2 Kings 25:27-30·~1 min
Jehoiachin Released from Prison
Evil-merodach releases Jehoiachin, speaks kindly to him, and gives him honor above other captive kings. Jehoiachin lives thereafter at the king’s table with a daily provision.
O27n the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month of the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Judah’s King Jehoiachin, in the year Evil-merodach became king of Babylon, he released King Jehoiachin of Judah from prison. 28And he spoke kindly to Jehoiachin and set his throne above the thrones of the other kings who were with him in Babylon. 29So Jehoiachin changed out of his prison clothes, and he dined regularly at the king’s table for the rest of his life. 30And the king provided Jehoiachin a daily portion for the rest of his life.
Section summaryIn Babylon, Jehoiachin is released from prison, spoken to kindly, and raised above other captive kings. He exchanges prison clothes for a place at the king’s table and receives a daily portion for the rest of his life.
Role in the chapterThis closing section gives the book a quiet, unexpected ending. After the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of Judah, the lifted condition of David’s captive king leaves a small but real sign that the royal line has not disappeared.