In the thirty-eighth year of Azariah's reign over Judah, Zechariah son of Jeroboam became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria six months. In the thirty-eighth year of Azariah’s reign over JudahThis phrase situates the events within a specific historical context, providing a chronological anchor. Azariah, also known as Uzziah, was a king of Judah whose reign is noted for prosperity and strength, as well as a tragic end due to pride (2 Chronicles 26). The mention of his thirty-eighth year underscores the continuity and stability in Judah, contrasting with the instability in Israel. The Hebrew root for "Azariah" means "Yahweh has helped," reflecting the divine favor and assistance that characterized much of his reign. Zechariah son of Jeroboam
Zechariah was the last of Jehu's dynasty, fulfilling the prophecy given to Jehu that his descendants would sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation (2 Kings 10:30). The name "Zechariah" means "Yahweh remembers," which is ironic given the brevity and turmoil of his reign. His father, Jeroboam II, had a long and prosperous reign, but Zechariah's short rule marks the beginning of the end for the Northern Kingdom. This highlights the theme of divine justice and the consequences of turning away from God. became king of Israel
This phrase marks the transition of power in the Northern Kingdom. The kingdom of Israel, distinct from Judah, was often characterized by idolatry and political instability. The Hebrew word for "king" (melek) signifies authority and leadership, yet in Israel's context, it often came with spiritual and moral failures. Zechariah's ascension to the throne is a reminder of the fleeting nature of human power when it is not grounded in obedience to God. and he reigned in Samaria
Samaria was the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, established by Omri (1 Kings 16:24). It was a center of political power but also of idolatry and syncretism. The city's name is derived from Shemer, the owner of the hill on which it was built. Samaria's history is marked by conflict and eventual destruction, symbolizing the spiritual decline of Israel. Zechariah's reign in this city underscores the persistent struggle between faithfulness to God and the allure of surrounding pagan practices. six months
The brevity of Zechariah's reign is significant, highlighting the instability and rapid turnover of leadership in Israel during this period. The short duration of his rule fulfills the divine judgment pronounced against the house of Jehu. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the fragility of human authority when it is not aligned with God's will. The number six, often associated with imperfection and incompleteness in biblical numerology, further emphasizes the inadequacy of Zechariah's leadership and the spiritual decay of the nation. Persons / Places / Events 1. Azariah (Uzziah)King of Judah during whose reign Zechariah became king of Israel. His reign is noted for both prosperity and eventual downfall due to pride. 2. ZechariahSon of Jeroboam II, he became king of Israel and reigned for a brief period of six months. His short reign is marked by instability and eventual assassination. 3. Jeroboam IIFather of Zechariah, he was a powerful king of Israel who expanded the kingdom's territory and brought prosperity, yet continued in the sins of Jeroboam I. 4. SamariaThe capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where Zechariah reigned. It was a center of political and religious activity. 5. IsraelThe Northern Kingdom, distinct from Judah, often characterized by idolatry and political turmoil during this period. Teaching Points The Consequences of Sinful LeadershipZechariah's brief reign is a reminder of the instability that follows when leaders persist in sin. His assassination underscores the consequences of ignoring God's commands. The Fulfillment of ProphecyZechariah's death fulfills God's word to Jehu, demonstrating that God's promises and warnings are sure. This should encourage believers to trust in God's faithfulness. The Importance of Godly LeadershipThe contrast between the reigns of Azariah in Judah and Zechariah in Israel highlights the impact of leadership. Godly leaders can bring stability and blessing, while ungodly leaders lead to chaos. The Brevity of Earthly PowerZechariah's six-month reign serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of earthly power and the importance of seeking eternal significance through obedience to God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the brief reign of Zechariah reflect the spiritual state of Israel at the time, and what lessons can we learn about the importance of spiritual leadership? 2. In what ways does the fulfillment of prophecy in Zechariah's assassination encourage us to trust in God's promises today? 3. Compare the leadership styles of Azariah and Zechariah. What can we learn about the impact of godly versus ungodly leadership in our own lives and communities? 4. How does the instability in Israel during Zechariah's reign serve as a warning against the consequences of persistent sin? 5. Reflect on the temporary nature of Zechariah's power. How can this perspective influence our priorities and actions in our daily lives? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 14:23-29Provides background on Jeroboam II's reign, highlighting the prosperity and idolatry that set the stage for Zechariah's brief rule. 2 Kings 15:9-12Details the assassination of Zechariah, fulfilling the prophecy given to Jehu about his descendants. Amos 7:9Amos prophesies the downfall of the house of Jeroboam, which is realized in Zechariah's assassination. 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 Azaliah, Azariah, Azari'ah, Eighth, Jeroboam, Jerobo'am, Judah, Months, Reign, Reigned, Samaria, Sama'ria, Six, Thirty, Thirty-eighth, Zachariah, Zechariah, Zechari'ahDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 15:1-38 5366 king 2 Kings 15:8-9 8739 evil, examples of 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 15:8 NIV2 Kings 15:8 NLT2 Kings 15:8 ESV2 Kings 15:8 NASB2 Kings 15:8 KJV
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