He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD: The evaluation of the reign of Zedekiah is negative just as it was for his predecessor (verse 9) and numerous other rulers beginning with Solomon (1 Kgs 11.6).

The pronoun he may not be clear in some languages since it could possibly refer either to Zedekiah, his mother, or his grandfather. In such cases it will be wise to use the name “Zedekiah” in place of the pronoun (so Good News Translation).

According to all that Jehoiakim had done: This statement is reminiscent of other comparisons with previous rulers, both positive (2 Kgs 15.3, 34; 18.3) and negative (2 Kg 23.32). The reign of Zedekiah’s immediate predecessor, Jehoiachin, was perhaps too brief to invite comparison. The writer therefore compares him to Jehoiakim (2 Kgs 23.37).

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .