2 Kings 23:31

¶ Jehoahaz [was] twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.

Jehoahaz {H3059} was twenty {H6242} and three {H7969} years {H8141} old {H1121} when he began to reign {H4427}; and he reigned {H4427} three {H7969} months {H2320} in Jerusalem {H3389}. And his mother's {H517} name {H8034} was Hamutal {H2537}, the daughter {H1323} of Jeremiah {H3414} of Libnah {H3841}.

Y'ho'achaz was twenty-three years old when he began his reign, and he ruled for three months in Yerushalayim. His mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Yirmeyahu from Livnah.

Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah.

Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem: and his mother’s name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.

Commentary

2 Kings 23:31 introduces Jehoahaz, also known as Shallum (as referenced in Jeremiah 22:11), as the immediate successor to his father, the righteous King Josiah. This verse provides key identifying details about his accession and a stark indicator of the tumultuous period Judah was entering.

Context

This verse follows the tragic death of King Josiah, who was killed in battle against Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt at Megiddo (2 Kings 23:29). Despite being Josiah's younger son, Jehoahaz was chosen by the "people of the land" (likely the populace or influential elders) to succeed his father, perhaps due to his age, political leanings, or a desire for a fresh start after Josiah's unexpected demise. His brief reign of only three months in Jerusalem immediately signals a period of instability and foreign intervention that would characterize Judah's final decades before the Babylonian exile.

Key Themes

  • Brief and Tragic Reign: The mention of a mere three months highlights the extreme fragility and lack of sovereignty of the Judean kingdom after Josiah's death. This brevity foreshadows the rapid decline of Judah under the oppressive hand of foreign powers.
  • Foreign Dominance: Jehoahaz's short rule was abruptly ended by Pharaoh Necho, who deposed him and took him captive to Egypt, installing his older brother Eliakim (renamed Jehoiakim) on the throne. This underscores the significant Egyptian influence over Judah at this time.
  • Succession and Lineage: The inclusion of his mother's name, Hamutal, daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah, is a standard genealogical practice for the kings of Judah. It establishes his lineage and connection to a specific town, Libnah, which had a history of rebellion against Judah (2 Kings 8:22), though the direct implications for Jehoahaz are not stated.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew text is straightforward, providing essential demographic details. The phrase "Jehoahaz [was] twenty and three years old" simply states his age at accession. The brevity of his reign, "he reigned three months," is emphasized by its concise declaration, setting a somber tone for the remainder of Judah's monarchy. The inclusion of his mother's full name, "Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah," is typical of the royal record, providing a complete identity and highlighting the maternal lineage, which sometimes held political or social significance.

Significance and Application

This verse, though brief, marks a crucial turning point in Judah's history. It signifies the end of Josiah's reform era and the beginning of a swift decline towards the Babylonian captivity. For the reader, it serves as a stark reminder of:

  • The Transience of Earthly Power: Jehoahaz's incredibly short reign illustrates how quickly human plans and power can be overturned, especially when not aligned with God's will or when confronted by superior earthly forces.
  • Consequences of Unrighteousness: While this verse doesn't explicitly state Jehoahaz's character, subsequent verses (2 Kings 23:32) reveal he "did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD." His swift downfall serves as a cautionary tale that even a people's chosen leader cannot escape the consequences of unfaithfulness.
  • God's Sovereign Hand: Even amidst political upheaval and foreign intervention, the biblical narrative consistently points to God's ultimate control over nations and their leaders, orchestrating events to fulfill His divine purposes, including judgment and the eventual restoration of His people.
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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 22:11 (5 votes)

    For thus saith the LORD touching Shallum the son of Josiah king of Judah, which reigned instead of Josiah his father, which went forth out of this place; He shall not return thither any more:

  • 2 Kings 24:18 (5 votes)

    Zedekiah [was] twenty and one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.

  • 1 Chronicles 3:15 (5 votes)

    And the sons of Josiah [were], the firstborn Johanan, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum.