What is the Blood Curse of Jeconiah? Part 2

Through the prophets Samuel and Isaiah, God promised Israel that the throne of David would be established forever. Nevertheless, Israel didn’t have a smooth ride. Because of Solomon’s disobedience, the Kingdom split in his son Rehoboam’s reign. God gave Jeroboam the Northern Kingdom, leaving Rehoboam with the remnant – Judah.

The Northern Kingdom lasted for just over 200 years, from 930 to 722 BC, and in that tumultuous time went through 10 dynasties. For a visual, see this chart. Zimri’s dynasty lasted only 7 days! The backstabbing and intrigue could inspire many a telenovela.

In contrast, David’s line survived, father to son, through every threat. Even when Queen Athaliah tried to wipe out David’s heirs after her son, King Ahaziah, died, God preserved the succession through one baby. The high priest took Joash and hid him on the Temple Mount for six years!

The Southern Kingdom continued – and continued to disobey. Finally, God brought judgment on Judah. Babylon conquered Judah. The Jews were taken captive. Jeremiah prophesied this about King Jeconiah, the last father-to-son succession:

“Thus says the LORD,

‘Write this man down childless,

A man who will not prosper in his days;

For no man of his descendants will prosper

Sitting on the throne of David

Or ruling again in Judah.’” Jeremiah 22:30

Wait, what? Is that the end of David’s line, after all?

The Southern Kingdom had one more king before Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar wiped out Jerusalem and destroyed the temple. Nebuchadnezzar made Zedekiah, Jeconiah’s uncle, a vassal king. So David’s line could continue through Zedekiah, right?

Not so fast. In due time, Zedekiah rebelled, too. Shocker, right? In 586 BC, Nebuchadnezzar blinded Zedekiah and took him in chains to Babylon. And what was the last thing Zedekiah saw? His sons being slaughtered. See 2 Kings 24 and 25 and 2 Chronicles 36.

How could God keep his promise that the throne of David would be established forever? The prophet Jeremiah wasn’t worried.

In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch of David to spring forth; and He shall execute justice and righteousness on the earth.

-Jeremiah 33:15 NASB

Stay tuned for an ancestry.com dumpster fire.