2 Kings Chapter 8 · Verse 25
In the twelfth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel did Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah begin to reign.
Original Language Analysis
עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה
H6240
עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
3 of 15
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
לְיוֹרָ֥ם
of Joram
H3141
לְיוֹרָ֥ם
of Joram
Strong's:
H3141
Word #:
5 of 15
joram, the name of three israelites and one syrian
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אַחְאָ֖ב
of Ahab
H256
אַחְאָ֖ב
of Ahab
Strong's:
H256
Word #:
7 of 15
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
9 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
מָלַ֛ךְ
begin to reign
H4427
מָלַ֛ךְ
begin to reign
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
10 of 15
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
אֲחַזְיָ֥הוּ
did Ahaziah
H274
אֲחַזְיָ֥הוּ
did Ahaziah
Strong's:
H274
Word #:
11 of 15
achazjah, the name of a jewish and an israelite king
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
12 of 15
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 8 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Elisha's International Influence) reflects the historical reality of God's compassionate provision through prophetic miracles while both kingdoms struggled with persistent idolatry. 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 8 regarding prophetic word shapes national events?
- 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 twelfth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel did Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah begin to reign.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.