“Joakim was very rich.
He had a fine garden,
Adjoining his house.
The Jews used to come
To him,
Because he was
The most honored
Of them all.”
Obviously, despite being a captive in Babylon, some Jews prospered. This story does not say how or why Joakim grew wealthy. Nevertheless, he was very rich. He also had a wonderful garden that was right next to his house. Many of the Jews, since they are no longer called Israelites or Judeans, would come to his spacious house. They also honored him, probably because he had so much wealth. Thus, this Joakim was a big shot among the well to do exiled Israelites in Babylon.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 