2 Kings 15:1

KJV

¶ In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the twenty {H6242}{H8141} and seventh {H7651} year {H8141} of Jeroboam {H3379} king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} began Azariah {H5838} son {H1121} of Amaziah {H558} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} to reign {H4427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was in the twenty-seventh year of Yarov'am king of Isra'el that 'Azaryah the son of Amatzyah, king of Y'hudah, began his reign.

Berean Standard Bible

In the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam’s reign over Israel, Azariah son of Amaziah became king of Judah.

American Standard Version

In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 15:1 serves as a foundational chronological anchor, precisely marking the commencement of Azariah's (also known as Uzziah) extensive and pivotal reign over the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This seemingly straightforward historical statement is crucial for synchronizing the parallel timelines of the divided monarchies of Israel and Judah, demonstrating the biblical authors' meticulous commitment to historical accuracy and underscoring God's sovereign oversight in the unfolding of human history and the succession of kings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the conclusion of King Amaziah's reign in [2 Kings 14](/2_kings/14 "2 Kings 14 - Amaziah's Reign in Judah"), setting the stage for the next significant period in Judah's history. It initiates the account of Azariah's (Uzziah's) rule, which is detailed further in [2 Kings 15:2-7](/2_kings/15-2-7 "2 Kings 15:2-7 - Azariah's Reign in Kings") within the book of Kings, and more extensively in [2 Chronicles 26](/2_chronicles/26 "2 Chronicles 26 - Uzziah's Reign and Achievements"). As part of the Deuteronomistic History, this verse continues the meticulous chronological framework that links the reigns of kings in both the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, providing a comprehensive, interwoven narrative of the divided monarchy. The formulaic introduction of Azariah's reign aligns with the consistent pattern used throughout [1 and 2 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Divided Kingdom") for introducing new monarchs, establishing their lineage and synchronizing their ascension with the reigning monarch of the other kingdom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period encompassing the "twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel" and the beginning of Azariah's reign in Judah (roughly the mid-8th century BCE) was a unique era of relative prosperity and stability for both kingdoms. Jeroboam II's reign in Israel (c. 793-753 BC) was marked by significant territorial expansion and economic flourishing, as described in [2 Kings 14:25-28](/2_kings/14-25-28 "2 Kings 14:25-28 - Jeroboam II's Reign"). Similarly, Azariah/Uzziah's reign in Judah (c. 792/767-740 BC) would also see considerable military, economic, and agricultural development, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 26:6-15](/2_chronicles/26-6-15 "2 Chronicles 26:6-15 - Uzziah's Military and Building Programs"). This period immediately preceded the full impact of the rising Assyrian Empire, which would later devastate the region and lead to the fall of both Israel and Judah. The practice of synchronizing regnal years, as seen in this verse, was a common ancient Near Eastern method for historical record-keeping, reflecting the biblical writers' engagement with contemporary historiographical practices while maintaining a theological perspective.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, introduces and reinforces several key themes central to the Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty over History**, demonstrating God's meticulous oversight of the rise and fall of leaders and nations, even down to the precise year of their ascension. The detailed chronology underscores the belief that history is not random but unfolds according to God's deliberate plan. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Continuity of the Davidic Covenant**, as Azariah's reign continues the unbroken line of kings in Judah, stemming from David—a crucial aspect of God's promise to establish an enduring dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Thirdly, the synchronistic dating underscores the **Inter-Kingdom Chronology**, providing a framework to understand the parallel and often intertwined destinies of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, despite their political division since [1 Kings 12:19](/1_kings/12-19 "1 Kings 12:19 - The Division of the Kingdom"). Finally, while not explicit in this verse, Azariah/Uzziah's later narrative (especially in [2 Chronicles 26](/2_chronicles/26 "2 Chronicles 26 - Uzziah's Reign and Achievements")) introduces the theme of **Prosperity and the Peril of Pride**, where great blessing is eventually marred by human arrogance and disobedience ([2 Chronicles 26:16](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16 - Uzziah's Pride and Leprosy")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Azariah (Hebrew, _ʻAzaryâh'_):** From H5838. Meaning "Jah has helped" or "Yahweh is my help." This name carries significant theological weight, emphasizing divine assistance and dependence on God. It is noteworthy that this king is also widely known as Uzziah (Hebrew, עֻזִּיָּה _'Uzziah'_), which means "My strength is Yahweh." While different names, they convey a similar message of reliance on God for power and aid. The use of both names for the same king (e.g., [2 Kings 15:13](/2_kings/15-13 "2 Kings 15:13 - Uzziah's Reign") refers to him as Uzziah) indicates a degree of interchangeability or perhaps different forms of the same royal name, both pointing to God as the source of his reign's initial strength and success.
