2 Kings 14 2

2 Kings 14:2 kjv

He was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.

2 Kings 14:2 nkjv

He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.

2 Kings 14:2 niv

He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother's name was Jehoaddan; she was from Jerusalem.

2 Kings 14:2 esv

He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jehoaddin of Jerusalem.

2 Kings 14:2 nlt

Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother was Jehoaddin from Jerusalem.

2 Kings 14 verses

2 Kings 14 2 Meaning

2 Kings 14:2 serves as the standard biographical introduction to King Amaziah of Judah, providing essential chronological and familial details. It states that Amaziah ascended to the throne at the age of twenty-five and ruled for twenty-nine years from Jerusalem, the capital city. The verse also identifies his mother as Jehoaddan, specifying her origin as Jerusalem. This foundational verse establishes his reign within the larger historical narrative of Judah's monarchy.

2 Kings 14 2 Context

This verse is the conventional beginning of King Amaziah’s biographical account in the book of 2 Kings. It immediately follows the conclusion of his father King Joash’s reign and violent death in chapter 12 (or 2 Kgs 14:1 specifically noting the transition). As part of the Deuteronomistic History (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings), this detailed introductory formula grounds Amaziah's rule within the meticulous historical and chronological framework established for all the kings of both Israel and Judah.

Historically and culturally, the accession of a new monarch was a critical event, signifying continuity of dynastic rule, particularly in Judah with the enduring Davidic line. The age of accession indicated his maturity for leadership. The specified reign length provides chronological anchors for synchronizing the histories of Judah and Israel, as well as with surrounding nations. The consistent mention of Jerusalem highlights its unique status as the divinely chosen capital, where the Temple of Yahweh stood, emphasizing the theological significance of Judah’s kings ruling from this specific city. Furthermore, for Judahite kings, the naming of the mother, often along with her place of origin, was a distinct practice not consistently observed for the Northern Kingdom kings. This practice often reflects the mother's influential role within the court and her possible bearing on the king's religious and moral conduct.

2 Kings 14 2 Word analysis

• He: Refers to Amaziah, son of Joash, whose reign details follow. This immediate connection implies succession within the royal lineage.
• was twenty-five years old: Indicates Amaziah’s age at the commencement of his rule. Twenty-five years old often signifies a mature and responsible age for leadership in the ancient Near East, although some kings began much younger (e.g., Joash at seven, Uzziah at sixteen). It specifies a divinely appointed timing for his ascent to the throne.
• when he became king: The Hebrew term for "became king" (מָלַךְ - malakh) simply denotes taking the kingship. In the Israelite worldview, even secular details like accession age and duration of reign are under the sovereign hand of Yahweh, who raises up and brings down rulers (Dan 2:21, Ps 75:6-7).
• and he reigned twenty-nine years: This precise number specifies the duration of Amaziah’s rule. Such chronological details are characteristic of the Books of Kings, crucial for creating a comprehensive timeline of the monarchy and often hinting at a longer, more stable period for Judah under this specific king compared to the short, violent reigns common in Israel.
• in Jerusalem: (יְרוּשָׁלַ֫ם - Yerushalayim). The capital city of Judah. Its consistent mention signifies its spiritual and political importance as the city of David, the dwelling place of the Temple, and the center of the Davidic covenant (2 Sam 5:6-7, Ps 76:2). It rooted Amaziah’s rule firmly in the lineage and covenant established by God.
• His mother’s name: (אִמּוֹ - immo). The consistent inclusion of the mother's name for Judahite kings is notable. It emphasizes lineage, authenticity, and potentially provides insight into the king's upbringing or the familial influences within the royal court, as mothers could sometimes exert significant political or religious influence (e.g., Athaliah in 2 Kgs 11).
• was Jehoaddan: (יְהוֹעַדָּן - Yeho'addan). The name likely means "Yahweh has delighted" or "Yahweh is beauty/ornament." The prefix "Jeho-" (יהו - Yeho-) is a shortened form of Yahweh's name, common in Hebrew names from Judah. This indicates a family with at least nominal devotion to the God of Israel.
• of Jerusalem: This indicates that Jehoaddan was a native of Jerusalem. Unlike some foreign queens who might introduce pagan influences (e.g., Jezebel, Athaliah), a queen mother from Jerusalem generally implies a closer connection to the covenant community and less likelihood of importing idolatrous practices, though not a guarantee of piety.

2 Kings 14 2 Bonus section

The consistent use of this formulaic introduction for Judah's kings, including the mother's name and origin, strongly contrasts with the narrative’s treatment of the Northern Kingdom’s kings, where the mother’s identity is often omitted. This distinction highlights the unique theological emphasis on the legitimate, unbroken Davidic lineage in Judah, stemming from God’s covenant with David. It also aids biblical scholars in establishing accurate chronologies by synchronizing the reigns of the kings of Judah and Israel. These precise details underscore the meticulous nature of biblical record-keeping, pointing to a historical account that recognizes God's order and design even in the seemingly mundane administrative details of human rulers.

2 Kings 14 2 Commentary

2 Kings 14:2 provides the formulaic opening to Amaziah's reign, typical for the Kings narrative. Its brevity belies its significance. It offers a precise historical marker for Amaziah's age at ascension (25), the duration of his rule (29 years), and his seat of power (Jerusalem), all crucial for biblical chronology. The inclusion of his mother's name, Jehoaddan of Jerusalem, a standard detail for Judahite kings, establishes his legitimate lineage within the Davidic dynasty. While not explicitly evaluating his character, these administrative facts are foundational to the Deuteronomistic historians' approach, which saw divine handiwork in every detail of the monarchy, from a king's very birth and family ties to the length of his reign. The pattern serves as a constant reminder of Yahweh's sovereign oversight over Israel's leadership and destiny.