In the twelfth year of the reign of Joram son of Ahab over Israel, Ahaziah son of Jehoram became king of Judah. In the twelfth yearThis phrase sets a chronological marker, anchoring the events in a specific time frame. The twelfth year of Joram's reign is significant as it provides a historical context for the events that follow. The use of precise dating reflects the biblical authors' intent to provide an accurate historical record. In the Hebrew tradition, the number twelve often symbolizes completeness or governmental perfection, which may suggest a divinely ordained timing for the events that unfold. Joram son of Ahab king of Israel
Joram, also known as Jehoram, was the son of Ahab, one of Israel's most infamous kings, known for his idolatry and opposition to the prophet Elijah. The mention of Joram as the son of Ahab serves as a reminder of the spiritual and moral decline in Israel during this period. Ahab's legacy of idolatry and apostasy had far-reaching consequences, influencing the reigns of his descendants. This highlights the biblical theme of generational impact and the importance of faithfulness to God. Ahaziah son of Jehoram
Ahaziah's identity as the son of Jehoram links him to the Davidic line of Judah, contrasting with the northern kingdom's lineage. His name, meaning "Yahweh has grasped," suggests a divine claim or protection, yet his reign is marked by unfaithfulness. This juxtaposition underscores the tension between divine intention and human action, a recurring theme in the biblical narrative. Ahaziah's short reign is a testament to the instability and spiritual decline in Judah during this era. became king of Judah
The ascension of Ahaziah to the throne of Judah marks a continuation of the Davidic dynasty, which holds significant theological importance. The Davidic covenant promised an everlasting kingdom, and each king's reign is a step in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. However, Ahaziah's reign is characterized by alliances with the idolatrous northern kingdom, reflecting a departure from the covenantal faithfulness expected of Judah's kings. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising with ungodly influences. Persons / Places / Events 1. Joram (Jehoram) son of AhabKing of Israel, son of Ahab and Jezebel, known for continuing the idolatrous practices of his parents. 2. Ahaziah son of JehoramKing of Judah, son of Jehoram and Athaliah, who was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, thus linking the royal families of Israel and Judah. 3. JudahThe southern kingdom, distinct from the northern kingdom of Israel, often characterized by its fluctuating faithfulness to God. 4. IsraelThe northern kingdom, frequently led by kings who did evil in the sight of the Lord, including Joram. 5. Twelfth Year of Joram's ReignA specific time marker that situates Ahaziah's reign within the broader historical and political context of the divided kingdoms. Teaching Points The Influence of Family and HeritageAhaziah's reign is a reminder of how family ties and heritage can influence one's spiritual and moral decisions. His connection to Ahab and Jezebel's lineage brought negative consequences. Believers should be mindful of the influences they allow into their lives and strive to break cycles of ungodliness. The Consequences of AlliancesAhaziah's alliance with Joram, king of Israel, illustrates the dangers of forming alliances with those who do not honor God. Christians are encouraged to seek relationships that strengthen their faith and align with biblical principles. The Importance of Godly LeadershipThe account of Ahaziah's reign underscores the need for leaders who seek God's guidance and lead with integrity. Believers should pray for and support leaders who uphold biblical values. God's Sovereignty in HistoryDespite the apparent chaos and moral decline during Ahaziah's reign, God's sovereign plan was at work. This serves as a reminder that God is in control, even when circumstances seem dire. Bible Study Questions 1. How did Ahaziah's family background influence his reign as king of Judah, and what lessons can we learn about the impact of family heritage on our spiritual lives? 2. In what ways do the alliances we form today reflect the alliances seen in Ahaziah's time, and how can we ensure our relationships honor God? 3. Considering the leadership of Ahaziah, what qualities should we look for in leaders today, both in the church and in society? 4. How does the account of Ahaziah demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding bring comfort in our current circumstances? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision about forming an alliance or partnership. How did your faith influence your decision, and what was the outcome? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 22:1-9Provides a parallel account of Ahaziah's reign and his alliance with the house of Ahab, highlighting the influence of his mother Athaliah. 1 Kings 16:29-33Describes the reign of Ahab, Joram's father, and the introduction of Baal worship in Israel, setting the stage for the spiritual climate during Ahaziah's time. 2 Kings 9:27-29Details the demise of Ahaziah, linking his fate to the judgment pronounced on the house of Ahab. People Ahab, Ahaziah, Aram, Athaliah, Ben, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, David, Edomites, Elisha, Gehazi, Hadad, Hazael, Israelites, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Jezreel, Joram, Omri, SyriansPlaces Damascus, Edom, Jerusalem, Jezreel, Libnah, Ramah, Ramoth-gilead, Samaria, Syria, ZairTopics Ahab, Ahaziah, Ahazi'ah, Begin, Jehoram, Jeho'ram, Joram, Judah, Reign, Reigned, TwelfthDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 8:16-29 5366 king Library The Story of Hazael
