2 Kings 16:1

KJV

¶ In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the seventeenth {H7651}{H6240}{H8141} year {H8141} of Pekah {H6492} the son {H1121} of Remaliah {H7425} Ahaz {H271} the son {H1121} of Jotham {H3147} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} began to reign {H4427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was in the seventeenth year of Pekach the son of Remalyah that Achaz the son of Yotam king of Y'hudah began his reign.

Berean Standard Bible

In the seventeenth year of Pekah son of Remaliah, Ahaz son of Jotham became king of Judah.

American Standard Version

In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse serves as a precise chronological marker, introducing the reign of King Ahaz of Judah, son of Jotham. It meticulously dates the commencement of his rule to the seventeenth regnal year of Pekah, the son of Remaliah, king of Israel. This synchronism links the histories of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms, setting the stage for a period of significant political upheaval and profound spiritual decline in Judah under Ahaz's leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Kings 16:1 functions as a standard accession formula, typical of the book of Kings, which systematically records the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah. It immediately follows the conclusion of Jotham's reign in [2 Kings 15:38](/2_kings/15-38 "2 Kings 15:38 - End of Jotham's Reign") and directly precedes the detailed account of Ahaz's wicked reign and his departure from the ways of the Lord, beginning in [2 Kings 16:2](/2_kings/16-2 "2 Kings 16:2 - Ahaz's Wickedness"). This verse acts as a crucial transition point, moving from a king generally described as righteous (Jotham, though with caveats in [2 Kings 15:35](/2_kings/15-35 "2 Kings 15:35 - High Places Not Removed")) to one who would lead Judah into deep apostasy and political subjugation. The precise dating also prepares the reader for the intertwining narratives of Judah, Israel, and the rising Assyrian empire that dominate the subsequent chapters.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mid-8th century BCE was a tumultuous period in the ancient Near East, marked by the inexorable rise of the Neo-Assyrian Empire under Tiglath-Pileser III. Both Israel (the Northern Kingdom) and Judah (the Southern Kingdom) faced immense pressure to form anti-Assyrian coalitions or submit as vassal states. Pekah, king of Israel, was part of such a coalition with Rezin, king of Aram (Syria). This alliance initiated the Syro-Ephraimite War (c. 735-734 BCE), a major conflict that directly impacted Ahaz's early reign, as detailed in [Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - The Syro-Ephraimite War and Immanuel Prophecy"). The mention of Pekah's seventeenth year is vital for synchronizing the biblical narrative with external historical records of Assyrian campaigns. Culturally, the "son of" designation emphasizes legitimate royal lineage, while the act of "beginning to reign" signifies the formal assumption of monarchical power, often accompanied by specific rituals and pronouncements.

