This verse spotlights Azariah’s youth, his prolonged reign, and his mother’s Jerusalemite origin as a key moment in the ongoing story of Judah’s monarchy.
He was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem; and his mother’s name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. (v.2) This passage describes the ascension of Azariah (also called Uzziah) to the throne of Judah. The text reveals that Azariah inherited the rule at a young age and governed for a remarkably lengthy period—fifty-two years. In the context of the ancient Near East, ascending the throne at age sixteen would have placed Azariah in an environment of advisors and mentors, shaping his policies and leadership style from the outset. The verse mentions Azariah’s mother, Jecoliah, who was from Jerusalem, underscoring her residence in Judah’s capital city, which sat in the southern part of the land historically occupied by the Israelite tribe of Judah. Jerusalem was and remains a significant metropolis, known for the Temple built by Solomon (1 Kings 6:1), as well as for being the central place of worship and governance for the kingdom.
He was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem; and his mother’s name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. (v.2) The lengthy reign of Azariah likely spanned approximately 792-740 BC, providing a measure of stability in the kingdom’s political structure. During his rule, notable prophets such as Isaiah began their ministries (Isaiah 6:1), demonstrating the importance of Azariah’s era to the spiritual and historical record of Judah. Isaiah’s calling in the year of King Uzziah’s death links a key prophetic commission with the end of Azariah’s fifty-two-year kingdom tenure, offering a bridge between regal leadership and divine revelation. Historically, Azariah came after the reign of his father, King Amaziah, slotting him within the Davidic lineage that ultimately leads to Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:8), though Azariah himself is not specifically named in that genealogical listing.
He was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem; and his mother’s name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. (v.2) Additionally, referencing his mother and her origin in Jerusalem may emphasize the Davidic heritage and covenant promises tied to the city, where the presence of the Temple signified a special relationship with the LORD. This covenant theme resonates through New Testament teachings, culminating in Jesus fulfilling the hope of an eternal King (Luke 1:32-33). Even the detail of Azariah’s youth upon becoming king can serve as a reminder that God’s purposes often emerge from seemingly humble or early beginnings, a realization later underscored in the ministry of Jesus, who began His work in what many considered humble surroundings (Matthew 2:6).
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2 Kings 15:2 meaning
He was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem; and his mother’s name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. (v.2) This passage describes the ascension of Azariah (also called Uzziah) to the throne of Judah. The text reveals that Azariah inherited the rule at a young age and governed for a remarkably lengthy period—fifty-two years. In the context of the ancient Near East, ascending the throne at age sixteen would have placed Azariah in an environment of advisors and mentors, shaping his policies and leadership style from the outset. The verse mentions Azariah’s mother, Jecoliah, who was from Jerusalem, underscoring her residence in Judah’s capital city, which sat in the southern part of the land historically occupied by the Israelite tribe of Judah. Jerusalem was and remains a significant metropolis, known for the Temple built by Solomon (1 Kings 6:1), as well as for being the central place of worship and governance for the kingdom.
He was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem; and his mother’s name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. (v.2) The lengthy reign of Azariah likely spanned approximately 792-740 BC, providing a measure of stability in the kingdom’s political structure. During his rule, notable prophets such as Isaiah began their ministries (Isaiah 6:1), demonstrating the importance of Azariah’s era to the spiritual and historical record of Judah. Isaiah’s calling in the year of King Uzziah’s death links a key prophetic commission with the end of Azariah’s fifty-two-year kingdom tenure, offering a bridge between regal leadership and divine revelation. Historically, Azariah came after the reign of his father, King Amaziah, slotting him within the Davidic lineage that ultimately leads to Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:8), though Azariah himself is not specifically named in that genealogical listing.
He was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem; and his mother’s name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. (v.2) Additionally, referencing his mother and her origin in Jerusalem may emphasize the Davidic heritage and covenant promises tied to the city, where the presence of the Temple signified a special relationship with the LORD. This covenant theme resonates through New Testament teachings, culminating in Jesus fulfilling the hope of an eternal King (Luke 1:32-33). Even the detail of Azariah’s youth upon becoming king can serve as a reminder that God’s purposes often emerge from seemingly humble or early beginnings, a realization later underscored in the ministry of Jesus, who began His work in what many considered humble surroundings (Matthew 2:6).