2 Chronicles 22:6

KJV

And he returned to be healed in Jezreel because of the wounds which were given him at Ramah, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria. And Azariah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Jehoram the son of Ahab at Jezreel, because he was sick.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he returned {H7725} to be healed {H7495} in Jezreel {H3157} because of the wounds {H4347} which were given {H5221} him at Ramah {H7414}, when he fought {H3898} with Hazael {H2371} king {H4428} of Syria {H758}. And Azariah {H5838} the son {H1121} of Jehoram {H3088} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} went down {H3381} to see {H7200} Jehoram {H3088} the son {H1121} of Ahab {H256} at Jezreel {H3157}, because he was sick {H2470}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He returned to Yizre'el to be healed of the wounds which they had inflicted on him at Ramah while fighting Haza'el king of Aram. Achazyah the son of Y'horam, king of Y'hudah, went down to visit Y'horam the son of Ach'av in Yizre'el, because he was not feeling well.

Berean Standard Bible

so he returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds they had inflicted on him at Ramah when he fought against Hazael king of Aram. Then Ahaziah son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to Jezreel to visit Joram son of Ahab, because Joram had been wounded.

American Standard Version

And he returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which they had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. And Azariah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Jehoram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 22:6 details the immediate aftermath of a significant battle, depicting King Joram of Israel's return to Jezreel to recover from severe wounds sustained in conflict with Hazael of Syria. This verse also records the fateful visit of King Ahaziah (also called Azariah) of Judah to his ailing uncle, Joram, in Jezreel. This seemingly innocuous family visit sets the stage for the dramatic and divinely ordained purge of the Omride dynasty, underscoring the perilous consequences of ungodly alliances and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a narrative arc that highlights the dangerous and ultimately destructive alliance between the kingdom of Judah and the wicked Omride dynasty of Israel. Immediately preceding [2 Chronicles 22:6](/2_chronicles/22-6 "2 Chronicles 22:6 - Joram's Wounds and Ahaziah's Visit"), [2 Chronicles 22:5](/2_chronicles/22-5 "2 Chronicles 22:5 - Ahaziah Joins Joram in Battle") describes Ahaziah, King of Judah, joining Joram, King of Israel, in battle against Hazael, King of Syria, at Ramoth-gilead. This military cooperation is a direct continuation of the unholy alliances forged earlier, particularly between Jehoshaphat and Ahab ([2 Chronicles 18:1](/2_chronicles/18-1 "2 Chronicles 18:1 - Jehoshaphat's Alliance with Ahab")). Joram's injury and subsequent retreat to Jezreel for healing, as detailed in this verse, directly precipitates the events of [2 Chronicles 22:7-9](/2_chronicles/22-7 "2 Chronicles 22:7-9 - Ahaziah's Downfall"), where Ahaziah's visit leads to his own demise at the hands of Jehu, fulfilling prophetic judgment against the house of Ahab. The parallel account in [2 Kings 8:28-29](/2_kings/8-28 "2 Kings 8:28-29 - Joram Wounded, Ahaziah Visits") confirms the sequence of events, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these royal narratives.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The battle at Ramoth-gilead (Ramah in this verse) was a recurring flashpoint in the conflicts between Israel/Judah and Aram (Syria), a strategically vital city in Transjordan. Jezreel, located in the fertile Jezreel Valley, served as a significant royal residence for the northern kingdom of Israel, particularly under Ahab and his successors. It was here that Ahab had his infamous palace and Naboth's vineyard, making it a site deeply associated with Omride wickedness and future divine judgment ([1 Kings 21:1-29](/1_kings/21 "1 Kings 21 - Naboth's Vineyard and Ahab's Sin")). The close familial ties between the royal houses—Ahaziah's mother, Athaliah, was Ahab's daughter—explain the continued political and military alliances, despite their devastating spiritual consequences for Judah. Kings often retreated to secure, well-provisioned cities like Jezreel for recovery from battle wounds, a common practice in ancient warfare. Ahaziah's visit was a customary act of familial concern, yet it placed him directly in the path of God's impending judgment on the Omride dynasty.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **consequences of unholy alliances**, particularly the spiritual and physical dangers of associating with those who reject God's ways. Judah's repeated entanglement with the idolatrous house of Ahab consistently led to moral compromise and divine judgment, culminating in Ahaziah's tragic end. Secondly, the verse highlights **human vulnerability and frailty**, even for powerful kings. Joram's "wounds" and "sickness" demonstrate that no earthly power can ultimately shield one from the realities of physical suffering and mortality. Finally, and perhaps most profoundly, the events of this verse are deeply intertwined with the theme of **divine sovereignty and judgment**. Though presented as a series of human actions—a battle, an injury, a visit—these events are meticulously orchestrated by God to bring about the prophesied destruction of the house of Ahab ([1 Kings 21:21-24](/1_kings/21-21 "1 Kings 21:21-24 - Prophecy Against Ahab's House")). Ahaziah's ill-fated visit to Jezreel is a pivotal moment in this divine plan, setting the stage for Jehu's anointing and the subsequent purge detailed in [2 Kings 9:1-10:36](/2_kings/9 "2 Kings 9-10 - Jehu's Anointing and Purge").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wounds (Hebrew, _makkot'_):** The Hebrew term מַכּוֹת (_makkot_) refers to severe blows, stripes, or plagues. It suggests not merely superficial injuries but deep, debilitating wounds, often implying a divine infliction or a consequence of severe conflict. In this context, it emphasizes the gravity of Joram's condition, indicating he was critically injured and incapacitated, necessitating his retreat for prolonged healing.
* **Sick (Hebrew, _chalah'_):** The Hebrew verb חָלָה (_chalah_) can mean to be weak, to be ill, to be grieved, or to be severely injured. Here, it complements _makkot_, indicating that Joram's wounds had led to a state of general illness or extreme weakness. This reinforces the severity of his condition, making him vulnerable and prompting Ahaziah's visit out of concern for his ailing relative.
* **Azariah (Hebrew, _'Azaryahu'_):** While the King of Judah is more commonly known as Ahaziah in other texts ([2 Kings 8:24](/2_kings/8-24 "2 Kings 8:24 - Ahaziah Reigns in Judah")), the name Azariah (עֲזַרְיָהוּ, _'Azaryahu_) means "Yahweh has helped" or "Yahweh is my help." The use of this variant name here is significant, as it stands in stark **irony** to the king's actual fate. Despite a name proclaiming divine assistance, Ahaziah's actions and associations lead him directly into a situation where he faces divine judgment, not help, highlighting the tragic disconnect between his name and his destiny.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he returned to be healed in Jezreel because of the wounds which were given him at Ramah, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria.":** This clause identifies the injured party as Joram, King of Israel (implied from the preceding verse), and specifies his destination for recovery: Jezreel. The cause of his injuries is clearly stated as "wounds" sustained in battle at Ramah (Ramoth-gilead) against Hazael, King of Syria. This establishes Joram's weakened state and the immediate context of his retreat, setting the scene for the subsequent events.
* **"And Azariah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Jehoram the son of Ahab at Jezreel, because he was sick.":** This second clause introduces King Azariah (Ahaziah) of Judah, identifying him by his lineage. It describes his journey "down" (a common directional term for traveling to the Jezreel Valley) to Jezreel specifically to visit Joram, who is explicitly identified as "the son of Ahab" and "sick." This visit, born of familial concern for a sick relative, is presented as the direct catalyst for Ahaziah's entry into the sphere of divine judgment that was about to fall upon the house of Ahab.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and foreshadow future events. **Irony** is prominent in the naming of Ahaziah as "Azariah," meaning "Yahweh has helped," given that his visit to Joram leads directly to his own death and the end of his short reign, a clear sign of divine judgment rather than help. This serves to underscore the tragic consequences of his unholy alliance. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **foreshadowing**, as Joram's injury and retreat, coupled with Ahaziah's visit, create the perfect conditions for Jehu's divinely appointed purge of the Omride dynasty, which immediately follows in the narrative. The seemingly mundane act of a king visiting a sick relative is thus imbued with profound theological significance. The narrative also employs **parallelism** with the account in [2 Kings 8:28-29](/2_kings/8-28 "2 Kings 8:28-29 - Joram Wounded, Ahaziah Visits"), reinforcing the historical veracity of the events while the Chronicler's version subtly emphasizes the moral and theological implications for Judah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 22:6 serves as a stark reminder of the profound consequences of spiritual compromise and unholy alliances. Ahaziah's decision to align with and visit the wicked house of Ahab, despite his own lineage as King of Judah, placed him directly in the path of divine judgment. This narrative illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His readiness to execute judgment upon those who persistently defy Him, even if it means the demise of kings. It highlights that God's sovereignty extends over human conflicts and personal relationships, orchestrating events to fulfill His prophetic word and bring about His righteous purposes. The vulnerability of Joram also reminds us of the universal human condition, subject to sickness and death, irrespective of status, yet within this frailty, God's greater plan unfolds.

* [2 Chronicles 18:1](/2_chronicles/18-1 "2 Chronicles 18:1 - Jehoshaphat's Alliance with Ahab")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")
* [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - Walk with the Wise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, though seemingly a simple historical account, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Ahaziah's fatal association with the house of Ahab underscores the critical importance of discernment in our relationships and alliances. Just as Judah was led astray and suffered judgment due to its ties with wickedness, believers today are called to exercise wisdom in choosing their companions, business partners, and even spiritual affiliations. Our choices regarding whom we align ourselves with can have far-reaching spiritual and practical consequences, either drawing us closer to God's purposes or leading us into compromise and danger. Furthermore, the narrative reminds us that God's sovereign hand is at work even amidst human suffering and conflict. Joram's wounds and Ahaziah's visit were not random occurrences but part of a larger divine plan to bring about justice and fulfill prophecy. This encourages us to trust in God's overarching control, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust, recognizing that He is always working for His glory and the good of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to exercise greater discernment regarding my associations and alliances?**
* **How does the narrative of Ahaziah's downfall challenge my understanding of "harmless" or "well-intentioned" relationships that might lead to spiritual compromise?**
* **How can I better recognize and trust in God's sovereign hand at work, even in difficult or seemingly random circumstances in my own life?**
* **What does Joram's vulnerability teach me about the ultimate limits of human power and the universal reality of suffering?**

