1 Kings 22:51

Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned two years over Israel.

Ahaziah {H274} the son {H1121} of Ahab {H256} began to reign {H4427} over Israel {H3478} in Samaria {H8111} the seventeenth {H7651}{H6240} year {H8141} of Jehoshaphat {H3092} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, and reigned {H4427} two years {H8141} over Israel {H3478}.

Achazyah the son of Ach'av began his reign over Isra'el in Shomron in the seventeenth year of Y'hoshafat king of Y'hudah, and he ruled two years over Isra'el.

In the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat’s reign over Judah, Ahaziah son of Ahab became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria two years.

Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria in the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and he reigned two years over Israel.

Commentary

1 Kings 22:51 introduces Ahaziah, the new king of Israel, marking a significant point in the historical narrative of the divided kingdom. This verse serves as a chronological marker and a transition point in the biblical record of Israel's monarchy.

Context

This verse immediately follows the account of King Ahab's death in battle against the Arameans, fulfilling prophetic warnings. It establishes the beginning of the reign of his son, Ahaziah, over the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The mention of "the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah" provides crucial synchronism, allowing readers to align the timelines of the two separate kingdoms, Israel (northern) and Judah (southern). Samaria is noted as Ahaziah's capital, having been established by Omri, Ahab's father.

Key Themes

  • Succession and Lineage: The verse highlights the transfer of power from Ahab to his son, Ahaziah. This succession is significant because Ahaziah inherited not only the throne but also the spiritual and political legacy of his wicked father. The influence of Ahab's reign, particularly his promotion of Baal worship, continued through his son.
  • Chronological Anchoring: By linking Ahaziah's ascent to the throne with the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat's reign in Judah, the scripture provides a precise chronological framework for understanding the concurrent histories of Israel and Judah. This method of dating is common in the books of Kings and Chronicles.
  • Brevity of Reign: The note that Ahaziah "reigned two years" immediately foreshadows a short and likely troubled rule. This brevity often signals divine judgment or a period of instability within the kingdom. His subsequent actions and early death are detailed in 2 Kings chapter 1.

Linguistic Insights

The name Ahaziah (אֲחַזְיָה) in Hebrew means "Yahweh has grasped" or "Yahweh holds." This meaning stands in stark contrast to his father Ahab's idolatrous reign and Ahaziah's own continued wickedness, which is detailed in subsequent chapters. The name ironically points to the God whom Ahaziah largely rejected.

Practical Application

This verse, while seemingly a simple historical record, underscores the continuity of leadership and the impact of a predecessor's influence. Ahaziah's brief and troubled reign, following his notoriously wicked father, serves as a reminder that:

  • Legacy Matters: The spiritual and moral choices of leaders (and parents) often cast long shadows, influencing subsequent generations and the direction of a nation.
  • God's Chronology: The Bible's meticulous dating and synchronisms emphasize God's sovereign hand in history, orchestrating events and reigns according to His divine plan, even amidst human choices and failures.
  • Brevity of Power: Rulers, no matter how powerful, are temporary. Ahaziah's short reign highlights the fleeting nature of earthly authority and the importance of how one uses their time in power.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 22:40

    So Ahab slept with his fathers; and Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead.

  • 2 Kings 1:17

    So he died according to the word of the LORD which Elijah had spoken. And Jehoram reigned in his stead in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah; because he had no son.

  • 1 Kings 15:25

    ¶ And Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned over Israel two years.
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