WAEC Christian Religious Studies (CRS) 2023 Theory — Question 5

Model answer

After Josiah's death, his son Jehoahaz succeeded him, but after only three months he was dethroned by Pharaoh Neco of Egypt and replaced with his brother Eliakim, whose name was changed to Jehoiakim. Jehoiakim became king at twenty-five and reigned eleven years, during which he imposed heavy taxes on the people of Judah to pay tribute to Egypt. Pharaoh Neco, a cruel king, killed the prophet Uriah for prophesying against Judah. Later, Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar defeated Egypt at the battle of Carchemish (605 BC), becoming the dominant power, and Judah became a vassal of Babylon. Three years afterward, Jehoiakim rebelled against Babylon, and Nebuchadnezzar sent troops against Judah, in fulfilment of a prophecy against the nation's unfaithfulness under Manasseh and Jehoiakim. Jehoiakim died before the Babylonian attack reached him, and his eighteen-year-old son Jehoiachin succeeded him, reigning for three months without departing from his father's evil ways. In 597 BC, Nebuchadnezzar attacked Jerusalem, and Jehoiachin surrendered. Babylon then took the king, the princes, the palace officials, and all the strong men and artisans into captivity in Babylon - marking the first deportation of the Jews.