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2 Kings 15

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1In the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel, Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah began to reign. 2He was sixteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. 3He did that which was right in Yahweh’s eyes, according to all that his father Amaziah had done. 4However the high places were not taken away. The people still sacrificed and burned incense in the high places. 5Yahweh struck the king, so that he was a leper to the day of his death, and lived in a separate house. Jotham, the king’s son was over the household, judging the people of the land. 6Now the rest of the acts of Azariah, and all that he did, aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 7Azariah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in David’s city: and Jotham his son reigned in his place. 8In the thirty-eighth year of Azariah king of Judah, Zechariah the son of Jeroboam reigned over Israel in Samaria six months. 9He did that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight, as his fathers had done. He didn’t depart from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, with which he made Israel to sin. 10Shallum the son of Jabesh conspired against him, and struck him before the people, and killed him, and reigned in his place. 11Now the rest of the acts of Zechariah, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 12This was Yahweh’s word which he spoke to Jehu, saying, “Your sons to the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel.” So it came to pass. 13Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the thirty-ninth year of Uzziah king of Judah, and he reigned for a month in Samaria. 14Menahem the son of Gadi went up from Tirzah, came to Samaria, struck Shallum the son of Jabesh in Samaria, killed him, and reigned in his place. 15Now the rest of the acts of Shallum, and his conspiracy which he made, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 16Then Menahem attacked Tiphsah, and all who were in it, and its border areas, from Tirzah. He attacked it because they didn’t open their gates to him, and he ripped up all their women who were with child. 17In the thirty ninth year of Azariah king of Judah, Menahem the son of Gadi began to reign over Israel for ten years in Samaria. 18He did that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight. He didn’t depart all his days from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, with which he made Israel to sin. 19Pul the king of Assyria came against the land, and Menahem gave Pul one thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand. 20Menahem exacted the money from Israel, even from all the mighty men of wealth, from each man fifty shekels of silver, to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria turned back, and didn’t stay there in the land. 21Now the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did, aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 22Menahem slept with his fathers, and Pekahiah his son reigned in his place. 23In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria for two years. 24He did that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight. He didn’t depart from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, with which he made Israel to sin. 25Pekah the son of Remaliah, his captain, conspired against him and attacked him in Samaria, in the fortress of the king’s house, with Argob and Arieh; and with him were fifty men of the Gileadites. He killed him, and reigned in his place. 26Now the rest of the acts of Pekahiah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 27In the fifty-second year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekah the son of Remaliah began to reign over Israel in Samaria for twenty years. 28He did that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight. He didn’t depart from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, with which he made Israel to sin. 29In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath Pileser king of Assyria came and took Ijon, Abel Beth Maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali; and he carried them captive to Assyria. 30Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, attacked him, killed him, and reigned in his place, in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah. 31Now the rest of the acts of Pekah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 32In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah king of Israel, Jotham the son of Uzziah king of Judah began to reign. 33He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jerusha the daughter of Zadok. 34He did that which was right in Yahweh’s eyes. He did according to all that his father Uzziah had done. 35However the high places were not taken away. The people still sacrificed and burned incense in the high places. He built the upper gate of Yahweh’s house. 36Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all that he did, aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 37In those days, Yahweh began to send Rezin the king of Syria and Pekah the son of Remaliah against Judah. 38Jotham slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in his father David’s city, and Ahaz his son reigned in his place.

World English Bible (public domain)

And the rest of the acts of Azariah, and all that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? (2 Kings 15:6)

2 Kings 15:6

Summary

2 Kings chapter 15 outlines significant events in the history of Israel and Judah during a time of political instability and moral decline. The chapter begins with the reign of Azariah (also known as Uzziah) in Judah, who became king at the young age of 16. His reign is marked by both accomplishments and failures; he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet he allowed the high places to remain, demonstrating a partial commitment to God. He was ultimately struck with leprosy as a consequence of attempting to take on the role of a priest. Meanwhile, the chapter details the tumultuous leadership in Israel, showcasing a series of kings characterized by evil and idolatry. Through these leaders, including Zechariah, Shallum, Menahem, and Pekahiah, Israel experiences a dramatic turnover of authority, highlighting the kingdom's instability and the consequences of turning away from God. The geopolitical context is significant as the Assyrian threat looms over Israel, culminating in the invasion and destruction that would soon follow. This chapter illustrates the theme of divine judgment that accompanies disobedience and idolatry, emphasizing that God’s sovereignty remains even amid human chaos. Furthermore, it reflects on the reality of leadership in Israel, underscoring how moral failures impact the nation as a whole and lead to eventual downfall. The existence of a faithful remnant in Judah amid the corruption serves as a beacon of hope amidst darkness. Overall, the narrative not only chronicles the historical and prophetic significance of the kings of Israel and Judah but also invites readers to reflect on their own commitment to God and the importance of faithful leadership. The chapter ends with the succession of Pekah as king of Israel, continuing the cycle of sin and judgment, setting the stage for the future conflicts and divine interventions yet to come.

