2 Chronicles 25:1

¶ Amaziah [was] twenty and five years old [when] he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.

Amaziah {H558} was twenty {H6242} and five {H2568} years {H8141} old {H1121} when he began to reign {H4427}, and he reigned {H4427} twenty {H6242} and nine {H8672} years {H8141} in Jerusalem {H3389}. And his mother's {H517} name {H8034} was Jehoaddan {H3086} of Jerusalem {H3389}.

Amatzyahu was twenty-five years old when he began his reign, and he ruled for twenty-nine years in Yerushalayim. His mother's name was Y'ho'adan, from Yerushalayim.

Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Jehoaddan; she was from Jerusalem.

Amaziah was twenty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem: and his mother’s name was Jehoaddan, of Jerusalem.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 25:1 introduces King Amaziah of Judah, providing essential details about his accession to the throne. This verse serves as the standard opening formula for the chronicler's account of a new monarch's reign, setting the stage for the narrative that follows.

Context

Amaziah was the son and successor of King Joash, whose reign ended tragically with his assassination by his own servants (2 Chronicles 24:25). Taking the throne at the relatively young age of twenty-five, Amaziah inherited a kingdom that had seen both periods of revival under Joash's early leadership and subsequent decline due to apostasy. The mention of his mother, Jehoaddan of Jerusalem, is typical in these royal introductions, often hinting at potential influences on the king's character or lineage, though no specific impact is detailed here. This verse parallels the account found in 2 Kings 14:1, affirming the historical record.

Key Themes

  • Royal Succession: The verse highlights the continuation of the Davidic line in Judah, a central theme throughout the books of Chronicles, emphasizing God's covenant faithfulness.
  • Chronological Markers: The specific age of accession and length of reign provide crucial chronological anchors for understanding the history of the Southern Kingdom.
  • Introduction to a Reign: While brief, this verse is foundational, preparing the reader for the full account of Amaziah's actions, character, and ultimate fate, which will be detailed in the subsequent verses (e.g., 2 Chronicles 25:2).

Linguistic Insights

The verse is straightforward in its Hebrew construction, primarily functioning as a historical record. The name "Amaziah" (אֲמַצְיָה) means "strength of the Lord" or "Yahweh is strong," and "Jehoaddan" (יְהוֹעַדָּן) means "the Lord delights" or "Yahweh is adorned." While the names themselves carry theological significance, the verse focuses on factual details rather than exploring the deeper meaning of these names in relation to the king's character or reign.

Practical Application

Even a seemingly simple verse like this offers insights into leadership and life:

  • The Significance of Beginnings: A new leader's age and the start of their tenure are significant moments. For Amaziah, starting at 25 meant he had a long potential reign ahead, filled with opportunities to lead Judah righteously or astray. This highlights the importance of how one begins any significant endeavor.
  • Inheritance and Influence: Every leader inherits a context, whether political, social, or spiritual, from their predecessors. Amaziah's reign would be shaped by the legacy of his father, Joash, just as our own lives are influenced by those who came before us.
  • God's Sovereign Plan: The consistent recording of royal successions underscores God's sovereign hand in history, guiding the affairs of nations and individuals, even through flawed human leaders. This continuity points to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, from the line of David, whose kingdom is eternal.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 14:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah.
  • 2 Kings 14:6 (3 votes)

    But the children of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, wherein the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to death for his own sin.