* **King (Hebrew, _melek'_):** From H4428. Meaning "a king" or "royal." This term denotes the sovereign ruler, highlighting the monarchical system prevalent in both Israel and Judah. In the context of the Deuteronomistic History, the 'king' is a central figure whose obedience or disobedience to God's covenant significantly impacts the nation's destiny. The repeated mention of "king" for both Jeroboam and Azariah underscores their respective authority and the parallel nature of their reigns within the broader historical narrative.
* **To reign (Hebrew, _mâlak'_):** From H4427. Meaning "to reign," "to ascend the throne," or "to induct into royalty." This verb signifies the formal act of assuming royal power. Its use here marks the official commencement of Azariah's rule, a critical point in the chronological framework of the book of Kings. The act of reigning is presented not merely as a political transition but as an event under divine orchestration, reflecting God's ultimate authority over all earthly rulers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel":** This initial clause immediately anchors the new reign in Judah within the established chronology of the Northern Kingdom. Jeroboam II was a powerful and exceptionally long-reigning king of Israel, and his reign serves as a fixed, well-known point for dating events in both kingdoms. This precise synchronism is a hallmark of the book of Kings, providing a crucial framework for understanding the often-complex parallel histories of Israel and Judah, despite their political and religious divisions.
* **"began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign.":** This clause introduces the new monarch of the Southern Kingdom, identifying him by his given name, "Azariah," and by his patrilineal succession, "son of Amaziah." This highlights the continuity of the Davidic dynasty in Judah, a central theological theme emphasizing God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The phrase "began to reign" signifies the official commencement of his rule, setting the stage for his long and impactful tenure as king, which would be marked by significant achievements but also by a tragic end due to pride.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [2 Kings 15:1](/2_kings/15-1 "2 Kings 15:1 - Azariah's Reign Begins") is **Chronological Marker**, serving as a precise historical anchor for the subsequent narrative. This is intricately linked with **Synchronism**, a recurring feature in the book of Kings, where the reigns of kings in Judah are cross-referenced with those in Israel. This technique allows the biblical authors to weave together the parallel histories of the two kingdoms into a cohesive narrative, despite their political division. The verse also utilizes **Formulaic Language**, characteristic of the Deuteronomistic History's regnal summaries, which typically include the king's name, his father's name, the year of his ascension relative to the other kingdom's king, and the duration of his reign. This formulaic structure provides a consistent framework for the historical record, signaling to the reader the beginning of a new royal account. Furthermore, the mention of "son of Amaziah" emphasizes **Genealogical Succession**, reinforcing the legitimacy and continuity of the Davidic line in Judah, which holds profound theological significance for the covenant promises concerning an enduring dynasty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Kings 15:1, though a simple historical record, profoundly testifies to God's meticulous involvement in human history. The precise chronological dating, linking the reigns of two kings from two distinct kingdoms, underscores the biblical conviction that history is not a random sequence of events but an unfolding drama orchestrated by a sovereign God. Every rise and fall of leaders, every political transition, and every historical epoch is under His watchful eye and serves His ultimate purposes. This detail reinforces the reliability and trustworthiness of Scripture as a divinely inspired historical document, demonstrating that God's plan is rooted in concrete, verifiable realities. It reminds us that even in the seemingly mundane details of succession and chronology, God is at work, guiding events toward the fulfillment of His promises and the establishment of His kingdom.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - Davidic Covenant Promise")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "Acts 17:26 - God Determines Appointed Times and Boundaries")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly dry historical verse holds profound spiritual lessons for us today. It reminds us that God is not a distant, disengaged deity, but one who is intimately involved in the affairs of humanity, orchestrating the rise and fall of nations and leaders according to His divine will. In a world often characterized by political upheaval, uncertainty, and the changing tides of power, [2 Kings 15:1](/2_kings/15-1 "2 Kings 15:1 - Azariah's Reign Begins") offers a steadfast anchor: God remains on His throne, sovereign over all. This should instill in believers a deep sense of trust and peace, knowing that even when earthly leaders fail or circumstances seem chaotic, God's ultimate plan is unfolding. It encourages us to look beyond the immediate political landscape to discern God's hand at work, fostering a perspective that is both historically informed and spiritually grounded. Furthermore, the meticulous record-keeping challenges us to value truth and accuracy in our own lives and to recognize that even the seemingly small details of our lives are known to God and contribute to His grand narrative.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Bible's meticulous historical record-keeping, as seen in this verse, strengthen your faith in its divine inspiration and trustworthiness?**
* **In what ways can we discern God's sovereign hand at work in the seemingly ordinary or even turbulent events of our own lives and times?**
* **What does Azariah's (Uzziah's) later story (e.g., [2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2_chronicles/26-16-21 "2 Chronicles 26:16-21 - Uzziah's Pride and Leprosy")) teach us about the dangers of pride, even after a period of great blessing and success?**

