2 Kings 15:1

Authorized King James Version

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In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign.

Original Language Analysis

שָׁנָ֔ה year H8141
שָׁנָ֔ה year
Strong's: H8141
Word #: 1 of 13
a year (as a revolution of time)
עֶשְׂרִ֤ים In the twenty H6242
עֶשְׂרִ֤ים In the twenty
Strong's: H6242
Word #: 2 of 13
twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth
וָשֶׁ֙בַע֙ and seventh H7651
וָשֶׁ֙בַע֙ and seventh
Strong's: H7651
Word #: 3 of 13
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
שָׁנָ֔ה year H8141
שָׁנָ֔ה year
Strong's: H8141
Word #: 4 of 13
a year (as a revolution of time)
לְיָֽרָבְעָ֖ם of Jeroboam H3379
לְיָֽרָבְעָ֖ם of Jeroboam
Strong's: H3379
Word #: 5 of 13
jarobam, the name of two israelite kings
מֶ֥לֶךְ king H4428
מֶ֥לֶךְ king
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 6 of 13
a king
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל of Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל of Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 7 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
מָלַ֛ךְ to reign H4427
מָלַ֛ךְ to reign
Strong's: H4427
Word #: 8 of 13
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
עֲזַרְיָ֥ה began Azariah H5838
עֲזַרְיָ֥ה began Azariah
Strong's: H5838
Word #: 9 of 13
azarjah, the name of nineteen israelites
בֶן son H1121
בֶן son
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 10 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲמַצְיָ֖ה of Amaziah H558
אֲמַצְיָ֖ה of Amaziah
Strong's: H558
Word #: 11 of 13
amatsjah, the name of four israelites
מֶ֥לֶךְ king H4428
מֶ֥לֶךְ king
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 12 of 13
a king
יְהוּדָֽה׃ of Judah H3063
יְהוּדָֽה׃ of Judah
Strong's: H3063
Word #: 13 of 13
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

Analysis & Commentary

In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. 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.

Historical Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 15 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Rapid Succession and Instability) 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.

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