1. And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ochozias his youngest son king in his place: for the rovers of the Arabians, who had broke in upon the camp, had killed all that were his elder brothers. So Ochozias the son of Joram king of Juda reigned.
2. Ochozias was forty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem, and the name of his mother was Athalia the daughter of Amri.
3. He also walked in the ways of the house of Achab: for his mother pushed him on to do wickedly.
4. So he did evil in the sight of the Lord, as the house of Achab did: for they were his counsellors after the death of his father, to his destruction.
5. And he walked after their counsels. And he went with Joram the son of Achab king of Israel, to fight against Hazael king of Syria, at Ramoth Galaad : and the Syrians wounded Joram.
6. And he returned to be healed in Jezrahel: for he received many wounds in the foresaid battle. And Ochozias the son of Joram king of Juda, went down to visit Joram the son of Achab in Jezrahel where he lay sick.
7. For it was the will of God against Ochozias that he should come to Joram: and when he was come should go out also against Jehu the son of Namsi, whom the Lord had anointed to destroy the house of Achab.
8. So when Jehu was rooting out the house of Achab, he found the princes of Juda, and the sons of the brethren of Ochozias, who served him, and he slew them.
9. And he sought for Ochozias himself, and took him lying hid in Samaria: and when he was brought to him, he killed him, and they buried him: because he was the son of Josaphat, who had sought the Lord with all his heart. And there was no more hope that any one should reign of the race of Ochozias.
10. For Athalia his mother, seeing that her son was dead, rose up, and killed all the royal family of the house of Joram.
11. But Josabeth the king's daughter took Joas the son of Ochozias, and stole him from among the king's sons that were slain. And she hid him with his nurse in a bedchamber: now Josabeth that hid him, was daughter of king Joram, wife of Joiada the high priest, and sister of Ochozias, and therefore Athalia did not kill him.
12. And he was with them hid in the house of God six years, during which Athalia reigned over the land.
Footnotes:
22:1-4 - Ahaziah, son of Jehoram, reigns in Judah and follows the evil ways of his mother Athaliah and father. Family influence is a significant theme, showing how idolatrous practices can be passed down through the generations (see also Exodus 20:5-6 and Proverbs 13:22).
22:5-7 - Ahaziah allies with Jehoram, king of Israel, to fight Hazael of Syria, demonstrating his pursuit of alliances that distance himself from dependence on God. This alliance leads to his death, highlighting the futility of trusting in human alliances rather than in God (see also Psalm 118:8-9 and Isaiah 31:1).
22:8-9 - Ahaziah is killed during the battle, and his mother Athaliah takes the throne. This transition of power highlights how corruption can be perpetuated through wicked leaders and the importance of righteous leaders in Israel (see also 1 Kings 16:30-33 and Ezekiel 34:2).
22:10-12 - Athaliah seeks to destroy the royal line, but Joash, son of Ahaziah, is hidden and saved. This illustrates God’s providence in preserving the faithful remnant, even in times of persecution (see also 1 Peter 1:5 and Romans 11:5).
22:13-15 - Athaliah's role as ruler is marked by idolatry and corruption, representing a contrast to godly principles. Her reign demonstrates the dangers of godless leadership (see also Proverbs 29:2 and 1 Timothy 2:2).
Verses related to 2 Chronicles, 22:
2 Chronicles chapter 22 recounts the brief reigns of Ahaziah and Athaliah. How does evil threaten the messianic lineage? This dramatic text recounts the corrupting influence of Athaliah, Jehu's death of Ahaziah, and the miraculous preservation of Joash. The chapter addresses topics such as the consequences of ungodly covenants, God's sovereignty in preserving His promise, and the role of women in biblical history. Discover with us five biblical passages that relate to the impactful themes of this revealing chapter.
2 Kings 8:25-29: "In the twelfth year of the reign of Joram son of Ahab, king of Israel, Ahaziah son of Jehoram, king of Judah, began to reign. Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Athaliah, granddaughter of Omri, king of Israel. He walked in the ways of Ahab's family and did evil in the eyes of the Lord, just as Ahab's family had done, for he was Ahab's son-in-law." - This parallel passage in 2 Kings provides additional information about Ahaziah's reign, described in 2 Chronicles 22.
2 Kings 9:27-28: "When Ahaziah, king of Judah, saw this, he fled along the road to Beth-hagan. Jehu pursued him, shouting, Kill him too!" They struck him in his chariot on the way up to Gur, near Ibleam, but he managed to escape to Megiddo, where he died. His officers took him to Jerusalem and buried him with his ancestors in his tomb in the city of David."" - This passage provides additional details about Ahaziah's death, mentioned briefly in 2 Chronicles 22:9.
2 Kings 11:1-3: "When Athaliah, Ahaziah's mother, learned that her son was dead, she ordered the entire royal family to be killed. But Jesheba, daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, took Joash, one of the king's sons who was about to be murdered, and put him in a room with his nurse, where she hid him from Athaliah; so he wasn't killed. He hid with his mistress in the house of the Lord for six years while Athaliah ruled the country." - This passage complements the narrative of 2 Chronicles 22:10-12 by providing details about how Joash was saved and hidden.
Hosea 1:4-5: "Then the Lord said to Hosea: Name him Jezreel, for I will soon punish the dynasty of Jehu for the murders committed in Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel. On that day I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel."" - This prophecy makes reference to the house of Jehu, who executed judgment on the house of Ahab, mentioned in 2 Chronicles 22:7-8.
Proverbs 28:2: "When there is rebellion in the land, many are its rulers; but what extends the domain of knowledge is the man who knows how to govern." - This proverb reflects on the situation of political instability described in 2 Chronicles 22, with multiple changes of leadership.
FAQ:
What characterized Ahaziah's reign?
Ahaziah followed the way of his mother Athaliah and did what was evil in the sight of God, being influenced by the house of Ahab. (2 Chronicles 22:3-4)
How did Ahaziah die?
Ahaziah was wounded in battle against Jehu, king of Israel, and died of his wounds. He was succeeded by his mother, Athaliah. (2 Chronicles 22:7-9)
What happened to Athaliah after Ahaziah's death?
Athaliah seized power and ordered the killing of all the royal descendants, except Joash, who was hidden by his aunt. (2 Chronicles 22:10-12)
Who saved Joash from death during the reign of Athaliah?
Joash was saved by his aunt Jehosheba, who hid him in God's temple, preventing his death. (2 Chronicles 22:11-12)
How was Athaliah overthrown from the throne?
Athaliah was deposed from the throne when Joash, now seven years old, was proclaimed king by Jehoiada the priest. (2 Chronicles 23:1-15)
