2 Kings 15:1
¶ In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign.
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}.
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.
In the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam’s reign over Israel, Azariah son of Amaziah became king of Judah.
In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign.
Cross-References
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2 Chronicles 26:3 (3 votes)
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 (3 votes)
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 (3 votes)
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 (3 votes)
¶ 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 (3 votes)
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 (2 votes)
¶ 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 (2 votes)
And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead.
Commentary
2 Kings 15:1 serves as a chronological marker, detailing the beginning of a new reign in the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This verse, though seemingly a simple historical record, is crucial for understanding the timeline of both Israel and Judah during the divided monarchy period.
Context
This verse introduces the reign of Azariah, also widely known as Uzziah, King of Judah. His ascension to the throne is dated specifically to the 27th year of Jeroboam II, King of Israel. This precise dating highlights the biblical writers' commitment to historical accuracy and helps synchronize the often complex narratives of the two parallel kingdoms. Azariah succeeded his father, King Amaziah, whose story is recounted in the previous chapter. Uzziah's long reign (52 years) was largely prosperous, marked by significant military and economic achievements for Judah, as further detailed in 2 Chronicles 26.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The king's name, "Azariah" (Hebrew: עֲזַרְיָה - 'Azaryah), means "Yahweh has helped" or "My help is Yahweh." He is also frequently referred to as "Uzziah" (Hebrew: עֻזִּיָּה - 'Uzziah), which means "My strength is Yahweh." Both names carry a similar theological message, emphasizing dependence on God for help and strength, a theme that resonates with his later achievements and eventual fall from grace due to pride (2 Chronicles 26:16-21).
Practical Application
This seemingly simple verse reminds us that God is actively involved in human history, orchestrating the rise and fall of leaders and nations according to His divine will. It encourages us to look beyond mere historical facts to discern God's hand at work. For believers, it reinforces the truth that even in political transitions and turbulent times, God remains on His throne, guiding events toward His ultimate purposes. Furthermore, the meticulous biblical record-keeping highlights the reliability and trustworthiness of Scripture as a historical document.
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