Who was Zebudah?
Zebudah (Hebrew: זְבוּדָה, Zebūdāh, meaning “bestowed” or “gift”) was the wife of King Josiah of Judah and the mother of his son and successor, King Jehoiakim. Her name appears briefly in the historical records of the kings of Judah, specifically in 2 Kings 23:36, where the lineage of Jehoiakim is given: “Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Zebudah daughter of Pedaiah; she was from Rumah.”
Though her appearance in Scripture is brief, Zebudah played a significant role in the royal lineage of Judah during a critical time in its history—right before the Babylonian exile. Her mention provides both a genealogical anchor for Jehoiakim’s identity and a connection to a lesser-known location, Rumah, possibly a town in the northern kingdom of Israel or the region of Naphtali.
Biblical References and Cross-References
- 2 Kings 23:36 – The primary and only direct mention of Zebudah, identifying her as the mother of King Jehoiakim and the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah.
- 2 Chronicles 36:5 – Parallel account of Jehoiakim’s reign, though Zebudah is not mentioned by name.
- Jeremiah 22:18-19 – Though not naming Zebudah, this passage refers to Jehoiakim’s disgraceful end, providing indirect insight into the fate of her son and her grief as a mother.
Cross-referencing Zebudah’s brief mention with other figures of royal lineage (e.g., Bathsheba in 1 Kings 1–2 or Maacah in 1 Kings 15:2) helps trace the important, though often overlooked, influence of royal mothers in Judah’s monarchy.
What Happened in the Bible
Zebudah’s significance lies in her role as mother to Jehoiakim, a king whose reign marked the beginning of Judah‘s final descent into exile. Her son was placed on the throne by Pharaoh Necho of Egypt (2 Kings 23:34) after the deposition of his younger brother Jehoahaz, also known as Shallum. Jehoiakim’s reign was marked by idolatry, oppression, and rebellion against God, in stark contrast to the reforms of his father, Josiah.
Although Zebudah’s direct influence on Jehoiakim is not recorded, the inclusion of her name and lineage suggests that she was part of the political and familial framework that shaped his rise to power. As with many royal women in the Old Testament, the mother’s identity is recorded to validate a king’s legitimacy and heritage.
What It Means for Today’s Christians
Zebudah’s story, though minimal in detail, reminds modern Christians that even the lesser-known figures in Scripture are part of God’s sovereign plan. Her life intersects with a turning point in Israel’s history: the transition from Josiah’s godly reign to Jehoiakim’s rebellion, which led to divine judgment and national catastrophe.
From a Christian perspective, the inclusion of Zebudah in Scripture also emphasizes God’s attention to detail in the lineages and stories of His people. The Bible never wastes a name or a word—each serves the purpose of preserving the story of redemption.
Zebudah’s motherhood to a king who rejected God may resonate with believers today who experience heartbreak over wayward children. Her story calls for faith in God’s ultimate justice and mercy, even when human choices bring ruin.
How Zebudah’s Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel
Zebudah stands in contrast to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Where Zebudah’s son led the nation into further sin and judgment, Mary’s Son brought salvation and deliverance from sin. Jehoiakim was a king who rejected the word of God (Jeremiah 36:23), while Jesus is the eternal Word who fulfilled it (John 1:14).
The failures of the kings of Judah—including Zebudah’s son—highlight the need for a greater King, one who would perfectly obey the Father and lead His people into righteousness. Jesus Christ is that promised King from the line of David (Luke 1:32-33), who brings peace, justice, and everlasting life.
Broader Biblical Themes
1. The Role of Women in God’s Sovereign Plan
Though Zebudah is not prominent, her name being recorded affirms the quiet but meaningful roles that women played in the unfolding story of Israel and Judah. Scripture honors both the prominent and the hidden figures in God’s redemptive plan.
2. Generational Influence
Zebudah’s place in the royal lineage reflects how each generation influences the next. While we do not know her spiritual condition, the outcome of Jehoiakim’s reign challenges all parents to raise children in the fear and knowledge of the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
3. God’s Judgment and Mercy
Zebudah’s son reigned during a time of increasing judgment against Judah, leading up to the Babylonian exile. Her story is surrounded by the themes of divine patience and the consequences of disobedience, pointing to the deeper need for redemption.
4. The Imperfection of Earthly Kings
The reign of Jehoiakim, like many others, underscores the insufficiency of human leadership and the necessity of God’s righteous rule through Jesus.
Reflection Questions
- What does the brief mention of Zebudah teach us about God’s attention to detail in the biblical narrative?
- How can Christians today trust in God’s sovereignty, even when their family or nation is in spiritual decline?
- What are the lessons from the contrasting reigns of Josiah and Jehoiakim regarding spiritual legacy?
- How does Zebudah’s mention invite us to consider our influence in the lives of future generations?
- How does the failure of Judah’s kings highlight the necessity and hope of Christ’s perfect kingship?
Though Zebudah’s name appears only once, her role in Scripture connects her to key moments in Judah’s history and points forward to the fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ. Her life reminds us that in God’s kingdom, even the seemingly minor figures have meaning in the grand story of redemption.