2 Kings Chapter 8 · Verse 26
Two and twenty years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign; and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Athaliah, the daughter of Omri king of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
בֶּן
old
H1121
בֶּן
old
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲחַזְיָ֣הוּ
was Ahaziah
H274
אֲחַזְיָ֣הוּ
was Ahaziah
Strong's:
H274
Word #:
5 of 17
achazjah, the name of a jewish and an israelite king
מָלַ֖ךְ
and he reigned
H4427
מָלַ֖ךְ
and he reigned
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
6 of 17
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
מָלַ֖ךְ
and he reigned
H4427
מָלַ֖ךְ
and he reigned
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
9 of 17
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
in Jerusalem
H3389
בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
in Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
10 of 17
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
וְשֵׁ֤ם
name
H8034
וְשֵׁ֤ם
name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
11 of 17
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
אִמּוֹ֙
And his mother's
H517
אִמּוֹ֙
And his mother's
Strong's:
H517
Word #:
12 of 17
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
עֲתַלְיָ֔הוּ
was Athaliah
H6271
עֲתַלְיָ֔הוּ
was Athaliah
Strong's:
H6271
Word #:
13 of 17
athaljah, the name of an israelitess and two israelites
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
Two and twenty years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign; and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Athaliah, the daughter of Omri king of Israel.
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.