Jehoiachin: The Exiled King
RevelationMedia is actively designing characters and settings for the latest 3D-animated installment of iBIBLE, the world’s first fully animated presentation of the Divine Narrative. Immerse yourself in Scripture through this visual representation of God’s plan to redeem and restore mankind, spanning from Genesis to Revelation. Join families worldwide in watching the latest installment at www.i.BIBLE!
This week, learn how the iBIBLE animation team created Jehoiachin (also called Jeconiah and Coniah at times), the last ruling king in the line of Christ and the second to last king of Judah overall. The animation team is currently working on iBIBLE Life of Christ, and this character, along with many others, has been created for a special Life of Christ episode featuring the genealogy of Jesus.
King Jehoiachin only reigned for three months before he was captured by Nebuchadnezzar and taken into exile, along with most of Jerusalem. Despite his short reign, his costume befits a ruler of his time. Its bracelets and fine, patterned clothing far exceed what the average Israelite could have afforded.
A unique detail about King Jehoiachin’s clothing is the sun pattern on his main robe, most clearly seen at the top of his outfit. Righteous kings would most likely not have adorned themselves with any depictions of creation, since to them that would violate God’s command not to create a likeness (Exodus 20:4). Jehoiachin, however, was not a righteous king, and would have had no ethical qualms about such a pattern.
King Jehoiachin’s lack of righteousness is also a reason for his short reign. Scripture says that “he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father had done” (2 Kings 24:9, ESV). Jeremiah expands on this further:
“As I live, declares the LORD, though Coniah [Jehoiachin] the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, were the signet ring on my right hand, yet I would tear you off and give you into the hand of those who seek your life.” —Jeremiah 22:24–25a
Scripture does not describe the exact nature of Jehoiachin’s evil, but it describes both idolatry and oppression of the poor as the sin of the kings before him (Jeremiah 22:6–23). Jehoiachin was the last in a long line of kings to fail at following the Lord and ruling justly. Yet their failures point to humanity’s need for a true and just King. God mercifully preserved the line of David, despite the many flawed people in it, and used it to bring His perfect King into the world.
The animation team at RevelationMedia works in light of these amazing movements of God’s plan. Jehoiachin’s loss of his crown means the animators must create two different versions of his hair, one with the crown and one without, as illustrated below. How amazing it is that our God guides all of history, yet also cares about the work His people do to honor Him and share this story of redemption with others!
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