In the fiftieth year of Azariah's reign over Judah, Pekahiah son of Menahem became king of Israel and reigned in Samaria two years. In the fiftieth year of Azariah’s reign over JudahThis phrase situates the events within a specific historical context, emphasizing the timeline of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Azariah, also known as Uzziah, was a king of Judah whose reign is noted for both prosperity and eventual downfall due to pride (2 Chronicles 26). The "fiftieth year" marks a significant duration, suggesting a period of stability in Judah, contrasting with the turmoil in Israel. The Hebrew root for "fiftieth" (חֲמִשִּׁים, chamishim) underscores the importance of numerology in Hebrew culture, often symbolizing completion or fullness, which may imply a mature phase in Azariah's reign. Pekahiah son of Menahem
Pekahiah's identity is tied to his father, Menahem, who was known for his violent rise to power (2 Kings 15:14-16). The name "Pekahiah" (פְּקַחְיָה, Pekachyah) means "Yahweh has opened [the eyes]," suggesting a divine insight or revelation. However, Pekahiah's short reign indicates a failure to live up to his name's potential. This highlights the biblical theme that names often reflect divine purpose or character, yet human actions can fall short of divine expectations. became king of Israel
This phrase marks the transition of power in the northern kingdom of Israel. The political instability of Israel during this period is evident, as kings often came to power through conspiracy and violence. The Hebrew word for "became king" (מָלַךְ, malak) implies not just ruling but also the divine right or calling to lead. However, the brevity of Pekahiah's reign suggests a lack of divine favor or legitimacy, a common theme in the narrative of Israel's kings. and he reigned in Samaria
Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, established by King Omri (1 Kings 16:24). It was a center of political and religious activity, often associated with idolatry and apostasy in the biblical narrative. The mention of Samaria serves as a reminder of the spiritual decline of Israel, contrasting with Jerusalem, the spiritual center of Judah. The Hebrew root for "reigned" (מָלַךְ, malak) again emphasizes the authority and responsibility of kingship, which Pekahiah failed to uphold according to God's standards. two years
The short duration of Pekahiah's reign is significant, reflecting the instability and rapid turnover of leadership in Israel. The number "two" (שְׁנָתַיִם, shenatayim) in Hebrew can symbolize division or inadequacy, underscoring the incomplete and troubled nature of his rule. This brief reign serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of departing from God's covenant, a recurring theme in the history of Israel's monarchy. Persons / Places / Events 1. Azariah (Uzziah)King of Judah during whose reign Pekahiah became king of Israel. His reign is noted for both prosperity and eventual downfall due to pride. 2. PekahiahSon of Menahem, he became king of Israel and reigned for two years. His short reign was marked by instability and eventual assassination. 3. MenahemFather of Pekahiah and former king of Israel, known for his violent rise to power and oppressive rule. 4. SamariaThe capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where Pekahiah reigned. It was a center of political and religious activity. 5. Israel and JudahThe divided kingdoms of the Hebrew people, with Israel in the north and Judah in the south. This division often led to political and spiritual conflicts. Teaching Points The Consequences of Political InstabilityThe brief and tumultuous reign of Pekahiah serves as a reminder of the dangers of political instability and the importance of righteous leadership. The Impact of LegacyPekahiah's reign was influenced by his father Menahem's oppressive rule. This highlights the impact of a leader's legacy on their successors. The Importance of Faithfulness to GodThe Northern Kingdom's repeated failure to follow God led to its downfall. This underscores the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God in leadership. The Role of Divine ProvidenceDespite human actions and political turmoil, God's providence is at work. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's ultimate plan. Learning from HistoryThe history of Israel and Judah serves as a lesson for modern believers to seek Godly wisdom and avoid the pitfalls of past leaders. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the political instability during Pekahiah's reign reflect the spiritual state of Israel at the time? 2. In what ways can the legacy of a leader impact future generations, both positively and negatively? 3. How can we apply the lessons of faithfulness and obedience from the reigns of Israel's kings to our personal lives today? 4. What role does divine providence play in the midst of political and personal turmoil, and how can we trust in God's plan? 5. How can studying the history of Israel and Judah help us make better decisions in our own leadership roles, whether in the church, community, or family? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 15:27-31These verses describe the assassination of Pekahiah by Pekah, highlighting the political instability in Israel during this period. 2 Chronicles 26Provides a detailed account of Azariah's (Uzziah's) reign in Judah, offering context to the political landscape during Pekahiah's rule. Hosea 7:7This verse speaks to the treachery and violence among Israel's leaders, reflecting the environment in which Pekahiah ruled. People Abel, Ahaz, Amaziah, Amram, Aram, Argob, Arieh, Azaliah, Azariah, David, Elah, Gadi, Gileadites, Hoshea, Jabesh, Jecholiah, Jecoliah, Jehu, Jeroboam, Jerusha, Jotham, Maacah, Menahem, Naphtali, Nebat, Pekah, Pekahiah, Pul, Remaliah, Rezin, Shallum, Tappuah, Tiglathpileser, Tirzah, Uzziah, Zachariah, Zadok, ZechariahPlaces Abel-beth-maacah, Assyria, Damascus, Galilee, Gilead, Hazor, Ibleam, Ijon, Janoah, Jerusalem, Kedesh, Samaria, Syria, TirzahTopics Azariah, Azari'ah, Fiftieth, Judah, Menahem, Men'ahem, Pekahiah, Pekahi'ah, Reign, Reigned, Ruling, Samaria, Sama'riaDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 15:1-38 5366 king 2 Kings 15:23-25 5817 conspiracies Library The Twelve Minor Prophets.
1. By the Jewish arrangement, which places together the twelve minor prophets in a single volume, the chronological order of the prophets as a whole is broken up. The three greater prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, stand in the true order of time. Daniel began to prophesy before Ezekiel, but continued, many years after him. The Jewish arrangement of the twelve minor prophets is in a sense chronological; that is, they put the earlier prophets at the beginning, and the later at the end of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the BibleMeditations Before Dinner and Supper.
Meditate that hunger is like the sickness called a wolf; which, if thou dost not feed, will devour thee, and eat thee up; and that meat and drink are but as physic, or means which God hath ordained, to relieve and cure this natural infirmity and necessity of man. Use, therefore, to eat and to drink, rather to sustain and refresh the weakness of nature, than to satisfy the sensuality and delights of the flesh. Eat, therefore, to live, but live not to eat. There is no service so base, as for a man …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety A Living Book
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Symbol of "Asshur", the principal Assyrian idol.] There is only one Book that never grows old. For thousands of years men have been writing books. Most books are forgotten soon after they are written; a few of the best and wisest are remembered for a time. But all at last grow old; new discoveries are made; new ideas arise; the old books are out of date; their usefulness is at an end. Students are the only people who still care to read them. The nations to which the …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
"If any one wishes to be rich, let him go north; if he wants to be wise, let him come south." Such was the saying, by which Rabbinical pride distinguished between the material wealth of Galilee and the supremacy in traditional lore claimed for the academies of Judaea proper. Alas, it was not long before Judaea lost even this doubtful distinction, and its colleges wandered northwards, ending at last by the Lake of Gennesaret, and in that very city of Tiberias which at one time had been reputed unclean! …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Prophet Micah.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. Micah signifies: "Who is like Jehovah;" and by this name, the prophet is consecrated to the incomparable God, just as Hosea was to the helping God, and Nahum to the comforting God. He prophesied, according to the inscription, under Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. We are not, however, entitled, on this account, to dissever his prophecies, and to assign particular discourses to the reign of each of these kings. On the contrary, the entire collection forms only one whole. At …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Prophet Hosea.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. That the kingdom of Israel was the object of the prophet's ministry is so evident, that upon this point all are, and cannot but be, agreed. But there is a difference of opinion as to whether the prophet was a fellow-countryman of those to whom he preached, or was called by God out of the kingdom of Judah. The latter has been asserted with great confidence by Maurer, among others, in his Observ. in Hos., in the Commentat. Theol. ii. i. p. 293. But the arguments …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 15:23 NIV2 Kings 15:23 NLT2 Kings 15:23 ESV2 Kings 15:23 NASB2 Kings 15:23 KJV
2 Kings 15:23 Commentaries
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