דברי הימים ב, פרק ל״ו, פסוק ט׳

Jehoiachin's time on the throne is defined by its extreme brevity and the historical differences that emerge when comparing this account to the Book of Kings. A notable difference appears regarding his age when taking power. While the record here lists his age as eight, the Book of Kings states he was eighteen [מנחת שי, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

To resolve this, commentators explain that these numbers reflect different phases of his leadership. The age of eight marks the year his father, Jehoiakim, appointed him as co-regent. He did this while still alive to firmly establish the royal succession. The age of eighteen, however, represents the moment Jehoiachin assumed independent control following his father's passing [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. This early appointment was driven by Jehoiakim's political anxiety. He recalled how the people had previously bypassed him to crown his younger brother. Fearing the public might do the same after his death and choose someone else over his son, he secured Jehoiachin's position early [מצודת דוד]. Another perspective connects the age of eight to an earlier political upheaval, specifically the time when Pharaoh intervened and stripped Jehoiachin of his royal status while elevating his father to the throne [מלבי״ם].

Beyond his age, the exact length of his independent rule also varies between the accounts. The record here specifies a reign of three months and ten days, whereas the Book of Kings mentions only three months. Commentators agree that the Book of Kings simply chose to omit the ten days, offering a general timeframe rather than the precise duration detailed here [רלב״ג, מצודת דוד].

Despite holding power for such a remarkably short period, Jehoiachin's reign is remembered negatively. He is recorded as having done evil in the eyes of God, proving that even in just a few months and days, he managed to act improperly [ביאור שטיינזלץ].