How old was Jehoiachin when he became king of Jerusalem?

Question

How old was Jehoiachin when he became king of Jerusalem?

(a) Eighteen (2 Kings 24:8)

(b) Eight (2 Chronicles 36:9)

A rational explanation in good faith would be appreciated and if logical would be chosen as best answer...
Just clearifying,no hate question...

Answer 1

The correct age of Jehoiachin was 18, not 8. Obviously, Jehoiachin was 18 when he began his rule since it says he did evil in the sight of the Lord, which suggests maturity and responsibility.

The discrepancy in ages is probably due to a copyist error. We can see that the difference in ages is 10 years. The system of number notation used by the Jews at the time of Ezra consisted of horizontal hooks that represented values of ten. If one or both of the hooks were smudged or flaked off of a papyri, then the dates would be off by values of 10 years.

Does this mean the Bible is not trustworthy? Not at all. Inspiration is ascribed to the original writings and not to the copies. Scribes made errors. However, the errors were very infrequent and from other information in the Bible, we can easily ascertain what the correct age is.

Another possible explanation is that the difference of 10 years from the two different texts could be that he began to rule with his father at the age of eight but did not take complete control until the age of 18, a 10-year difference.

Answer 2

He was 18 and only ruled a little over 3 months when he was sent into exile in Babylon.

Answer 3

Both of the accounts you cite say he was eighteen. 2 Chronicles does not say eight. Are you reading something else, perhaps?


Hannah J Paul