Jehoiakim

The eighteenth king of Judah, who ruled from 609 to 598 BC. He became king when his brother was taken captive by Pharaoh Neco, the ruler of Egypt. Neco made Jehoiakim king of Judah and told him what to do. Jehoiakim had to tax the people very heavily and give the money to Neco. Jehoiakim treated the prophet Jeremiah very cruelly because Jeremiah prophesied that Babylon would conquer Judah. This prophecy came true. The Babylonians captured most of Israel, and Jehoiakim had to take orders from King Nebuchadnezzar. Later, Jehoiakim tried to rebel against Nebuchadnezzar but was taken captive and killed.