choosing spiritual adultery over covenant loyalty.
- Legacy is shaped by obedience, not power. Jehoiakim's son reigned only weeks before exile. A king who rejected God left a broken inheritance. Our choices echo into the next generation.
Five-point outline
- God sees the full record of every life (v.8a: 'the rest of the acts... his abominations').
- Abominations flow from a heart that refuses to humble itself (v.12 shows Zedekiah's similar failure).
- Hidden sin is 'found', exposed by circumstances or by God's direct judgment (v.8b).
- The Chronicler points beyond his book to historical sources: God's judgment is based on real, public facts.
- Even in judgment, the Davidic line continues (Jehoiachin reigns), a thread of grace winding through failure.
Illustration hooks
- A company's CEO who appears successful but has hidden debts and fraud, eventually the books are opened and everything comes out.
- A teenager who hides a failing grade from parents, but report card day forces the truth into the open. The exposure is painful but necessary.
Questions your congregation is asking
- If God forgives sin, why does the Bible record so many detailed judgments?
- How can I know if I have hidden sins that God will expose?
- What does the Chronicler's brevity say about his purpose in writing?
Leading a Discussion
This verse is a brief but heavy verdict on King Jehoiakim. The Chronicler could have expanded on his idolatries and rebellions, but he chooses to mention 'abominations' and 'that which was found in him' without detail, then points to another source. What does this tell us about the way the Chronicler tells Israel's story, and about God's view of hidden sin?
Discussion questions
- Read 2 Chronicles 36:5-8. What do we learn about Jehoiakim from these verses? What is missing from the account?
- The word 'abominations' (H8441) is used elsewhere for idolatry and unclean practices. Based on Jeremiah 7:9, 30-31, what specific sins might the Chronicler have in mind?
- What does 'that which was found in him' mean? Compare the interpretations: Wesley (rebellion against Babylon) and Cambridge (sin in general). Which fits the context better, and why?
- Why does the Chronicler include the succession formula 'Jehoiachin his son reigned in his place' right after a list of sin? What does that teach about God's covenant with David?
- How does this verse function in the larger story of 2 Chronicles, from Josiah's reform to the exile? What lesson was the Chronicler trying to teach his post-exilic audience?
- What 'abominations' might we tolerate in our own lives that need to be exposed and removed? How does the community of faith help with that?
- How does knowing that God sees everything, including what is hidden, lead you to repentance rather than fear?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| II Kings 24:5 | Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and all that he did, aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? |
| II Kings 24:6 | So Jehoiakim slept with his fathers, and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his place. |
| I Chronicles 3:16 | The sons of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, and Zedekiah his son. |
| I Chronicles 3:17 | The sons of Jeconiah, the captive: Shealtiel his son, |
| Jeremiah 22:24 | “As I live,” says Yahweh, “though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah were the signet on my right hand, I would still pluck you from there. |
| Jeremiah 22:28 | Is this man Coniah a despised broken vessel? Is he a vessel in which no one delights? Why are they cast out, he and his offspring, and cast into a land which they don’t know? |
| Matthew 1:11 | Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon. |
| Matthew 1:12 | After the exile to Babylon, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel. Shealtiel became the father of Zerubbabel. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
6 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes notes that the abominations referenced are the idolatrous practices King Jehoiakim brought back after his father Josiah had removed them. The passage points to a deliberate reversal: what Josiah swept away, his son restored in full.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
that which was found in him ] i.e. his sin (in this context); cp. 1 Ki_14:13 .
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva Notes point out that the verse directs readers to a separate historical record, the book of the Kings of Israel and Judah, for fuller details on Jehoiakim's abominations and the judgment found upon him. The note also simply records that his son Jehoiachin succeeded him as king.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch argues that Nebuchadnezzar did not actually deport King Jehoiakim to Babylon. He was bound in fetters but remained in Jerusalem as a vassal ruler until his death. The chronicler's standard succession formula confirms this, and the Hebrew infinitive must not be misread as a completed action.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry sees the gradual destruction of Judah as a deliberate act of divine patience. God brings judgment step by step to show He takes no pleasure in punishing sinners, giving them both time and reason to repent while He waits to be gracious.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley observes that the person concealed the crime of rebellion against Babylon in his own heart, keeping it hidden for a time. But when he chose to reveal it, he was exposed and convicted of the offense. The emphasis falls on the internal concealment that eventually gave way to discovery and judgment.