'So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Ben-hadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease? 10. And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the Lord hath shewed me that he shall surely die. 11. And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept. 12. And Hazael said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureHazael
BY REV. J. G. GREENHOUGH, M.A. "But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing?"--2 KINGS viii. 13. Hazael was the chief minister and prime favourite of Benhadad, the Syrian king. He had been raised from a humble lot and promoted to that high post by the partiality of his sovereign, who had doubtless discerned his exceptional abilities, and certainly placed implicit trust in him. Just now the king was dangerously ill, and Hazael had been sent to inquire of the prophet of Israel …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
Assur-nazir-pal (885-860) and Shalmaneser III. (860-825)--The kingdom of Urartu and its conquering princes: Menuas and Argistis. Assyria was the first to reappear on the scene of action. Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner able to recover her strength after any disastrous crisis, and to assume again the offensive along the whole of her frontier line. Image Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a bas-relief at Koyunjik of the time of Sennacherib. The initial cut, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 The Prophet Jonah.
It has been asserted without any sufficient reason, that Jonah is older than Hosea, Joel, Amos, and Obadiah,--that he is the oldest among the prophets whose written monuments have been preserved to us. The passage in 2 Kings xiv. 25, where it is said, that Jonah, the son of Amittai the prophet, prophesied to Jeroboam the happy success of his arms, and the restoration of the ancient boundaries of Israel, and that this prophecy was confirmed by the event, cannot decide in favour of this assertion, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
1. The knowledge of God the Creator of no avail without faith in Christ the Redeemer. First reason. Second reason strengthened by the testimony of an Apostle. Conclusion. This doctrine entertained by the children of God in all ages from the beginning of the world. Error of throwing open heaven to the heathen, who know nothing of Christ. The pretexts for this refuted by passages of Scripture. 2. God never was propitious to the ancient Israelites without Christ the Mediator. First reason founded on …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Prophet Joel.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. The position which has been assigned to Joel in the collection of the Minor Prophets, furnishes an external argument for the determination of the time at which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the Collectors were guided by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance, that they placed the prophecies of Joel just between the two prophets who, according to the inscriptions and contents of their prophecies, belonged to the time of Jeroboam and Uzziah, is …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Christ's Prophetic Office
'The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet,' &c. Deut 18:85. Having spoken of the person of Christ, we are next to speak of the offices of Christ. These are Prophetic, Priestly, and Regal. 'The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet.' Enunciatur hic locus de Christo. It is spoken of Christ.' There are several names given to Christ as a Prophet. He is called the Counsellor' in Isa 9:9. In uno Christo Angelus foederis completur [The Messenger of the Covenant appears in Christ alone]. …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Original Sin
Q-16: DID ALL MANKIND FALL IN ADAM'S FIRST TRANSGRESSION? A: The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him, by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first transgression. 'By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin,' &c. Rom 5:12. Adam being a representative person, while he stood, we stood; when he fell, we fell, We sinned in Adam; so it is in the text, In whom all have sinned.' Adam was the head …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity 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 8:25 NIV2 Kings 8:25 NLT2 Kings 8:25 ESV2 Kings 8:25 NASB2 Kings 8:25 KJV
2 Kings 8:25 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