### FAQ

**Why is Joram, King of Israel, referred to as "Jehoram" in some biblical texts?**

Answer: The names Joram and Jehoram are often used interchangeably in biblical texts to refer to the same individual. Both names are derived from the same Hebrew root, meaning "Yahweh is exalted." It was common in ancient Israel for individuals, especially kings, to have variant forms of their names or even multiple names. The Chronicler, like the author of Kings, uses these names to refer to the son of Ahab who reigned over Israel. This linguistic fluidity can sometimes cause confusion for modern readers but refers to the same historical figure.

**Why is Ahaziah, King of Judah, called "Azariah" in this specific verse?**

Answer: Similar to Joram/Jehoram, Ahaziah and Azariah are variant names for the same King of Judah. Ahaziah means "Yahweh has grasped" or "Yahweh has sustained," while Azariah means "Yahweh has helped." The interchangeability of these names is a known scribal phenomenon in the Hebrew Bible, reflecting different traditions or simply alternative forms of the same name. While Ahaziah is the more common designation for this king (e.g., [2 Kings 8:24](/2_kings/8-24 "2 Kings 8:24 - Ahaziah Reigns in Judah")), the use of Azariah here does not refer to a different person but rather highlights a specific aspect or tradition associated with him, perhaps ironically given his ultimate fate.

**What was the significance of Jezreel as a location in this narrative?**

Answer: Jezreel was a highly significant royal city for the northern kingdom of Israel, particularly under the Omride dynasty. It was the site of Ahab's infamous palace and Naboth's vineyard ([1 Kings 21:1-29](/1_kings/21 "1 Kings 21 - Naboth's Vineyard and Ahab's Sin")), making it a place deeply associated with the wickedness and idolatry of Ahab and Jezebel. Joram's return to Jezreel for healing, followed by Ahaziah's visit, strategically positions them both in the very location prophesied to be the site of divine judgment against the house of Ahab. Indeed, it is in Jezreel that Jehu will later execute God's judgment upon Joram, Jezebel, and many of Ahab's descendants ([2 Kings 9:14-37](/2_kings/9-14 "2 Kings 9:14-37 - Jehu's Purge in Jezreel")), making this verse a crucial setup for the fulfillment of prophecy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 22:6 details the physical wounds and ultimate demise of earthly kings entangled in unholy alliances, it powerfully foreshadows the coming of a King whose wounds would bring healing and whose reign would be established not by human alliances but by divine power. Joram's physical "wounds" and "sickness" highlight the fragility of human life and the limitations of earthly rulers. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ, the true King, willingly bore spiritual and physical wounds—not from an earthly battle for territory, but through His sacrificial death on the cross ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed")). His wounds bring ultimate healing and salvation to all who believe, transcending mere physical recovery to offer eternal life and spiritual restoration ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - By His Wounds You Were Healed")). Furthermore, the narrative's emphasis on the consequences of unholy alliances finds its ultimate resolution in Christ. While Old Testament kings suffered for their sinful partnerships, Christ establishes a new covenant where believers are called into a pure, holy alliance with God Himself, through His Spirit ([2 Corinthians 6:14-18](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14-18 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")). His kingdom is not of this world, and His reign is not subject to the vulnerabilities or judgments that plagued the kings of Israel and Judah ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")). In Christ, the divine sovereignty that orchestrated judgment upon wicked dynasties now offers grace and a secure, eternal relationship to all who trust in the King who conquered death and sin through His own suffering.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 9:15

But king Joram was returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria.) And Jehu said, If it be your minds, [then] let none go forth [nor] escape out of the city to go to tell [it] in Jezreel.

2 Kings 8:29

And king Joram went back to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. And Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Joram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick.

2 Chronicles 22:1

¶ And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ahaziah his youngest son king in his stead: for the band of men that came with the Arabians to the camp had slain all the eldest. So Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah reigned.

2 Kings 10:13

Jehu met with the brethren of Ahaziah king of Judah, and said, Who [are] ye? And they answered, We [are] the brethren of Ahaziah; and we go down to salute the children of the king and the children of the queen.

2 Kings 10:14

And he said, Take them alive. And they took them alive, and slew them at the pit of the shearing house, [even] two and forty men; neither left he any of them.

2 Chronicles 22:7

And the destruction of Ahaziah was of God by coming to Joram: for when he was come, he went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom the LORD had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab.

2 Chronicles 21:17

And they came up into Judah, and brake into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king's house, and his sons also, and his wives; so that there was never a son left him, save Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons.