2 Chronicles 22:9

KJV

And he sought Ahaziah: and they caught him, (for he was hid in Samaria,) and brought him to Jehu: and when they had slain him, they buried him: Because, said they, he [is] the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart. So the house of Ahaziah had no power to keep still the kingdom.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he sought {H1245} Ahaziah {H274}: and they caught {H3920} him,(for he was hid {H2244} in Samaria {H8111},) and brought {H935} him to Jehu {H3058}: and when they had slain {H4191} him, they buried {H6912} him: Because, said {H559} they, he is the son {H1121} of Jehoshaphat {H3092}, who sought {H1875} the LORD {H3068} with all his heart {H3824}. So the house {H1004} of Ahaziah {H274} had no power {H3581} to keep {H6113} still the kingdom {H4467}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he went searching for Achazyah; they caught him where he had been hiding in Shomron, brought him to Yehu and killed him. But [his subjects] buried him, because they said, "He was the [grand]son of Y'hoshafat, who sought ADONAI with all his heart." At this point there was no one in the house of Achazyah strong enough to rule the kingdom.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jehu looked for Ahaziah, and Jehu’s soldiers captured him while he was hiding in Samaria. So Ahaziah was brought to Jehu and put to death. They buried him, for they said, “He is the grandson of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart.” So no one was left from the house of Ahaziah with the strength to rule the kingdom.

