Josiah was the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.
This verse marks an important turning point in the messianic genealogy: the transition from royal glory to the bondage of exile. Josiah, a godly and righteous king, fell during the war against the Pharaoh of Egypt (2 Kings 23:29–30). His sons and heirs—Jehoahaz, Eliakim, and Jeconiah (also Jehoiakim/Jeconiah)—reigned in short and grievous times. Jeconiah was taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon (2 Kings 24:8–15). The expression “at the time of the Babylonian exile” points to the historical moment when Israel’s royal line ceased to rule with royal glory, yet remained unbroken within God’s promise. The continuation of the messianic line even under the conditions of exile testifies that God’s plan is not limited by human or historical circumstances.