Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 8 - Verse 26

8:26
Two and twenty years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign; and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Athaliah, the daughter of Omri king of Israel.

Meaning

According to this verse, Ahaziah became king of Judah at the young age of twenty-two, following the death of his father. His rule was short-lived, lasting only one year in Jerusalem. Ahaziah's mother, Athaliah, was the daughter of King Omri of Israel. This provided a connection between the two kingdoms through his maternal lineage. The mention of his mother's ancestry highlights the political ties within the region at that time. Athaliah's background as the daughter of a powerful king like Omri would have influenced her son's reign and decisions as a ruler. Understanding Ahaziah's lineage and brief reign helps to place him in the historical context of the biblical narrative, showing the complex web of relationships and power dynamics that shaped the history of ancient Israel.

Theological Overview

Two and twenty years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign; and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Athaliah, the daughter of Omri king of Israel. In this verse, we see the brief mention of Ahaziah, who became king of Judah at a young age of twenty-two. Despite his youth, he only reigned for a year before his untimely death. Ahaziah's mother, Athaliah, is noted to be the daughter of Omri, the king of Israel. This mention of her lineage connects Ahaziah to the northern kingdom of Israel, which played a significant role in the history of Judah and Israel. Understanding the context of his mother's lineage can shed light on the political alliances and conflicts that may have influenced Ahaziah's reign. The theological interpretation of this verse may focus on themes of the consequences of alliances with foreign powers, the fragility of human power and the importance of obeying God's commands even in leadership positions. Word studies on names like Ahaziah, Athaliah, and Omri can reveal deeper meanings and associations that contribute to the broader narrative of the biblical text.

American Standard Version

Two and twenty years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign; and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Athaliah the daughter of Omri king of Israel.
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