2 Kings 25:29 - Exposition

And changed his prison garments. The subject to "changed" may be either "Jehoiachin" or" Evil-Merodach." Our translators preferred the latter, our Revisers the former. In either case the general meaning is the same. Evil Merodach supplied suitable garments to the released monarch instead of his "prison garments," and Jehoiachin arrayed himself in the comely apparel before taking his seat among his equals. Dresses of honor are among the most common gifts which an Oriental monarch makes to his subjects (see Genesis 41:42 ; Esther 6:8 , Esther 6:11 ; Esther 8:15 ; Daniel 5:29 ; Xen; 'Cyrop.,' 5.1. § 1). And he — i.e. Jehoiachin— did eat bread continually before him. Besides giving occasional great feasts (see Esther 1:3-9 ), Oriental monarchs usually entertain at their table daily a large number of guests, some of whom are specially invited, while others have the privilege of daily attendance. It was to this latter class that Jehoiachin was admitted. Comp. 2 Samuel 9:7-13 , which shows that the custom was one not unknown at the Jewish court. All the days of his — i.e. Jehoiachin's— life. Jehoisohin enjoyed this privilege till his death. Whether this fell in the lifetime of Evil-Merodach or not, is scarcely in the writer's thoughts. He merely means to tell us that the comparative comfort and dignity which Jehoiachin enjoyed after the accession of Evil-Merodach to the throne was not subsequently clouded over or disturbed. He continued a privileged person at the Baby-Ionian court so long as he lived.