1 Chronicles 3:15

And the sonnes of Iosiah were: the first borne Iohanan, the second Ioakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Sallum. 1 Chronicles 3:15 (KJV)

And the sons of Josiah

were, the firstborn Johanan, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum. 1 Chronicles 3:15 (KJV)

The book of 1 Chronicles belongs to the Old Testament and primarily records the genealogies of Israel, especially the line of David. This verse draws attention to the sons of King Josiah of Judah, listing four names: Johanan, Jehoiakim, Zedekiah, and Shallum. The verse itself identifies Johanan as the firstborn, a status that in biblical culture often implied a position of privilege and inheritance rights, although little else is recorded about him beyond this genealogical entry.

Jehoiakim, named as the second son, succeeded Josiah as king after the brief reign of his brother Jehoahaz, who is identified in the verse as Shallum. Jehoiakim’s reign lasted eleven years (609‑598 BC) and was marked by disobedience to God and idolatry, factors that contributed to Judah’s eventual downfall and exile. Zedekiah, the third son, became the last king of Judah, ruling from 597‑586 BC. Like Jehoiakim, Zedekiah led Judah in rebellion against Babylonian authority, resulting in the destruction of Jerusalem, the temple, and the Babylonian captivity. Shallum, also called Jehoahaz, is listed as the fourth son; he reigned only three months before Pharaoh Necho deposed him and taken to Egypt, an episode recorded in 2 Kings 23:31‑34 and Jeremiah 22:11‑12.

While 1 Chronicles 3:15 records Johanan and Shallum, other biblical books such as 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles focus on the immediate succession of Josiah’s reign and do not mention these two names. The passage therefore offers a concise glimpse into Josiah’s lineage and underscores the importance of understanding one’s heritage. The lives of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah illustrate the consequences of turning away from God’s commands, reminding readers that the actions of leaders have far‑reaching implications for the nation of Judah.