American Standard Version

And he sought Ahaziah, and they caught him (now he was hiding in Samaria), and they brought him to Jehu, and slew him; and they buried him, for they said, He is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought Jehovah with all his heart. And the house of Ahaziah had no power to hold the kingdom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 22:9 records the capture and death of King Ahaziah of Judah, who, despite his personal wickedness and alignment with the idolatrous house of Ahab, was granted a burial due to the righteous legacy of his grandfather, King Jehoshaphat. This dramatic event, orchestrated by Jehu as part of God's judgment against the house of Ahab, effectively ended Ahaziah's brief and ungodly reign, highlighting the instability of rule not founded on devotion to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the narrative of Ahaziah's brief and disastrous reign, which began in [2 Chronicles 22:1](/2_chronicles/22-1 "2 Chronicles 22:1 - Ahaziah Becomes King"). The preceding verses detail his ungodly counsel from his mother, Athaliah, and his alliance with King Joram of Israel, son of Ahab, in a battle against Hazael of Aram ([2 Chronicles 22:3-6](/2_chronicles/22-3 "2 Chronicles 22:3-6 - Ahaziah's Evil Ways and Alliance")). The immediate context in [2 Chronicles 22:7-8](/2_chronicles/22-7 "2 Chronicles 22:7-8 - Ahaziah's Downfall") explains that Ahaziah's visit to Joram in Jezreel was "of God" for his destruction, leading him directly into Jehu's divinely appointed purge of the house of Ahab. Verse 9 then describes his pursuit, capture, and death, providing a slightly different account of his demise than [2 Kings 9:27-28](/2_kings/9-27 "2 Kings 9:27-28 - Ahaziah's Death in 2 Kings"), which places his death near Ibleam. The Chronicler emphasizes the *reason* for his burial—Jehoshaphat's legacy—which aligns with the book's overarching focus on righteous kingship and its blessings.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [2 Chronicles 22](/2_chronicles/22 "2 Chronicles 22 - Ahaziah's Reign") unfold during a period of intense political and religious turmoil in both the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The Omride dynasty in Israel, particularly under Ahab and Jezebel, had introduced pervasive Baal worship, leading to severe divine judgment. Jehu's coup, detailed in [2 Kings 9-10](/2_kings/9 "2 Kings 9-10 - Jehu's Coup"), was a brutal, divinely sanctioned purge aimed at eradicating this idolatry and the entire house of Ahab. Ahaziah, as the grandson of Ahab through his mother Athaliah, had deeply entangled Judah with this wicked lineage. His visit to Joram (Ahab's son) in Jezreel, a royal city and site of Naboth's vineyard, placed him squarely in the path of Jehu's wrath. The act of burial, even for a wicked king, was culturally significant, often indicating a measure of respect or a recognition of his royal status, distinguishing it from being left unburied, which was a sign of utter disgrace.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the Chronicler's theology. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to punishing wickedness, especially idolatry and ungodly alliances, as seen in the destruction of the house of Ahab and those associated with it. Ahaziah's death is presented as a direct consequence of his association with this condemned lineage, fulfilling the prophetic word against Ahab's house ([1 Kings 21:21-24](/1_kings/21-21 "1 Kings 21:21-24 - Elijah's Prophecy Against Ahab")). Secondly, the theme of **Legacy and Hereditary Influence** is prominent; while Ahaziah's own actions were wicked, his burial was granted "Because... he is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart." This highlights the lasting impact of a righteous ancestor's devotion, even offering a measure of mercy to a wayward descendant, a concept often explored in the Chronicler's narrative concerning the Davidic line. Lastly, the phrase "So the house of Ahaziah had no power to keep still the kingdom" speaks to the **Instability of Ungodly Rule** and the ultimate futility of human power when it stands in opposition to God's will. It foreshadows the subsequent usurpation by Athaliah and the near-extinction of the Davidic line, further emphasizing the precariousness of a kingdom not firmly rooted in covenant faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sought (Hebrew, _bāqaš'_):** While the KJV translates "sought" for Ahaziah, the Hebrew verb here is actually `יְבַקְּשֻׁהוּ` (yəvaqqəšūhū), meaning "they sought him" (Ahaziah). The significant use of "sought" (Hebrew, _dāraš'_ - דָּרַשׁ) appears later in the verse regarding Jehoshaphat: "who sought the LORD with all his heart." This verb, _dāraš_, implies a deep, earnest, and continuous pursuit, inquiry, or consultation. When applied to God, it signifies a profound spiritual devotion, a desire to know and obey His will, and to seek His presence and guidance. The Chronicler frequently uses this term to commend righteous kings, contrasting them with those who did not seek the Lord or sought other gods.
* **hid (Hebrew, _ḥābā'_):** This verb means "to hide oneself, to be concealed." Ahaziah's attempt to hide in Samaria indicates his desperate flight and fear in the face of Jehu's purge. It underscores his vulnerability and the thoroughness of Jehu's mission, as even in a major city, he could not escape detection.
* **with all his heart (Hebrew, _bəḵol-ləḇāḇō_):** This phrase is a quintessential expression of wholehearted devotion in the Old Testament, particularly in Deuteronomic theology and the Chronicler's narrative. It signifies complete sincerity, undivided loyalty, and total commitment of one's inner being—mind, will, and emotions—to God. For Jehoshaphat, it highlights his genuine and comprehensive faithfulness, which stands in stark contrast to Ahaziah's compromised and idolatrous ways.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he sought Ahaziah: and they caught him, (for he was hid in Samaria,)":** This clause describes the active pursuit and successful apprehension of Ahaziah. The "he" refers to Jehu, or more generally, Jehu's forces. Ahaziah's attempt to evade capture by hiding in Samaria, a significant city in the Northern Kingdom, proved futile, emphasizing the thoroughness and divine impetus behind Jehu's purge.
* **"and brought him to Jehu: and when they had slain him, they buried him:":** This details the immediate consequence of Ahaziah's capture. He was brought before Jehu, who was orchestrating the purge of Ahab's house. His execution followed, a swift act of divine judgment. The subsequent burial, however, is a crucial detail, setting up the explanation that follows.
* **"Because, said they, he [is] the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart.":** This is the pivotal explanation for Ahaziah's burial. Despite his own wickedness, the recognition of his lineage to Jehoshaphat, a king renowned for his sincere devotion to God, afforded him the dignity of a burial. This highlights the Chronicler's emphasis on the positive legacy of righteous ancestors and God's faithfulness to the covenant, even when descendants stray.
* **"So the house of Ahaziah had no power to keep still the kingdom.":** This concluding statement summarizes the immediate political and dynastic consequence of Ahaziah's death. His brief reign ended abruptly, and his branch of the Davidic line was effectively cut off from stable succession. This sets the stage for the subsequent crisis of Athaliah's usurpation, underscoring the instability and vulnerability of a kingdom that departs from God's ways.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Irony** is evident in Ahaziah's fate: despite being a king, he is hunted, captured, and slain, demonstrating the fragility of human power against divine judgment. His attempt to hide in Samaria, a place of refuge, becomes instead a place of capture, highlighting the inescapable nature of God's decree. **Contrast** is a dominant feature, sharply pitting Ahaziah's ungodly reign against the righteous legacy of his grandfather, Jehoshaphat. This contrast underscores the Chronicler's theological agenda, emphasizing the importance of wholehearted devotion to the Lord. The specific mention of Jehoshaphat's piety serves as a form of **Eulogy by Proxy**, where the virtue of an ancestor indirectly influences the treatment of a wicked descendant, a testament to the enduring power of a righteous reputation. The final statement, "So the house of Ahaziah had no power to keep still the kingdom," functions as a **Summary Statement** or **Concluding Commentary**, providing the theological and historical takeaway from Ahaziah's demise, linking his personal fate to the broader theme of dynastic instability due to unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The death of Ahaziah serves as a stark reminder of the principle of divine judgment against unrighteousness and the far-reaching consequences of ungodly alliances. While Ahaziah personally suffered for his wickedness and association with the house of Ahab, the Chronicler's inclusion of his burial, solely on account of Jehoshaphat's piety, introduces a nuanced theological point about the lingering benefits of a righteous legacy. It suggests that God's covenant faithfulness can extend a measure of grace or mercy even to those who do not personally merit it, honoring the devotion of their ancestors. This does not negate individual accountability but highlights the profound impact of generational faithfulness (or unfaithfulness) on a family's trajectory and God's dealings with them. Ultimately, the narrative reinforces the Chronicler's core message: prosperity and stability are contingent upon seeking the Lord wholeheartedly, while deviation leads to instability and judgment.

