2 Kings Chapter 14 · Verse 21
And all the people of Judah took Azariah, which was sixteen years old, and made him king instead of his father Amaziah.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עַ֤ם
And all the people
H5971
עַ֤ם
And all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
יְהוּדָה֙
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָה֙
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
4 of 16
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְה֕וּא
H1931
וְה֕וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
7 of 16
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
בֶּן
old
H1121
בֶּן
old
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
שֵׁ֥שׁ
which was sixteen
H8337
שֵׁ֥שׁ
which was sixteen
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
9 of 16
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה
H6240
עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
10 of 16
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
וַיַּמְלִ֣כוּ
and made him king
H4427
וַיַּמְלִ֣כוּ
and made him king
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
12 of 16
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
אֹת֔וֹ
H853
אֹת֔וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תַּ֖חַת
H8478
תַּ֖חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
14 of 16
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 14 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Amaziah of Judah and Jeroboam II) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 14 regarding pride leads to downfall; god's mercy continues?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
And all the people of Judah took Azariah, which was sixteen years old, and made him king instead of his father Amaziah.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 14: Pride leads to downfall; God's mercy continues. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.