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Book of 2 Chronicles - Chapter 29 - Verse 1

29:1
Hezekiah began to reign when he was five and twenty years old, and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah.

Meaning

Hezekiah's reign as king of Jerusalem began when he was twenty-five years old, and he ruled for twenty-nine years. His mother, Abijah, was the daughter of Zechariah. This verse provides important historical context about Hezekiah's lineage and the length of his reign. Hezekiah is known for his religious reforms, including the destruction of pagan idols and the reinstatement of proper worship in the temple. His reign was marked by a commitment to following God's laws and seeking guidance through prayer and prophecy. By including details about his mother's name and lineage, the verse helps to establish Hezekiah's legitimacy as a ruler and underscores the importance of family connections in ancient Israelite society. Overall, this verse highlights the religious and political significance of Hezekiah's reign in Jerusalem.

Theological Overview

According to theological interpretation, the mention of Hezekiah's age when he began to reign at twenty-five years old is significant in illustrating his maturity and readiness to lead. In biblical times, twenty-five was considered a young age to assume a position of power, but Hezekiah's reign of twenty-nine years demonstrates his competence and favor with God. His mother's name, Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah, is also noteworthy. In Hebrew culture, names often carried deep symbolic meaning, and Abijah's name means "Yahweh is my father." This could reflect Hezekiah's strong spiritual foundation and potential influence from his mother's faith. Additionally, the mention of Zechariah, Abijah's father, could indicate a lineage of priests or religious leaders in Hezekiah's family, highlighting the importance of faith and spiritual guidance in his reign. Overall, these details provide insight into Hezekiah's character, upbringing, and the divine support he received throughout his rule in Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

Hezekiah began to reign when he was five and twenty years old; and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah.
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