* **Key Themes:** This seemingly simple chronological statement contributes to several overarching themes in Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **chronological precision and historical reliability** of the biblical record, demonstrating God's sovereignty over the unfolding of human history and the reigns of kings. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **royal succession and the Davidic covenant**, as Ahaz is part of the divinely promised lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come, despite his personal wickedness. Thirdly, and most significantly, this verse serves as a **foreboding introduction to a period of profound spiritual decline** for Judah. The subsequent narrative of Ahaz's reign, particularly his idolatry and reliance on Assyria rather than God ([2 Kings 16:7-9](/2_kings/16-7 "2 Kings 16:7-9 - Ahaz's Appeal to Assyria")), stands in stark contrast to the ideal of a faithful Davidic king. This sets the stage for themes of **divine judgment, the consequences of idolatry, and the testing of faith** in the face of geopolitical threats, themes deeply explored by prophets like Isaiah during this very period ([Isaiah 7:1-17](/isaiah/7-1 "Isaiah 7:1-17 - Isaiah's Challenge to Ahaz")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seventeenth (Hebrew, _shiv'ah 'esreh'_):** This numerical indicator is crucial for the precise chronological framework of the book of Kings. The biblical authors meticulously synchronize the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah, often providing specific regnal years for one king in relation to another. This detail allows for the reconstruction of ancient Near Eastern timelines and demonstrates the historical grounding of the biblical narrative, affirming its reliability.
* **Began to reign (Hebrew, מָלַךְ, _malakh'_):** This verb signifies the formal assumption of royal power and authority. It indicates the point at which Ahaz officially ascended the throne of Judah, transitioning from the status of crown prince to ruling monarch. While a common phrase in royal accession accounts, its use here marks the commencement of a particularly significant and spiritually disastrous period for the Southern Kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah":** This clause provides the synchronism, dating the beginning of Ahaz's reign by referencing the regnal year of Pekah, the king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Pekah's reign, though long in total years ([2 Kings 15:27](/2_kings/15-27 "2 Kings 15:27 - Pekah's Reign")), was marked by internal instability and external pressures, ultimately ending in his assassination. This chronological anchor allows historians to align the biblical narrative with extra-biblical sources and understand the broader geopolitical context of the era.
* **"Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah":** This identifies the new monarch of the Southern Kingdom. Ahaz's lineage is clearly stated, emphasizing his legitimate claim to the Davidic throne as the son of King Jotham. Jotham's reign, while generally righteous, did not fully eradicate the high places, hinting at the spiritual vulnerabilities that Ahaz would fully exploit and exacerbate. This identification sets the stage for the detailed account of Ahaz's character and actions in the subsequent verses.
* **"began to reign.":** This simple declarative statement formally announces Ahaz's accession to the throne. While seemingly straightforward, it carries immense weight, marking the start of a new chapter in Judah's history—a chapter that would be characterized by profound spiritual apostasy, the introduction of foreign cults, and a disastrous foreign policy that led to Judah's subjugation to Assyria. It is the quiet opening to a turbulent and tragic reign.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 2 Kings 16:1 is **Chronological Marker** and **Synchronism**. The verse functions as a precise historical anchor, linking the timeline of Judah's monarchy with that of Israel's. This meticulous dating is a characteristic feature of the book of Kings, underscoring the historical grounding of the narrative and allowing for the interweaving of the two kingdoms' histories. Furthermore, the verse employs **Juxtaposition**, subtly setting the stage for the stark contrast between the relatively righteous reign of Jotham (Ahaz's father, concluded in the preceding chapter) and the profound wickedness that will immediately characterize Ahaz's rule, as detailed from [2 Kings 16:2](/2_kings/16-2 "2 Kings 16:2 - Ahaz's Idolatry") onwards. This seemingly neutral introduction thus serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing** of the spiritual and political turmoil to come under Ahaz.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though dry in its historical precision, profoundly underscores God's sovereignty over human history. The meticulous dating of royal reigns, even those of wicked kings like Ahaz, demonstrates that all human events unfold within God's overarching divine plan and timeline. It highlights the biblical worldview where history is not random but purposeful, guided by God's hand, even when human choices lead to dire consequences. The transition from Jotham to Ahaz also emphasizes the individual accountability of leaders and the profound impact their spiritual choices have on a nation's destiny and its relationship with God. Ahaz's reign, introduced here, serves as a stark warning about the dangers of spiritual compromise and trusting in human alliances over divine faithfulness, a theme powerfully articulated by the prophet Isaiah during this very period.

* [2 Kings 15:32](/2_kings/15-32 "2 Kings 15:32 - Jotham's Accession")
* [2 Kings 15:27](/2_kings/15-27 "2 Kings 15:27 - Pekah's Reign")
* [2 Kings 16:2-4](/2_kings/16-2 "2 Kings 16:2-4 - Ahaz's Idolatry and Wickedness")
* [2 Chronicles 28:1](/2_chronicles/28-1 "2 Chronicles 28:1 - Ahaz's Reign in Chronicles")
* [Isaiah 7:1-9](/isaiah/7-1 "Isaiah 7:1-9 - Isaiah's Prophecy to Ahaz and the Syro-Ephraimite War")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Even a seemingly simple chronological marker like 2 Kings 16:1 carries significant weight for reflection and application. It reminds us that every life, and indeed every historical epoch, unfolds within God's sovereign timeline. Just as Ahaz's reign, though wicked, was part of a larger divine narrative, so too are our lives and the eras we inhabit. This verse challenges us to consider our own "reign" – the sphere of influence God has given us, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities – and the choices we make within it. Ahaz's story, which this verse introduces, is a stark warning against spiritual compromise, idolatry, and reliance on human strength or political maneuvering over divine faithfulness. It compels us to discern the spiritual trajectory of our own lives and communities, asking whether we are walking in the ways of the Lord, seeking His counsel, and trusting in His provision, or if we are veering into self-reliance and compromise with the idols of our age. Our choices, like those of kings, have far-reaching consequences.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the precise historical context of biblical events, as provided by verses like this, deepen your trust in the reliability and truthfulness of Scripture?**
* **What lessons can we draw from the transition of power from a relatively righteous king (Jotham) to a profoundly wicked one (Ahaz) regarding the spiritual trajectory of nations and individuals?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to rely on human alliances, worldly wisdom, or personal strength rather than trusting fully in God's provision and guidance, as Ahaz did?**

