The answer is: Jehoiakim

Jeremiah 36:23

King Jehoiakim, the son of King Josiah, is indeed a fascinating character in the biblical narrative. Picture this: Jeremiah, the prophet, is recording the words of God on a scroll, a powerful message urging the people of Judah to repent. But when the scroll reaches Jehoiakim, he doesn’t just dislike what he reads—he uses a penknife to cut it apart! This act symbolizes Jehoiakim’s blatant rejection of divine authority and a desperate attempt to silence God’s warning.

This event might remind us of other historical figures who have attempted to suppress truth through censorship. Throughout history, rulers and regimes have often sought to control narratives that challenge their power. Talk about a historic echo! Jehoiakim’s actions are remarkable in that they illustrate a crucial struggle throughout humanity—resistance to divine guidance versus prideful authority.

Interestingly, Jehoiakim’s father, King Josiah, had worked hard to return the nation to following God’s laws, rediscovering the Book of the Law during temple renovations. Sadly, the turnaround was short-lived, reflecting a fascinating biblical principle: where there are constants in belief, there will be resistance to change. Jehoiakim, contrasting with his father, shows us how even amongst a people once revived, spiritual declension can happen rapidly. Today, we can learn from these narratives, using historical insights to understand our own spiritual journeys and communal challenges.