2 Kings 14:21

KJV

And all the people of Judah took Azariah, which [was] sixteen years old, and made him king instead of his father Amaziah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the people {H5971} of Judah {H3063} took {H3947} Azariah {H5838}, which was sixteen {H8337}{H6240} years {H8141} old {H1121}, and made him king {H4427} instead of his father {H1} Amaziah {H558}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then all the people of Y'hudah took 'Azaryah at the age of sixteen and made him king in place of his father Amatzyah.

Berean Standard Bible

Then all the people of Judah took Azariah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah.

American Standard Version

And all the people of Judah took Azariah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following the assassination of King Amaziah, 2 Kings 14:21 records a pivotal moment in the Southern Kingdom of Judah: the collective decision of "all the people of Judah" to enthrone Amaziah's sixteen-year-old son, Azariah, as their new king. This act ensured the immediate continuity of the Davidic dynasty, stabilizing the kingdom in a time of political uncertainty and setting the stage for one of Judah's longest and most significant reigns, that of the king more commonly known as Uzziah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of King Amaziah's tragic end. After a period of initial faithfulness, Amaziah turned away from the Lord, leading to his humiliating defeat by Israel and subsequent assassination by a conspiracy in Lachish, as detailed in [2 Kings 14:19](/2_kings/14-19 "Amaziah's Assassination"). The narrative of 2 Kings, part of the Deuteronomistic History, consistently evaluates kings based on their obedience to God's covenant. Amaziah's violent death, like that of many unfaithful kings before him, serves as a theological judgment. The people's swift action to install Azariah demonstrates a desire for stability and continuity, preventing a power vacuum or civil war, and reaffirming the importance of the Davidic line despite the failures of individual monarchs. This transition sets the stage for a new era in Judah's history, marked by Azariah's (Uzziah's) long and generally prosperous reign, which is more extensively detailed in [2 Chronicles 26](/2_chronicles/26 "The Reign of Uzziah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the death of a king, especially by assassination, often plunged a kingdom into chaos, inviting internal power struggles or external aggression. The prompt action of "all the people of Judah" to enthrone Azariah, a mere sixteen-year-old, highlights the critical need for immediate succession to maintain order and prevent instability. The phrase "all the people of Judah" (עַם הָאָרֶץ, _‘am ha’aretz_, "people of the land" or "land-owning citizens") likely refers to the influential elders, nobles, or military leaders who represented the broader populace and held significant sway in matters of national importance, including royal succession. Their involvement suggests a popular affirmation of the Davidic line and a desire for legitimate rule, rather than a mere dynastic coup. The Davidic covenant, promising an enduring dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "The Davidic Covenant")), provided a theological and political bedrock for Judah, making the continuity of this lineage paramount.
* **Key Themes:** The enthronement of Azariah at such a young age underscores several significant themes. First, **Succession and Continuity** of the Davidic line is paramount, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite the moral failings of individual kings. The people's action ensures that the throne remains within the divinely appointed lineage, a recurring motif throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles. Second, the theme of **Popular Acclamation** is evident in "all the people of Judah took Azariah." This suggests a communal recognition and affirmation of the new king, lending legitimacy to his rule beyond mere hereditary right. This contrasts with other successions in Israel and Judah that were marked by internal strife or coups. Finally, the theme of **Youthful Leadership** is introduced. Azariah's young age (sixteen) at ascension highlights the potential and challenges associated with young rulers. His subsequent reign, though ending with personal failure due to pride, was largely characterized by strength, military success, and economic prosperity for Judah, as extensively recorded in [2 Chronicles 26](/2_chronicles/26 "The Reign of Uzziah"). This verse thus sets the stage for a period of significant national development under a young, divinely appointed leader.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Azariah (Hebrew, _‘Azaryahu'_):** Meaning "Yahweh has helped" or "Yahweh is my help." This name, while used here, is less common for this king than "Uzziah." The name itself carries a theological statement, attributing divine assistance to the king's life and reign, foreshadowing the initial successes of his rule.
* **Uzziah (Hebrew, _‘Uzziyyahu'_):** Meaning "My strength is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my strength." This is the more frequently used name for this king in parallel accounts (e.g., [2 Chronicles 26:1](/2_chronicles/26-1 "Uzziah's Accession and Reign")) and prophetic books (e.g., [Isaiah 6:1](/isaiah/6-1 "Isaiah's Call in the Year King Uzziah Died")). The interchangeability of Azariah and Uzziah is common in ancient Near Eastern naming conventions, where individuals might have multiple names or variations, often with similar theological undertones. Both names emphasize God as the source of the king's power and success.
* **Took (Hebrew, _laqach'_):** This verb implies selection, adoption, or even seizing. In this context, it denotes a deliberate act of choosing and installing. It suggests the initiative of the people (or their representatives) in the process of enthronement, indicating a consensual or affirmed transfer of power rather than a simple hereditary succession or a coup.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the people of Judah took Azariah,"**: This opening clause highlights the agency of the community in the succession process. "All the people of Judah" (עַם הָאָרֶץ, _‘am ha’aretz_) refers to the influential landholders, elders, or military leaders who represented the nation. Their collective action in "taking" Azariah signifies a deliberate, legitimate, and widely supported enthronement, ensuring stability after the regicide of Amaziah. This communal involvement underscores the importance of popular affirmation in the legitimacy of a king's rule in Judah.
* **"which [was] sixteen years old,"**: This parenthetical detail provides Azariah's age at his ascension. At sixteen, he was relatively young to assume such a weighty responsibility, especially in a kingdom reeling from political instability. This detail sets the stage for a reign that would prove remarkably long (52 years) and largely prosperous, despite the king's youth at its outset. It also subtly introduces the theme of youthful potential and God's ability to use individuals of any age.
* **"and made him king instead of his father Amaziah."**: This final clause states the direct outcome of the people's action: Azariah's enthronement. The phrase "instead of his father Amaziah" explicitly links the new reign to the preceding one, emphasizing the continuity of the Davidic dynasty despite the violent and ignominious end of Amaziah's rule. This act ensures the immediate transfer of power, preventing a dangerous power vacuum and reaffirming the divine promise of an enduring lineage for David's throne.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Ellipsis** is present in the bracketed "[was]," indicating a verb understood in the Hebrew but not explicitly stated, common in concise narrative. **Foreshadowing** is subtly at play; the enthronement of a sixteen-year-old, though seemingly precarious, actually foreshadows a remarkably long and generally successful reign for Uzziah, which will be detailed further in the biblical narrative. The **Contrast** between the chaotic, violent end of Amaziah's reign and the seemingly orderly, communal enthronement of his young son highlights a shift in the kingdom's trajectory and the resilience of the Davidic line. Furthermore, the **Dual Naming** of the king (Azariah/Uzziah) serves as a literary bridge, connecting this account in Kings to the more extensive narratives in Chronicles and prophetic books, ensuring the reader recognizes the same significant historical figure. This also adds a layer of **Symbolism**, as both names ("Yahweh has helped" and "My strength is Yahweh") point to the divine hand in his life and rule, even if his reign ultimately ended in personal failure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The enthronement of Azariah by the people of Judah, following the turbulent end of his father's reign, powerfully illustrates the interplay of divine sovereignty and human agency in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Despite Amaziah's apostasy and violent death, God's promise to David concerning an enduring dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "The Davidic Covenant")) remained steadfast. The people's initiative in enthroning Azariah was not merely a political act but also, implicitly, an act of faith in the continuity of God's covenant. It demonstrates that even in times of national crisis or leadership failure, God works through human decisions and structures to ensure His purposes are fulfilled. The choice of a young king also highlights God's ability to raise up and use individuals, regardless of their age or apparent inexperience, for His divine purposes, relying on His strength rather than human wisdom alone.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "The Davidic Covenant")
* [2 Chronicles 26:1](/2_chronicles/26-1 "Uzziah's Accession and Reign")
* [Isaiah 6:1](/isaiah/6-1 "Isaiah's Vision in the Year King Uzziah Died")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Azariah's ascension offers profound insights for contemporary life, particularly concerning leadership, community, and God's faithfulness. In times of transition, uncertainty, or even crisis within our communities, organizations, or nations, this passage reminds us that God remains sovereign, actively working through human choices to bring about His purposes. The "people of Judah" acted decisively to ensure stability and continuity, demonstrating the vital role a community plays in discerning, affirming, and supporting its leaders. This calls us to prayerful engagement in leadership selection processes, seeking divine wisdom and unity rather than succumbing to division or apathy. Furthermore, Azariah's youthful enthronement challenges us to recognize and nurture the potential in younger generations. We are called to invest in, mentor, and empower young people for significant roles, trusting that God can equip and use individuals of any age for His glory. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to place our trust in God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, knowing that His plans will prevail even amidst human failings and political upheaval.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we, as a community, discern God's hand in leadership transitions, especially during times of instability or crisis?**
* **What is the balance between hereditary succession and popular acclamation in leadership, and how might this apply to modern leadership structures in the church or society?**
* **In what ways can we better identify, equip, and empower young people for significant roles and responsibilities within our communities or churches, mirroring the trust placed in Azariah at a young age?**

### FAQ
**Why is the king called Azariah here but Uzziah elsewhere in the Bible?**

Answer: The interchangeability of the names Azariah and Uzziah for the same king is a common feature in ancient Near Eastern naming conventions and is not unusual in the biblical text. While 2 Kings 14:21 uses "Azariah," the king is more frequently referred to as "Uzziah" in the parallel account in [2 Chronicles 26:1](/2_chronicles/26-1 "Uzziah's Accession and Reign") and in prophetic books like [Isaiah 6:1](/isaiah/6-1 "Isaiah's Call in the Year King Uzziah Died"). Both names carry similar theological meanings: Azariah means "Yahweh has helped," and Uzziah means "My strength is Yahweh." This similarity suggests that they might have been variant forms of the same name, or perhaps one was a birth name and the other a throne name. The use of both names helps readers connect the historical narrative in Kings with the more detailed account of his reign in Chronicles and the prophetic context of Isaiah.

**What does "all the people of Judah" signify in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "all the people of Judah" (Hebrew: עַם הָאָרֶץ, _‘am ha’aretz_, literally "people of the land") does not necessarily imply a universal plebiscite or every single inhabitant. Instead, in the context of ancient Israelite monarchy, it typically refers to the influential and representative elements of the population—such as the elders, tribal leaders, military commanders, or land-owning citizens—who held significant political and social sway. Their involvement in Azariah's enthronement signifies a broad consensus and popular affirmation of his kingship, lending legitimacy to his rule. This act contrasts with successions that might occur through internal coups or without popular support, highlighting that Azariah's ascent to the throne was seen as a stable and legitimate transfer of power, crucial after the assassination of his father, Amaziah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The enthronement of Azariah by "all the people of Judah" serves as a poignant foreshadowing of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who fulfills the Davidic covenant in its entirety. Just as the people of Judah sought to maintain the Davidic line amidst turmoil, God Himself, through His divine plan, established an eternal kingdom through His Son, Jesus, the true heir to David's throne ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "The Eternal Reign of Jesus")). While Azariah was chosen by human agency, Jesus' kingship is divinely ordained and universally proclaimed. He is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, and the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). The "people" who "took" Azariah to be king find their ultimate expression in the redeemed people of God, who willingly acknowledge Jesus as their Lord and Savior. His enthronement, though initially marked by suffering and death, culminated in His resurrection and ascension, where He was exalted to the right hand of God, receiving a name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Christ's Exaltation")). Unlike Azariah, whose reign ended in personal failure, Christ's reign is eternal, righteous, and unshakable, bringing true peace and justice to all who submit to His perfect rule.

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 21:24

And the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his stead.

2 Kings 15:13

Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the nine and thirtieth year of Uzziah king of Judah; and he reigned a full month in Samaria.

Matthew 1:8

And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;

Matthew 1:9

And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;

1 Chronicles 3:12

Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son,

2 Chronicles 26:1

¶ Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who [was] sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah.