2 Kings 15:2
Sixteen years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned two and fifty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Jecholiah of Jerusalem.
Sixteen {H8337}{H6240} years {H8141} old {H1121} was he when he began to reign {H4427}, and he reigned {H4427} two {H8147} and fifty {H2572} years {H8141} in Jerusalem {H3389}. And his mother's {H517} name {H8034} was Jecholiah {H3203} of Jerusalem {H3389}.
He was sixteen years old when he began to rule, and he ruled for fifty-two years in Yerushalayim. His mother's name was Y'kholyahu, from Yerushalayim.
He was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother’s name was Jecoliah; she was from Jerusalem.
Sixteen years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned two and fifty years in Jerusalem: and his mother’s name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem.
Cross-References
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2 Chronicles 26:3 (2 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 (2 votes)
And he did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah did.
Commentary
2 Kings 15:2 introduces us to Azariah, also known as Uzziah, one of Judah's longest-reigning kings. This verse provides essential biographical details about his accession to the throne, the duration of his rule, and his maternal lineage, setting the stage for understanding his impactful reign.
Context
This verse immediately follows 2 Kings 15:1, which states that Azariah became king in the 27th year of Jeroboam II of Israel. Azariah's father was Amaziah, who had a mixed legacy, beginning well but ending in disobedience. The details presented here—his young age at accession and the remarkable length of his reign—are characteristic of the biblical record for Judahite kings, often providing a framework for evaluating their rule.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
It's important to note that the king referred to as Azariah in 2 Kings is often called Uzziah in other biblical books, particularly 2 Chronicles 26 and the prophetic books (e.g., Isaiah 1:1). Both names are Hebrew and carry significant meaning: Azariah means "Yahweh has helped," and Uzziah means "My strength is Yahweh." This dual naming convention for the same king is not uncommon in the Old Testament and likely reflects different scribal traditions or perhaps a personal name versus a throne name.
Practical Application
While seemingly a simple historical record, this verse sets the stage for a deeper understanding of leadership and the passage of time. A long reign, like Azariah's, provides ample opportunity for both good and ill. It reminds us that true success is not measured solely by longevity or power, but by faithfulness to God throughout one's tenure. Even a reign that begins with great promise, as Uzziah's did (according to 2 Chronicles), can be marred by pride and disobedience later on, serving as a cautionary tale for all who hold positions of influence.
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