twenty and five yeers old] Or Jehoiakim was elder then Jehoahaz, v. 31. or this time of his age must be reckoned from the death of Jehoahaz, v. 34. For while Jehoahaz lived, he might be accounted a chief governour in his brothers absence, but not a plenary and absolute king. They who hold Jehoiakim to be the elder brother, say that Jehoahaz was a more stern and stout man, better able, and more forward to stand against Pharaoh then Jehoiakim: they say that he was the first lion mentioned, Ezekiel 19:3. and that the people (v. 30.) through a strong faction, chose him, and anointed him, to establish him the more firmly, as 1 Kings 1:39. eleven yeers] From the time that Pharaoh first set him on the throne. his mothers] See the Notes on 1 Kings 15:10.