2 Kings Chapter 16 · Verse 2
Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD his God, like David his father.
Original Language Analysis
בֶּן
old
H1121
בֶּן
old
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מָלַ֖ךְ
and reigned
H4427
מָלַ֖ךְ
and reigned
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
5 of 18
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
וְשֵׁשׁ
sixteen
H8337
וְשֵׁשׁ
sixteen
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
6 of 18
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה
H6240
עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
7 of 18
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
מָלַ֖ךְ
and reigned
H4427
מָלַ֖ךְ
and reigned
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
9 of 18
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
in Jerusalem
H3389
בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
in Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
10 of 18
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עָשָׂ֣ה
and did
H6213
עָשָׂ֣ה
and did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
12 of 18
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הַיָּשָׁ֗ר
not that which was right
H3477
הַיָּשָׁ֗ר
not that which was right
Strong's:
H3477
Word #:
13 of 18
straight (literally or figuratively)
בְּעֵינֵ֛י
in the sight
H5869
בְּעֵינֵ֛י
in the sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
14 of 18
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
יְהוָ֥ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
15 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהָ֖יו
his God
H430
אֱלֹהָ֖יו
his God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
16 of 18
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
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
Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD his God, like David his father.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 16: Desperate alliances and religious compromise. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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.