2 Kings Chapter 16 · Verse 1
In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign.
Original Language Analysis
שְׁבַֽע
In the seventeenth
H7651
שְׁבַֽע
In the seventeenth
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
2 of 13
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה
H6240
עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
3 of 13
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 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
מָלַ֛ךְ
began to reign
H4427
מָלַ֛ךְ
began to reign
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
8 of 13
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the 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
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 16 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Ahaz's Apostasy) reflects the historical reality of desperate political alliances and religious syncretism as Judah faced external threats. 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 16 regarding desperate alliances and religious compromise?
- 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
In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 16: Desperate alliances and religious compromise. 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.