* [Exodus 20:5-6](/exodus/20-5 "Consequences of Idolatry and Generational Blessings")
* [Jeremiah 32:18](/jeremiah/32-18 "God's Justice and Mercy Across Generations")
* [Ezekiel 18:20](/ezekiel/18-20 "Individual Accountability")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic end of King Ahaziah, caught in the crosscurrents of divine judgment, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It compels us to examine the nature of our associations and the influences we permit in our lives. Ahaziah's alignment with the idolatrous house of Ahab led directly to his destruction, underscoring the spiritual danger of compromising our faith through ungodly relationships or alliances. While we are not subject to the same dynastic judgments as ancient kings, the principle remains: "bad company corrupts good character" ([1 Corinthians 15:33](/1_corinthians/15-33 "1 Corinthians 15:33 - The Danger of Bad Company")). Furthermore, the narrative reminds us that while a righteous heritage can offer certain advantages or even a measure of grace, it does not absolve us of personal responsibility. Each individual must personally "seek the Lord with all his heart." Our own walk with God, our choices, and our devotion are paramount, shaping not only our destiny but potentially leaving a legacy for future generations. We are called to live lives of integrity and wholehearted devotion, trusting that God's justice is perfect and His mercy is profound, always seeking to build a legacy of faithfulness that honors Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do my closest relationships and associations influence my spiritual walk and decision-making?**
* **In what ways am I personally "seeking the Lord with all my heart" today, and where might I be compromising?**
* **What kind of spiritual legacy am I building for my family and community, and how does it reflect my devotion to God?**
* **How does understanding God's judgment and mercy in Ahaziah's story shape my perspective on His character and my own accountability?**

### FAQ

**Why was Ahaziah buried if he was such a wicked king?**

Answer: Ahaziah was granted a burial, rather than being left unburied as a sign of utter disgrace, primarily because of the righteous legacy of his grandfather, King Jehoshaphat. The text explicitly states, "Because, said they, he [is] the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart." This highlights a principle in the Old Testament where the piety of an ancestor could extend a measure of favor or mercy to their descendants, even if those descendants were wicked. It underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant with David and His recognition of those who genuinely sought Him, even across generations. While Ahaziah's personal wickedness led to his violent death, Jehoshaphat's devotion provided a degree of posthumous respect.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Ahaziah's death, marked by divine judgment yet softened by an ancestral legacy, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. Ahaziah's reliance on a past righteous lineage for a measure of grace foreshadows the perfect, unblemished lineage of Christ, who is the true "son of David" and the ultimate "son of Abraham," through whom all blessings flow ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")). Unlike Ahaziah, whose personal wickedness overshadowed his heritage, Jesus perfectly embodied righteousness, not needing to rely on the merits of others but establishing His own perfect obedience. The instability of Ahaziah's kingdom, which "had no power to keep still the kingdom," stands in stark contrast to the eternal and unshakable kingdom of Christ, of which there will be no end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Christ")). Furthermore, while Ahaziah's burial was a mercy extended due to another's righteousness, Christ's death and burial were the ultimate act of divine mercy, where the perfectly righteous One bore the judgment for the unrighteous, offering not just a dignified burial but eternal life to all who believe ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us")). Through His sacrifice, believers are not merely spared disgrace but are granted adoption into God's family, inheriting a spiritual legacy far greater than any earthly lineage, rooted in Christ's perfect righteousness and His finished work on the cross ([Ephesians 1:5-7](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5-7 - Adoption and Redemption Through Christ")).

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

1 Kings 14:13

And all Israel shall mourn for him, and bury him: for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found [some] good thing toward the LORD God of Israel in the house of Jeroboam.

2 Kings 9:27

But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw [this], he fled by the way of the garden house. And Jehu followed after him, and said, Smite him also in the chariot. [And they did so] at the going up to Gur, which [is] by Ibleam. And he fled to Megiddo, and died there.

2 Kings 9:28

And his servants carried him in a chariot to Jerusalem, and buried him in his sepulchre with his fathers in the city of David.

2 Chronicles 21:20

Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years, and departed without being desired. Howbeit they buried him in the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings.

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 Chronicles 17:3

And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;

2 Chronicles 17:4

But sought to the [LORD] God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.