### FAQ

**Why is Azariah also called Uzziah?**

Answer: Azariah and Uzziah are two names used interchangeably in the biblical text to refer to the same king of Judah. While "Azariah" (עֲזַרְיָה, _'Azaryah'_) means "Yahweh has helped," "Uzziah" (עֻזִּיָּה, _'Uzziah'_) means "My strength is Yahweh." Both names carry a similar theological message, emphasizing God as the source of help and strength, which was particularly fitting for a king who experienced significant divine blessing and military success. It was not uncommon in ancient Israel for individuals, especially kings, to have multiple names or variations of a single name. For instance, [2 Kings 15:13](/2_kings/15-13 "2 Kings 15:13 - Uzziah's Reign") refers to him as Uzziah, and the extensive account in [2 Chronicles 26:1](/2_chronicles/26-1 "2 Chronicles 26:1 - Uzziah's Reign Begins") also uses Uzziah. The use of these names likely reflects different traditions or simply stylistic variations by the biblical authors, both pointing to the same historical figure and his reliance on God.

**Why is the exact year of Jeroboam's reign important here?**

Answer: The precise dating to "the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel" is critically important for synchronizing the chronologies of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. During the divided monarchy, the two kingdoms maintained separate regnal counts, and their dating systems could sometimes differ (e.g., accession-year vs. non-accession-year reckoning, or the presence of co-regencies). By cross-referencing the start of Azariah's reign with a specific year in Jeroboam II's long and well-documented reign, the biblical authors provide a crucial historical anchor. This meticulous synchronism helps modern scholars and readers construct a coherent and accurate timeline for the entire period of the divided kingdom, demonstrating the biblical writers' commitment to historical precision and their desire to present a unified, divinely ordered narrative of Israel's history. It underscores the interconnectedness of the two kingdoms' fates within God's overarching plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Kings 15:1](/2_kings/15-1 "2 Kings 15:1 - Azariah's Reign Begins"), with its meticulous dating and emphasis on royal succession, subtly but powerfully points forward to the ultimate King and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises in Jesus Christ. Azariah's reign, though significant and prosperous, was part of a long line of imperfect human kings who ruled over a temporal kingdom. Yet, his position as "son of Amaziah king of Judah" underscores the unbroken **Davidic lineage**, a central theme that culminates in the person of Jesus. God's covenant with David promised an eternal throne and an enduring dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant Promise")), and every king in Judah, including Azariah, was a step in the unfolding of that promise. The meticulous biblical chronology, which tracks these earthly reigns, ultimately serves to establish the historical context for the coming of the Messiah, the true [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and heir to David's throne ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). Unlike Azariah, whose reign, despite its initial prosperity, was eventually marred by pride and leprosy ([2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2_chronicles/26-16-21 "2 Chronicles 26:16-21 - Uzziah's Pride and Leprosy")), Jesus is the perfect and sinless King whose reign is eternal and without blemish ([Hebrews 7:24-25](/hebrews/7-24-25 "Hebrews 7:24-25 - Jesus' Unchanging Priesthood")). He is the true [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of Kings"), whose kingdom will never end, fulfilling all the hopes and promises embedded in the historical records of the Old Testament kings.

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 Chronicles 26:3

Sixteen years old [was] Uzziah when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also [was] Jecoliah of Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 26:4

And he did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah did.

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.

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.

2 Kings 14:21

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

2 Kings 15:8

¶ In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah king of Judah did Zachariah the son of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria six months.

2 Kings 14:16

And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead.