2 Chronicles 29 1

2 Chronicles 29:1 kjv

Hezekiah began to reign when he was five and twenty years old, and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah.

2 Chronicles 29:1 nkjv

Hezekiah became king when he was twenty-five years old, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Abijah the daughter of Zechariah.

2 Chronicles 29:1 niv

Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother's name was Abijah daughter of Zechariah.

2 Chronicles 29:1 esv

Hezekiah began to reign when he was twenty-five years old, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Abijah the daughter of Zechariah.

2 Chronicles 29:1 nlt

Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became the king of Judah, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah.

2 Chronicles 29 verses

2 Chronicles 29 1 Meaning

This verse concisely introduces King Hezekiah of Judah, detailing his age at accession (twenty-five), the duration of his reign (twenty-nine years) in Jerusalem, and the identity of his mother, Abijah, daughter of Zechariah. It serves as the opening statement to his narrative in Chronicles, immediately setting the stage for his significant and generally righteous reign after the severe apostasy of his father, Ahaz.

2 Chronicles 29 1 Context

2 Chronicles 29:1 marks a pivotal transition in the history of Judah, following the dark reign of King Ahaz. Ahaz had plunged the nation into deep apostasy, introducing widespread idolatry, even child sacrifice, closing the doors of the temple, and destroying sacred articles (2 Chr 28). This severe spiritual decline also led to political and military weakness, as Judah suffered invasions and humiliating defeat. Amidst this backdrop of unfaithfulness and national distress, Hezekiah ascends the throne. The immediate mention of his age and the character of his reign signifies a sudden and radical reversal of spiritual policy. This verse sets the stage for one of the most significant periods of spiritual revival and reformation in Judah's history, driven by Hezekiah's immediate zeal for Yahweh worship. The Chronicler emphasizes this immediate shift, consistent with the book's overarching theological purpose: to highlight the importance of faithful worship and the consequences of obedience or disobedience to God.

2 Chronicles 29 1 Word analysis

• Hezekiah (חִזְקִיָּהוּ / Yehizqiyahu): Meaning "The Lord strengthens" or "Yahweh is my strength." This name is highly significant as it prefigures the reliance on God that would characterize his reign, particularly in his spiritual reforms and during the Assyrian crisis. It stands in stark contrast to his father Ahaz, whose name means "he has grasped" or "possessor," often associated with his grasping for power and foreign alliances instead of trusting God.
• began to reign: This phrase implies a decisive and active commencement of his kingship, rather than a passive inheritance. It highlights Hezekiah's immediate and vigorous initiatives, as seen in the verses that follow (2 Chr 29:3). It signals an intentional break from the past.
• twenty-five years old: This indicates a young age for a ruler taking on such profound challenges. Yet, Hezekiah demonstrates remarkable spiritual maturity, wisdom, and resolve from the outset. This contrasts with the prolonged wickedness of Ahaz who was also young when he started.
• reigned twenty-nine years: A relatively long reign, providing ample time for significant religious reforms and the enduring impact these reforms had on Judah. It signifies a period of stability, marked by sustained spiritual leadership, despite severe external threats.
• Jerusalem: The capital city and the central place of worship for Judah. The spiritual condition of Jerusalem and its Temple often directly mirrored the spiritual health of the entire nation and its king. Hezekiah’s focus on cleansing the Temple in Jerusalem would be central to his reign.
• His mother's name was Abijah (אֲבִיָּה / 'Aviyah): Meaning "My father is Yah" or "Yahweh is my father." The inclusion of the mother's name and lineage is customary in the Books of Kings and Chronicles. In this context, given the name's meaning, it possibly points to a godly upbringing or at least a connection to a family devoted to Yahweh, providing a positive influence contrasting with Ahaz’s negative example. This subtle detail supports Hezekiah’s righteous character.
• the daughter of Zechariah (זְכַרְיָה / Zekharyah): Meaning "Yahweh remembers." While this Zechariah is not conclusively identified as the well-known prophet Zechariah, the mention of the mother's father’s name, particularly with a theophoric element (God’s name), could signify a reputable family background known for its piety or a lineage of God-fearing individuals. It underscores a potentially strong spiritual foundation in his maternal line.

• "Hezekiah began to reign... twenty-five years old... and he reigned twenty-nine years": This initial factual information serves as the chronological anchor for his entire story. It provides an immediate overview of his significant tenure, suggesting a reign long enough to implement lasting change and experience divine intervention. It implicitly highlights his endurance and consistent leadership in the service of God.
• "Hezekiah... his mother's name was Abijah the daughter of Zechariah": The detail about Hezekiah’s maternal lineage immediately draws attention to the profound contrast between Hezekiah and his wicked father, Ahaz. By mentioning a mother potentially from a righteous lineage, the Chronicler might be suggesting an internal source of Hezekiah’s character, distinct from the immediate external influence of his father. This is crucial for understanding why a son of Ahaz turned out so different. The names "Yahweh is my strength," "My father is Yahweh," and "Yahweh remembers" form a subtle but powerful prophetic statement, embodying the themes of divine support, paternal care, and enduring covenant memory that defined Hezekiah's God-centered reign.

2 Chronicles 29 1 Bonus section

• The placement of this verse, immediately after the devastating reign of Ahaz, highlights the concept of divine grace and renewal. Even in the deepest spiritual depravity of Judah, God raises up a leader to turn the nation back to Him.
• The details of Hezekiah's birth and reign length found here are virtually identical to 2 Kings 18:1-2, showing consistency in the historical accounts. However, the Chronicler's emphasis lies more on Hezekiah's religious devotion and its impact on the nation, rather than merely political or military events.
• Hezekiah's name, meaning "Yahweh strengthens," served as a constant reminder of the source of his strength during challenging times, particularly during the Assyrian siege under Sennacherib and his personal illness (2 Chr 32; Isa 38). His reliance on God, rather than political alliances or personal might, was key.
• The fact that a young king took such decisive action speaks to a spirit of zeal and discernment often beyond his years. This sets a high standard for leadership—not simply to inherit power, but to exercise it immediately for the spiritual welfare of the people and the glory of God.

2 Chronicles 29 1 Commentary

2 Chronicles 29:1 succinctly opens the narrative of Hezekiah’s reign, painting a stark contrast to the preceding wickedness of his father, Ahaz. At a relatively young age of twenty-five, Hezekiah commenced a twenty-nine-year rule marked by significant religious reforms and a zealous return to the worship of Yahweh. The detailed mention of his age and reign length establishes the frame for his substantial impact. The inclusion of his mother’s name, Abijah, daughter of Zechariah, is more than mere genealogical record; the meaning of her name ("Yahweh is my father") and her father's ("Yahweh remembers") likely alludes to a lineage with deep connections to faithful worship. This suggests a potential positive influence on Hezekiah, counteracting the profound ungodliness of his paternal household. This verse thus lays the foundation for a king whose entire rule would be characterized by an unwavering commitment to seek the Lord, as powerfully exemplified in his immediate cleansing and re-dedication of the defiled Temple described in the following verses. Hezekiah stands as a paradigm of righteous leadership, immediately initiating divine service despite prevailing societal apostasy.