Zidkijah is a figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the prophetic ministry of Jeremiah. He is identified as one of the princes of Judah during the reign of King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile. Zidkijah's role is primarily noted in the book of Jeremiah, where he is depicted as an adversary to the prophet.

Biblical References:

1. Jeremiah 38:1-6 : Zidkijah is mentioned among the officials who opposed Jeremiah. Along with Shephatiah son of Mattan, Gedaliah son of Pashhur, and Jucal son of Shelemiah, Zidkijah heard the words that Jeremiah was speaking to all the people, warning them of the impending Babylonian conquest and urging them to surrender to the Babylonians to save their lives. The officials, including Zidkijah, were angered by Jeremiah's message, perceiving it as demoralizing to the people and the soldiers. They approached King Zedekiah, demanding that Jeremiah be put to death for his prophecies. The king, unable to resist their pressure, allowed them to take Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern of Malchiah, where he sank into the mud.

2. Jeremiah 38:7-13 : Despite Zidkijah's actions, the narrative continues with Ebed-Melech, an Ethiopian eunuch in the king's house, who intervenes to rescue Jeremiah from the cistern. Ebed-Melech's plea to King Zedekiah highlights the injustice of the officials' actions, and the king orders Jeremiah's release. This episode underscores the tension between the prophetic message of Jeremiah and the political and social pressures faced by the leaders of Judah, including Zidkijah.

Historical and Theological Context:

Zidkijah's opposition to Jeremiah can be understood within the broader context of the political turmoil and spiritual decline of Judah during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC. The kingdom was under significant threat from the Babylonian Empire, and the leaders were divided on how to respond. Jeremiah's call for surrender was seen as treasonous by many, including Zidkijah, who were likely hoping for a different outcome, possibly through alliances or divine intervention.

From a theological perspective, Zidkijah's actions reflect the broader theme of resistance to God's prophetic word, a recurring motif in the Old Testament. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of ignoring divine warnings and the importance of heeding God's messengers, even when their messages are difficult to accept.

Character Analysis:

Zidkijah, as portrayed in the book of Jeremiah, represents the political and spiritual leadership that struggled to navigate the challenges facing Judah. His opposition to Jeremiah highlights the conflict between human plans and divine purposes. While Zidkijah and his fellow officials sought to maintain control and morale, their actions ultimately contributed to the fulfillment of the very prophecies they sought to suppress.

In summary, Zidkijah's role in the biblical narrative is a testament to the complexities of leadership in times of crisis and the enduring tension between human authority and divine revelation. His account serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning with God's will, even when it contradicts personal or national ambitions.Zidkijah

justice of the Lord

Zidkijah

(justice of Jehovah) a priest or family of priests who signed the covenant with Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 10:1) (B.C. 410.)

The Lord is righteous, one who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah (Nehemiah 10:1). ZID-KIJAH

zid-ki'-ja.

See ZEDEKIAH, 5.

6667. Tsidqiyyahu -- "Yah is righteousness," six Israelites
... Zedekiah, Zidkijah. Or Tsidqiyahuw {tsid-kee-yaw'-hoo}; from tsedeq and Yahh; right
of Jah; Tsidkijah, the name of six Israelites -- Zedekiah, Zidkijah. ...
/hebrew/6667.htm - 6kZidkijah (1 Occurrence)
...Zidkijah (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 10:1 Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah, the
Tirshatha, the son of Hachaliah, and Zidkijah, (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/z/zidkijah.htm - 7k

Zideon (1 Occurrence)

/z/zideon.htm - 6k

Zid-kijah
Zid-kijah. Zidkijah, Zid-kijah. Zidon . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ZID-KIJAH. zid-ki'-ja. See ZEDEKIAH, 5. Zidkijah, Zid-kijah. Zidon . Reference ...
/z/zid-kijah.htm - 6k

Tirshatha (5 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS BBE DBY WBS YLT). Nehemiah 10:1 Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah, the
Tirshatha, the son of Hachaliah, and Zidkijah, (KJV JPS BBE DBY WBS YLT). ...
/t/tirshatha.htm - 10k

Hachaliah (2 Occurrences)
... YLT). Nehemiah 10:1 Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah, the Tirshatha,
the son of Hachaliah, and Zidkijah, (KJV JPS DBY WBS YLT). ...
/h/hachaliah.htm - 7k

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