2 Kings 15:8

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

In the thirty {H7970}{H8141} and eighth {H8083} year {H8141} of Azariah {H5838} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} did Zachariah {H2148} the son {H1121} of Jeroboam {H3379} reign {H4427} over Israel {H3478} in Samaria {H8111} six {H8337} months {H2320}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was in the thirty-eighth year of 'Azaryah king of Y'hudah that Z'kharyah the son of Yarov'am began his reign over Isra'el in Shomron; he ruled for six months.

Berean Standard Bible

In the thirty-eighth year of Azariah’s reign over Judah, Zechariah son of Jeroboam became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria six months.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 15:8 introduces Zachariah, the son of Jeroboam II, as the final king of the Jehu dynasty to reign over the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His brief, six-month rule from Samaria, synchronized with the thirty-eighth year of Azariah (Uzziah) king of Judah, marks a critical juncture. This verse signals the immediate fulfillment of God's prophecy to Jehu regarding his four-generation lineage on the throne and foreshadows the rapid succession of unstable and violent reigns that would plague Israel until its eventual collapse and exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Kings 15:8 is strategically placed within the larger historical narrative of 2 Kings, which meticulously chronicles the reigns of the kings of both Israel and Judah. It immediately follows the account of the long and relatively prosperous reign of Jeroboam II, Zachariah's father, which is detailed in [2 Kings 14:23-29](/2_kings/14-23 "2 Kings 14:23-29 - Jeroboam II's Reign"). The synchronistic dating with Azariah (Uzziah) of Judah, whose reign began in [2 Kings 15:1](/2_kings/15-1 "2 Kings 15:1 - Azariah King of Judah"), serves a crucial chronological function, highlighting the stark contrast between the relative stability of Judah under Azariah and the escalating political chaos in Israel. This verse acts as a direct prelude to the violent overthrow of Zachariah and the subsequent rapid succession of short-lived kings, setting the stage for Israel's ultimate destruction by Assyria.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in 2 Kings 15:8 was one of profound decline for the Northern Kingdom of Israel. While Jeroboam II's reign had seen a resurgence of Israelite power and prosperity, this was largely superficial, masking deep-seated spiritual and moral decay. The capital, Samaria, though a formidable fortress, was also a center of idolatry and social injustice, as condemned by prophets like Amos and Hosea. Culturally, the nation had largely abandoned the covenant with Yahweh, embracing Canaanite religious practices. Politically, the Assyrian Empire was an increasingly dominant force on the horizon, threatening the smaller nations of the Levant. The internal instability, characterized by frequent coups and assassinations, made Israel vulnerable to external powers, contrasting sharply with the more stable, though not perfect, monarchy in Judah.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, despite its brevity, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 2 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates **Political Instability**, as Zachariah's extremely short reign is the first in a rapid series of violent successions that would lead to Israel's downfall, a stark contrast to the longer reigns often seen in Judah, such as [Azariah's](/2_kings/15-1 "Azariah's Long Reign"). It underscores **Divine Sovereignty and the Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Zachariah's rule, however brief, precisely fulfills the prophecy given to Jehu that his descendants would occupy the throne for four generations, as recorded in [2 Kings 10:30](/2_kings/10-30 "2 Kings 10:30 - God's Promise to Jehu"). Furthermore, it highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience**, demonstrating how Israel's persistent idolatry and covenant breaking led to divine judgment manifested through internal strife and national decline. Finally, the meticulous **Biblical Chronology** and synchronistic dating emphasize the historical reliability of the biblical record and the interconnectedness of the two kingdoms' histories.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Zachariah (Hebrew, _Zekaryahu'_):** Meaning "Yahweh remembers" or "Yahweh has remembered." This name carries a profound irony in the context of his reign. While his very name points to God's remembrance, his brief and violent end suggests that God remembered the covenant broken by Israel and the Jehu dynasty's partial obedience, leading to judgment. His reign marks the end of a line that God had established for a specific purpose, now concluded.
* **Samaria (Hebrew, _Shomron'_):** The capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, founded by Omri (1 Kings 16:24). Samaria became a symbol of Israel's apostasy and idolatry, a hub of political intrigue and spiritual corruption. Its mention here as the seat of Zachariah's power emphasizes that the instability and moral decay were deeply entrenched at the very heart of the nation's leadership.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah king of Judah":** This clause provides a precise synchronism, anchoring Zachariah's brief reign within the longer, more stable timeline of the Southern Kingdom. Azariah (also known as Uzziah, as seen in [2 Kings 15:13](/2_kings/15-13 "2 Kings 15:13 - Uzziah King of Judah")) had a remarkably long reign of 52 years, offering a stark contrast to the rapid succession of kings in Israel and underscoring the different spiritual trajectories of the two kingdoms.
* **"did Zachariah the son of Jeroboam reign over Israel":** This identifies the new king, Zachariah, and his lineage. As the son of Jeroboam II, he is the fourth and final king of the Jehu dynasty. This detail is crucial for understanding the fulfillment of God's prophecy to Jehu in [2 Kings 10:30](/2_kings/10-30 "2 Kings 10:30 - God's Promise to Jehu's House"), which promised his descendants would rule for four generations. His ascension marks the culmination and immediate end of this divinely ordained line.
* **"in Samaria six months.":** This final phrase is highly significant. The brevity of Zachariah's reign (only half a year) immediately signals extreme political instability and foreshadows the violent end of his rule, which is recorded just two verses later. It highlights the accelerating decline of the Northern Kingdom, plagued by internal strife and a lack of legitimate, long-lasting leadership. The mention of Samaria reinforces the location of this instability at the nation's capital.

