How did Jehoiakim initially serve as a vassal to Nebuchadnezzar, and why did he later rebel against Babylonian authority?
How Did Jehoiakim Serve Babylon—and Why Did He Rebel? The reign of Jehoiakim (609–598 BCE) unfolded during one of the most turbulent periods in ancient Near Eastern history. As global powers shifted, the small kingdom of Judah found itself caught between mighty empires—particularly Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon and the influence…