1 Kings 15 9

1 Kings 15:9 kjv

And in the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel reigned Asa over Judah.

1 Kings 15:9 nkjv

In the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel, Asa became king over Judah.

1 Kings 15:9 niv

In the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel, Asa became king of Judah,

1 Kings 15:9 esv

In the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel, Asa began to reign over Judah,

1 Kings 15:9 nlt

Asa began to rule over Judah in the twentieth year of Jeroboam's reign in Israel.

1 Kings 15 verses

1 Kings 15 9 Meaning

This verse serves as a crucial chronological marker, establishing the commencement of Asa's reign over the southern kingdom of Judah in synchronicity with the twentieth regnal year of Jeroboam, the founder of the northern kingdom of Israel's first dynasty. It signifies a transition of leadership in Judah, immediately following the brief and ungodly reign of Asa's father, Abijam. The simple statement holds weight as it introduces a new era for Judah, often implicitly contrasting its leadership with that of the persistently sinful Jeroboam in Israel.

1 Kings 15 9 Context

This verse is situated within the book of 1 Kings, specifically chapter 15, which continues the narrative of the divided monarchy. The preceding verses (1 Kgs 15:1-8) detail the brief and predominantly wicked reign of Abijam (Abijah), Asa's father, over Judah. The chapter juxtaposes the leadership of Judah and Israel, recounting the ongoing succession in the Davidic line (Judah) and the turbulent, idolatrous reign of Jeroboam and the swift end of his dynasty in Israel. Verse 9 is significant as it introduces Asa, a king from the lineage of David who, unlike his immediate predecessor, initially pursued righteousness, marking a pivotal moment for Judah after a period of unfaithfulness. Historically, synchronistic statements like this were vital for chronicling events in the Ancient Near East, connecting the histories of concurrent but distinct kingdoms.

1 Kings 15 9 Word analysis

• In the twentieth year: This precise temporal indicator highlights the biblical chronicler's meticulous approach to history. It provides a synchronism (parallel dating) with the northern kingdom, anchoring the beginning of Judah's king Asa's reign within the broader regional timeline. Such specific dates often serve to demonstrate divine control over history and prophecy fulfillment.
• Jeroboam: (יָרָבְעָם - Yārāḇəʿām) "the people will contend" or "he who multiplies the people." This is Jeroboam I, the founder of the northern kingdom of Israel and a notorious figure for initiating calf worship, leading Israel into widespread idolatry (1 Kgs 12:28-30). His name becomes a byword for sin and rebellion against God (e.g., 1 Kgs 14:16, 15:34, 16:2). Mentioning his reign juxtaposed with Asa's implicitly underscores the contrast between the ongoing spiritual decay in Israel and a fresh start (however temporary) in Judah.
• king of Israel: Designates Jeroboam as the monarch of the northern kingdom, separating his rule from the lineage of David. His kingdom's distinct religious practices (idolatry) and political instability stand in contrast to Judah.
• Asa: (אָסָא - ʾĀsāʾ) Meaning uncertain, possibly "healer" or "physician" or related to "remedy." This name, though significant for a king, primarily signifies a new individual ascending the throne. As Asa's reign unfolds, his early actions reveal a king who sought to cleanse Judah from idolatry and return to the worship of Yahweh.
• began to reign: (מָלַךְ - malakh in the Qal perfect) Literally, "reigned" or "became king." It marks the official inauguration of Asa's monarchical rule. This act of succession, particularly in the continuous Davidic line, underscored God's faithfulness to His covenant with David despite the shortcomings of previous kings.
• over Judah: Refers to the southern kingdom, comprising the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, which remained loyal to the Davidic dynasty and the Jerusalem Temple. This kingdom was the custodian of the Davidic covenant and the line through which the Messiah would eventually come.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "In the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel": This phrase precisely fixes the chronology by linking Judah's succession to Israel's ongoing reign. It's a key synchronism that highlights the continuous yet divergent paths of the two kingdoms. It implies a contrast: Jeroboam’s sinful legacy is well-established while Asa's reign in Judah begins, offering hope for a renewed commitment to God. This common scribal practice in the books of Kings emphasizes a coherent divine plan overarching disparate historical events, showing God's sovereign rule over both unrighteous and righteous leaders. It may also serve as an indirect polemic against Israel's unstable and idolatrous succession compared to Judah's consistent Davidic line.
• "Asa began to reign over Judah": This directly states the transition of power in Judah. Asa's enthronement means a continuation of the Davidic line, which is critical to biblical theology and prophecy regarding the Messiah (2 Sam 7:16, Matt 1:7). The emphasis on "Judah" specifically points to the preservation of God's covenant with David, as opposed to the repeated overthrow of dynasties in Israel. It implies God's continued faithfulness despite Judah's preceding ungodly king.

1 Kings 15 9 Bonus section

• The biblical authors in Kings often use these synchronisms not just for chronological accuracy but also for theological commentary. By noting Jeroboam's continued rule, it sets the stage for a dramatic contrast in the subsequent narratives between Jeroboam's rapidly deteriorating dynasty in Israel and the early righteous efforts of Asa in Judah.
• The phrase "began to reign" for a new monarch, when juxtaposed with their father's unrighteous rule (as was the case with Abijam preceding Asa), suggests a new opportunity for the kingdom under fresh leadership, emphasizing the king's responsibility to lead the nation either towards or away from God.
• This specific year marker (Jeroboam's 20th year) is consistent with the general pattern of dating found throughout 1 and 2 Kings, which reflects a meticulous, divinely inspired record-keeping to present an accurate historical timeline for God's people. This chronological precision underscores the Bible's historical reliability within its theological narrative.

1 Kings 15 9 Commentary

1 Kings 15:9 is a concise yet pivotal verse. It precisely dates the beginning of King Asa's reign in Judah by synchronizing it with the 20th year of King Jeroboam in Israel. This dating method, common in Kings, connects the parallel histories of the two kingdoms, allowing the biblical author to present a unified chronological framework.

The specific mention of Jeroboam is significant. Jeroboam I epitomized apostasy in Israel, establishing a competing, idolatrous religious system. Juxtaposing the commencement of Asa's rule (who would later lead religious reforms) with the prolonged reign of such a figure implicitly highlights the divergent spiritual paths of the two kingdoms. Judah, despite its own lapses (like Abijam), continued the Davidic dynasty—a lineage committed by covenant to God's ultimate plan, which included a future Messiah. This verse introduces a king in Judah who initially distinguished himself by his obedience to God, offering a beacon of hope against the backdrop of pervasive idolatry both within Israel and in Judah prior to his reforms. It quietly testifies to God's sustaining grace for the Davidic covenant.