2 Kings 14:23

KJV

¶ In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel began to reign in Samaria, [and reigned] forty and one years.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the fifteenth {H2568}{H6240}{H8141} year {H8141} of Amaziah {H558} the son {H1121} of Joash {H3101} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} Jeroboam {H3379} the son {H1121} of Joash {H3101} king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} began to reign {H4427} in Samaria {H8111}, and reigned forty {H705} and one {H259} years {H8141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was in the fifteenth year of Amatzyah the son of Yo'ash, king of Y'hudah, that Yarov'am the son of Yo'ash, king of Isra'el, began to reign in Shomron; and he ruled for forty-one years.

Berean Standard Bible

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Amaziah son of Joash over Judah, Jeroboam son of Jehoash became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria forty-one years.

American Standard Version

In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel began to reign in Samaria, and reigned forty and one years.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse marks the precise chronological commencement of the reign of Jeroboam II over the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It establishes his ascension to the throne in Samaria in the fifteenth year of King Amaziah of Judah, noting his remarkably long reign of forty-one years. This seemingly simple historical entry serves as a critical chronological anchor, setting the stage for one of Israel's most prosperous, yet spiritually compromised, periods before its eventual downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Kings 14:23 is strategically placed within the larger narrative of the divided monarchy, specifically following the account of King Amaziah of Judah, whose reign is detailed in [2 Kings 14:1-22](/2_kings/14-1 "2 Kings 14:1-22 - The Reign of Amaziah"). The preceding verses describe Amaziah's initial righteous acts, his subsequent pride and idolatry, and his eventual assassination. This verse shifts the focus back to the Northern Kingdom, introducing Jeroboam II, the son of Joash (also king of Israel, whose reign is covered in [2 Kings 13:10-25](/2_kings/13-10 "2 Kings 13:10-25 - The Reign of Jehoash of Israel")). The mention of "Samaria" immediately identifies Jeroboam II as the ruler of Israel, the northern kingdom, whose capital was Samaria. This chronological synchronism between the reigns of the kings of Judah and Israel is a hallmark of the Books of Kings, providing a framework for understanding the intertwined histories of the two nations. The verse thus serves as a pivot, preparing the reader for the detailed account of Jeroboam II's significant and lengthy rule that follows.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Jeroboam II's reign (c. 793-753 BC) was a unique time for the Northern Kingdom. Historically, it coincided with a temporary weakening of the Assyrian Empire, which had previously exerted significant pressure on the Syro-Palestinian region. This power vacuum allowed Israel to expand its borders and reclaim territories that had been lost, as explicitly mentioned in [2 Kings 14:25](/2_kings/14-25 "2 Kings 14:25 - Jeroboam II's Restoration of Borders"). Culturally, this era was characterized by unprecedented economic prosperity, fueled by trade and territorial expansion. However, this material wealth often led to social injustice, oppression of the poor, and rampant idolatry, as vividly condemned by the prophets Amos and Hosea, who ministered during this very period (e.g., [Amos 2:6-8](/amos/2-6 "Amos 2:6-8 - Israel's Transgressions") and [Hosea 4:1-2](/hosea/4-1 "Hosea 4:1-2 - The Lord's Indictment Against Israel")). Samaria, as the capital, became a symbol of this prosperity and its accompanying moral decay.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within the Books of Kings. Firstly, it highlights the **chronological precision** employed by the biblical authors, meticulously dating the reigns of kings in both Judah and Israel to provide a coherent historical record of God's interaction with His people. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **divine sovereignty over human history**, demonstrating that even the rise and fall of kings, regardless of their personal righteousness, occurs within God's overarching plan (cf. [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")). Thirdly, by introducing Jeroboam II's long and prosperous reign, it implicitly sets up the theme of **worldly success versus spiritual health**. While Jeroboam II brought material prosperity and national strength to Israel, his reign was marked by continued spiritual apostasy, a stark reminder that outward success does not equate to divine favor or spiritual integrity. This tension is a recurring motif, particularly as the narrative progresses towards Israel's eventual exile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **reign (Hebrew, _malak_):** This verb, meaning "to rule as king" or "to be king," is fundamental to the Books of Kings, which chronicle the succession of monarchs. Its use here signifies the official beginning of Jeroboam II's authority and leadership over Israel. The repetitive use of this term throughout the historical books emphasizes the human institution of kingship within God's sovereign plan, highlighting both the power and the limitations of earthly rulers.
* **Samaria (Hebrew, _shomron_):** The capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, founded by Omri (cf. [1 Kings 16:24](/1_kings/16-24 "1 Kings 16:24 - Omri Founds Samaria")). By this point in Israel's history, Samaria had become a powerful and wealthy center, but also a hub of idolatry and social injustice, frequently condemned by the prophets. Its mention here immediately grounds Jeroboam II's rule in the heartland of the Northern Kingdom, a place of both national strength and spiritual compromise.
* **forty and one years (Hebrew, _arba'im v'echad shanah_):** This specific duration is remarkably long for an Israelite king, especially in the often-turbulent Northern Kingdom. The longevity of his reign suggests a period of unusual stability and strength for Israel, contrasting sharply with the shorter, more violent reigns of many of his predecessors and successors. This extended period allowed for the territorial expansion and economic prosperity that characterized his rule, yet also provided ample time for the spiritual decline that the prophets would later decry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah":** This clause provides the precise chronological marker, synchronizing the beginning of Jeroboam II's reign with that of the contemporary king of Judah. This dating convention is crucial for the biblical historian, allowing for a coherent timeline of events across the divided kingdoms. It places Jeroboam II's ascension firmly within the broader historical narrative.
* **"Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel began to reign in Samaria":** This identifies the new king of the Northern Kingdom, his lineage, and his capital city. The mention of "Jeroboam" immediately connects him to the first king of the divided Northern Kingdom (Jeroboam I), a name that often carried negative connotations due to the original Jeroboam's establishment of idolatrous worship. This naming might subtly foreshadow a continuation of the spiritual failures of the Northern Kingdom's leadership.
* **"[and reigned] forty and one years":** This final clause states the duration of Jeroboam II's rule. The exceptional length of his reign is a key detail, indicating a significant period of stability and influence for Israel. This longevity sets the stage for the subsequent narrative, which details the territorial expansion and material prosperity that occurred under his leadership, alongside the spiritual decline that would eventually lead to prophetic warnings and divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily functions as a **Chronological Marker**, a common literary device in the Books of Kings. It precisely dates the beginning of Jeroboam II's reign by cross-referencing it with the reign of the contemporary king of Judah, Amaziah. This meticulous dating provides a clear historical framework for the reader, allowing for the synchronization of events between the two kingdoms. Furthermore, the verse acts as a **Framing Device**, introducing a significant period in Israel's history. By stating the length of Jeroboam II's reign upfront, it sets the stage for the subsequent narrative detailing his accomplishments and the spiritual climate of his era. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing** in the mention of the "forty and one years," hinting at the substantial and impactful reign that is about to be described, a reign that would be marked by both national resurgence and profound spiritual decay, as later elaborated by the prophets.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 14:23, while a seemingly straightforward historical record, carries significant theological weight. It underscores God's meticulous involvement in human history, even in the succession of kings who may not fully align with His will. The precise dating and the mention of a long reign for Jeroboam II, a king "who did evil in the eyes of the Lord" ([2 Kings 14:24](/2_kings/14-24 "2 Kings 14:24 - Jeroboam II's Evil Reign")), illustrate the paradox of divine sovereignty: God permits and even orchestrates the rise and fall of leaders for His purposes, sometimes granting prosperity even to the unrighteous, to fulfill His larger redemptive plan or to demonstrate His patience. This period of national strength under Jeroboam II, despite spiritual apostasy, serves as a powerful reminder that worldly success is not always an indicator of divine approval or spiritual health. The true measure of a nation or leader, from a biblical perspective, is faithfulness to God's covenant and justice.

* [Amos 7:9](/amos/7-9 "Amos 7:9 - Prophecy Against Jeroboam's House")
* [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - Prophetic Word During Jeroboam II's Reign")
* [Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness Exalts a Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry historical data of 2 Kings 14:23 offers profound insights for contemporary reflection. It reminds us that God's hand is at work in the grand sweep of history, orchestrating the reigns of leaders, even those who do not acknowledge Him or walk in His ways. Jeroboam II's long and prosperous reign, despite his spiritual failings, serves as a sobering caution: material success or national strength does not automatically equate to divine blessing or spiritual integrity. In our own lives and societies, we must guard against equating worldly prosperity with spiritual health. Are we, like Jeroboam's Israel, experiencing outward success while our hearts or communities drift from God's commands and justice? This verse calls us to look beyond superficial indicators and to prioritize righteousness, justice, and faithful adherence to God's word, recognizing that true flourishing is found not in accumulated wealth or power, but in a right relationship with the Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we discern between true divine blessing and mere worldly success in our own lives or in our nation?**
* **What are the dangers of prosperity if not coupled with spiritual vigilance and adherence to God's commands?**
* **How does God's sovereignty over earthly rulers, even unrighteous ones, impact our understanding of current events?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to compromise spiritual integrity for the sake of perceived stability or success?**

### FAQ
**Why is the precise dating of Jeroboam II's reign so important in this verse?**

Answer: The precise dating of Jeroboam II's reign, synchronized with the fifteenth year of Amaziah of Judah, is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a vital **chronological anchor** for the biblical narrative, allowing historians and readers to accurately place events within the broader timeline of the divided monarchy. The Books of Kings consistently use this method to interweave the histories of Judah and Israel. Secondly, it underscores the **historical reliability** of the biblical record, demonstrating a meticulous attention to detail in documenting the succession of kings. Finally, it sets the stage for understanding the **interconnectedness** of the two kingdoms, even in their separation, as their destinies often influenced one another. This chronological precision allows for a fuller appreciation of the prophetic messages delivered during this era, such as those of [Amos](/amos/1 "The Book of Amos") and [Hosea](/hosea/1 "The Book of Hosea"), who ministered during Jeroboam II's long reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The historical account of Jeroboam II's reign, introduced in 2 Kings 14:23, finds its ultimate theological fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Jeroboam II brought a temporary period of prosperity and territorial expansion to Israel, his rule, like all human kingships, was ultimately flawed and transient, marked by continued spiritual apostasy and leading eventually to national judgment. This highlights the inherent limitations of earthly kings and their inability to bring about true, lasting salvation or spiritual restoration. The longing for a perfect, righteous king who would not merely restore borders but heal the heart and establish an eternal kingdom is a pervasive theme throughout the Old Testament. Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of this longing. He is the true King, not of a temporal kingdom like Israel, but of an eternal, spiritual kingdom ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). Unlike Jeroboam II, who "did evil in the sight of the Lord" ([2 Kings 14:24](/2_kings/14-24 "2 Kings 14:24 - Jeroboam II's Evil Reign")), Jesus is the perfectly righteous King who perfectly obeyed the Father ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest, Tempted Yet Sinless")). His reign brings not just material prosperity, but spiritual abundance, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life")). The temporary nature of Jeroboam's "forty and one years" contrasts sharply with Christ's eternal reign, "of His kingdom there will be no end" ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")). Thus, the historical record of Jeroboam II serves as a backdrop, pointing to the essential need for and ultimate glory of the perfect, everlasting reign of 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

Amos 7:9

And the high places of Isaac shall be desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste; and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.

Amos 7:11

For thus Amos saith, Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be led away captive out of their own land.

Hosea 1:1

¶ The word of the LORD that came unto Hosea, the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel.

2 Kings 14:27

And the LORD said not that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven: but he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash.

Amos 1:1

¶ The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.