Jehoiachin ascended to the throne at the young age of eighteen, but his reign was notably short, lasting only three months and ten days. Despite the brevity of his rule, he managed to do what was considered evil in the sight of the LORD. This highlights a recurring biblical theme where the character and actions of a leader are of utmost importance, regardless of the duration of their leadership. Jehoiachin's story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of straying from God's ways, emphasizing that every decision, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, can have lasting effects.
The passage also underscores the idea that age does not exempt one from the responsibility of making righteous choices. Jehoiachin's young age did not excuse his actions, reminding us that wisdom and righteousness are not solely the domain of the elderly. This serves as an encouragement to all, regardless of age, to seek guidance and wisdom from God in all aspects of life. It also invites reflection on how we can strive to live in a way that is pleasing to God, making the most of the time we are given.