#### Literary Devices
The text of 2 Kings 15:8 employs several literary devices to convey its historical and theological message. **Synchronism** is prominently used by precisely dating Zachariah's reign relative to Azariah's, providing a chronological anchor and implicitly contrasting the stability of Judah with the chaos in Israel. This creates a powerful **Juxtaposition** between the two kingdoms. The brevity of "six months" serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the violent and unstable reigns that will follow and the impending collapse of the Northern Kingdom. There is also a subtle **Irony** in Zachariah's name ("Yahweh remembers"), as his reign is short-lived and ends in regicide, suggesting that what Yahweh "remembers" is not necessarily a blessing for the unfaithful kingdom, but rather the consequences of their actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 15:8, though a simple historical record, is rich in theological implications. It powerfully demonstrates God's absolute **Sovereignty over History** and the rise and fall of nations. Even in the midst of human chaos, political intrigue, and violent coups, God's prophetic word is fulfilled with precision. Zachariah's brief reign serves as a stark reminder of the **Consequences of Covenant Disobedience** for Israel; their persistent idolatry and moral decay led to internal strife and divine judgment, manifesting as political instability and a lack of enduring leadership. The verse also highlights the **Fragility of Human Power** when divorced from divine blessing and faithfulness. It underscores the biblical principle that true national well-being is rooted not in military might or economic prosperity alone, but in obedience to God's covenant.

* [2 Kings 10:30](/2_kings/10-30 "God's Promise to Jehu's House") - This verse directly fulfills the prophecy given to Jehu, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His word, even in judgment.
* [Hosea 7:7](/hosea/7-7 "Hosea's Lament on Israel's Kings") - Hosea laments the rapid succession of kings in Israel, none of whom call upon God, reflecting the instability seen in Zachariah's reign.
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in God's Hand") - Though human kings may scheme, this proverb reminds us that the Lord ultimately directs the heart of the king, illustrating God's overarching sovereignty even in tumultuous times.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The fleeting reign of Zachariah, compressed into a mere six months, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a stark reminder that human power, ambition, and political systems are inherently transient and often unstable, especially when detached from divine principles. This historical snapshot calls us to reflect on the ultimate source of authority and stability, which is God alone. It encourages us to look beyond the temporary fluctuations of earthly leadership and to place our trust in the unchanging character and sovereign plan of the Lord. Furthermore, Zachariah's story, set against the backdrop of Israel's spiritual decline, challenges us to consider the societal impact of widespread moral and spiritual decay. It prompts us to examine our own lives and communities, asking whether our foundations are built on faithfulness to God's word, or on fleeting human endeavors. The fulfillment of prophecy, even in judgment, assures us that God remains in control, working out His purposes regardless of human chaos, offering both a warning and a comfort.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the brevity of Zachariah's reign challenge our assumptions about power, success, and lasting impact in the world?**
* **In what ways do we see "political instability" or "consequences of disobedience" playing out in our world today, and how should a believer respond?**
* **How does the fulfillment of God's prophecy to Jehu, even in a negative context, strengthen your faith in God's sovereignty and the reliability of His word?**
* **What lessons can we draw from the contrast between the stability of Judah under Azariah and the chaos in Israel under Zachariah regarding the importance of spiritual faithfulness in leadership?**

### FAQ

**Who was Zachariah and why was his reign so short?**

Answer: Zachariah was the son of Jeroboam II and the fourth and final king of the Jehu dynasty in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His reign was remarkably short, lasting only six months, because he was assassinated by Shallum, who then usurped the throne. This rapid and violent overthrow was a clear sign of the extreme political instability and moral decay that plagued Israel in its final decades, fulfilling God's prophecy to Jehu that his line would rule for four generations, after which it would end due to the nation's continued sin and idolatry (see [2 Kings 10:30](/2_kings/10-30 "2 Kings 10:30 - God's Promise to Jehu")).

**What is the significance of the "thirty and eighth year of Azariah"?**

Answer: This detail provides a crucial synchronism, linking the timeline of the Northern Kingdom (Israel) with that of the Southern Kingdom (Judah). Azariah, also known as Uzziah, was a long-reigning and relatively stable king of Judah (his reign is introduced in [2 Kings 15:1](/2_kings/15-1 "2 Kings 15:1 - Azariah King of Judah")). By stating that Zachariah's six-month reign occurred during Azariah's thirty-eighth year, the biblical author emphasizes the stark contrast between the two kingdoms: Judah, though not perfect, enjoyed a degree of stability under a long-serving king, while Israel was spiraling into chaos with rapid successions and violent coups. This chronological precision underscores the historical accuracy of the biblical record.

**How does this verse relate to the Jehu dynasty?**

Answer: 2 Kings 15:8 is pivotal because it marks the end of the Jehu dynasty. God had promised Jehu that his descendants would sit on the throne of Israel for four generations as a reward for his zeal in destroying the house of Ahab and the worship of Baal (see [2 Kings 10:30](/2_kings/10-30 "2 Kings 10:30 - God's Promise to Jehu")). Zachariah was the fourth generation after Jehu (Jehu -> Jehoahaz -> Joash -> Jeroboam II -> Zachariah). His assassination, just two verses later in [2 Kings 15:10](/2_kings/15-10 "2 Kings 15:10 - Zachariah's Assassination"), directly fulfills this prophecy, signifying the end of God's specific covenant with Jehu's house and ushering in a period of even greater instability for Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tumultuous reign of Zachariah, a mere six months of instability and the violent end of a divinely appointed dynasty, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate need for a King whose reign is not measured in fleeting months but in eternity. The failure of human kings, whether through unfaithfulness, weakness, or violent overthrow, as exemplified by Zachariah and the subsequent rulers of Israel, points to the inherent brokenness of earthly leadership and the desperate need for a perfect, eternal sovereign. Jesus Christ stands as the fulfillment of this longing. Unlike Zachariah, whose name "Yahweh remembers" becomes ironic in his brief, ill-fated rule, Jesus is the one whom God truly "remembers" in a salvific sense, sent to save His people from their sins ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Saves His People")). He is the true Son of David, whose kingdom is not of this world and will never end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Christ's Eternal Kingdom")). While Israel's kings failed to bring lasting peace or stability, Jesus, the Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace")), establishes a kingdom that cannot be shaken ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")). He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings")), whose throne endures forever, providing the ultimate stability, justice, and perfect rule that no earthly monarch, including Zachariah, could ever offer.

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 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.

2 Kings 14:17

And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years.

2 Kings 14:29

And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, [even] with the kings of Israel; and Zachariah his son reigned in his stead.

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.

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.