### FAQ
**Why is the Bible so precise with dates and synchronisms like this?**

Answer: The biblical authors, particularly in historical books like Kings, demonstrate a meticulous concern for chronological precision to establish the historical veracity of their accounts. These synchronisms, linking the reigns of kings in Israel and Judah (and sometimes with foreign powers), serve several critical purposes. First, they affirm the historical reality of the events described, grounding the theological narrative in verifiable history. Second, they allow for the integration of prophetic messages (e.g., [Isaiah's prophecies to Ahaz](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - Prophecy to Ahaz")) into their specific historical contexts. Third, they underscore God's sovereignty over all nations and their rulers, demonstrating that even the most powerful kings operate within His ordained timeline and purposes. This precision reinforces the trustworthiness of God's Word as a reliable historical record and a guide for faith.

**What was the "Syro-Ephraimite War" and how does it relate to Ahaz's reign?**

Answer: The Syro-Ephraimite War was a significant conflict that occurred early in Ahaz's reign (around 735-734 BCE). It involved an alliance between King Rezin of Aram (Syria) and King Pekah of Israel (Ephraim), who sought to pressure Judah into joining their anti-Assyrian coalition against the rising power of Assyria. When Ahaz refused to join, they attacked Jerusalem with the intent of deposing him and installing a puppet king, the "son of Tabeel" ([Isaiah 7:6](/isaiah/7-6 "Isaiah 7:6 - The Son of Tabeel")). Instead of trusting God's promise of deliverance through the prophet Isaiah ([Isaiah 7:4-9](/isaiah/7-4 "Isaiah 7:4-9 - Isaiah's Counsel to Ahaz")), Ahaz chose to appeal to Tiglath-Pileser III, the king of Assyria, for help ([2 Kings 16:7-9](/2_kings/16-7 "2 Kings 16:7-9 - Ahaz Appeals to Assyria")). This decision, though it temporarily saved Judah from Aram and Israel, ultimately led to Judah becoming a vassal state of Assyria, ushering in a period of severe spiritual compromise and national decline for the Southern Kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 16:1 is a seemingly dry chronological marker, it introduces a king, Ahaz, whose reign starkly illustrates the profound human need for a perfect King and points forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Ahaz's failure to trust God during the Syro-Ephraimite War, choosing instead to rely on the formidable power of Assyria, stands in stark contrast to the perfect faithfulness and divine reliance of the ultimate King. Ahaz's lineage, though deeply flawed, is part of the Davidic line through which the Messiah would ultimately come, as recorded in the genealogy of Jesus ([Matthew 1:9](/matthew/1-9 "Matthew 1:9 - Ahaz in Jesus' Genealogy")). The spiritual darkness, idolatry, and child sacrifice that characterized Ahaz's rule ([2 Kings 16:3](/2_kings/16-3 "2 Kings 16:3 - Ahaz's Child Sacrifice")) highlight humanity's desperate need for a righteous ruler who would not lead His people astray but would perfectly embody divine faithfulness and uphold God's covenant. Christ, as the true [Son of David](/matthew/22-42 "Matthew 22:42 - Jesus, Son of David") and the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfills the covenant promises that were often broken by earthly kings. Unlike Ahaz, who compromised with paganism and offered up his own son, Christ offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")) and perfectly upheld God's law. His reign is not marked by human weakness, political maneuvering, or spiritual decline, but by eternal righteousness, peace, and an everlasting kingdom ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace")). Thus, Ahaz's story, beginning with this verse, ultimately points to the necessity and glory of Christ's perfect and eternal reign.

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

Isaiah 1:1

¶ The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

2 Kings 15:38

And Jotham slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.

2 Kings 15:32

¶ In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah king of Israel began Jotham the son of Uzziah king of Judah to reign.

2 Kings 15:33

Five and twenty years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Jerusha, the daughter of Zadok.

2 Chronicles 28:1

¶ Ahaz [was] twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father:

2 Chronicles 28:4

He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.

2 Kings 15:27

In the two and fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekah the son of Remaliah began to reign over Israel in Samaria, [and reigned] twenty years.