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Chapter outline

How 2 Kings 15 unfolds

  1. 2 Kings 15:1–7 Azariah's Reign in Judah

    Azariah (Uzziah) begins his reign at sixteen, doing right in God's eyes but failing to remove high places. He is struck with leprosy, leading to his son Jotham managing the kingdom.

  2. 2 Kings 15:8–12 Zechariah's Brief Rule

    Zechariah reigns for six months but continues the sins of Jeroboam, leading to his assassination by Shallum, fulfilling God's promise to Jehu.

  3. 2 Kings 15:13–21 Menahem's Cruelty and Assyria

    Shallum's one-month reign ends with his murder by Menahem, who brutally attacks Tiphsah and seeks Assyrian support, demonstrating his evil actions.

  4. 2 Kings 15:22–31 Pekahiah and Pekah's Leadership

    Pekahiah reigns for two years, continuing evil practices, until he is killed by Pekah. This cycle of violence shows instability in leadership.

  5. 2 Kings 15:32–38 Jotham's Reign and Challenges

    Jotham reigns rightly but fails to remove high places, as Assyrian threats emerge, highlighting the ongoing struggles in Judah.

Key verses

  • 2 Kings 15:6This verse highlights the historical record of kings, emphasizing the importance of their actions in the broader narrative of Israel and Judah.

Main themes in 2 Kings 15

Divine Sovereignty

Divine sovereignty is evident as God’s judgment falls on both Israel and Judah through their kings, like Azariah’s leprosy in verse 5. The chapter illustrates that despite human actions, God’s plans and promises remain intact, such as Jehu's prophecy in verse 12. This theme underscores that God is ultimately in control amid the chaos of leadership changes.

The Consequences of Idolatry

The chapter highlights the consequences of idolatry, particularly in Israel where kings like Menahem and Pekahiah continue Jeroboam's sins. Their actions lead to divine judgment and political upheaval, evident in Israel’s swift leadership changes. This theme emphasizes how turning from God results in societal decline and the eventual downfall of the nation.

The Instability of Leadership

The instability of leadership is marked by rapid successions of kings in Israel, with multiple assassinations and short reigns, as seen with Zechariah, Shallum, and Menahem. This instability reflects the nation's moral failures and lack of commitment to God, leading to chaos and vulnerability. The chapter serves as a commentary on the consequences of unfaithful leadership.

Hope Amidst Judgment

Hope amid judgment appears through the presence of righteous leaders like Azariah and Jotham, who attempt to follow God's ways despite their shortcomings. Their reigns suggest that not all is lost for Judah, even as external threats loom. This theme provides a reminder that God maintains a remnant of faithfulness in the midst of widespread corruption.

Cross-references

Passages that echo 2 Kings 15

Study questions

Questions for studying 2 Kings 15

  1. Who was Azariah's mother and what significance does her name hold?
  2. What consequence did Azariah face for becoming a leper?
  3. How did Menahem respond to the Assyrian threat during his reign?
  4. What pattern can be seen in the leadership transitions of Israel's kings?
  5. In what ways did Jotham attempt to strengthen Judah despite the high places?
  6. How does the cycle of sin and judgment manifest in this chapter?
  7. What does this chapter reveal about the political instability in Israel and Judah?

2 Kings 15: frequently asked questions

What is 2 Kings 15 about?+
2 Kings chapter 15 outlines significant events in the history of Israel and Judah during a time of political instability and moral decline. The chapter begins with the reign of Azariah (also known as Uzziah) in Judah, who became king at the young age of 16. His reign is marked by both accomplishments and failures; he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet he allowed the high places to remain, demonstrating a partial commitment to God. He was ultimately struck with leprosy as a consequence of attempting to take on the role of a priest. Meanwhile, the chapter details the tumultuous leadership in Israel, showcasing a series of kings characterized by evil and idolatry. Through these leaders, including Zechariah, Shallum, Menahem, and Pekahiah, Israel experiences a dramatic turnover of authority, highlighting the kingdom's instability and the consequences of turning away from God. The geopolitical context is significant as the Assyrian threat looms over Israel, culminating in the invasion and destruction that would soon follow. This chapter illustrates the theme of divine judgment that accompanies disobedience and idolatry, emphasizing that God’s sovereignty remains even amid human chaos. Furthermore, it reflects on the reality of leadership in Israel, underscoring how moral failures impact the nation as a whole and lead to eventual downfall. The existence of a faithful remnant in Judah amid the corruption serves as a beacon of hope amidst darkness. Overall, the narrative not only chronicles the historical and prophetic significance of the kings of Israel and Judah but also invites readers to reflect on their own commitment to God and the importance of faithful leadership. The chapter ends with the succession of Pekah as king of Israel, continuing the cycle of sin and judgment, setting the stage for the future conflicts and divine interventions yet to come.
What is the key verse in 2 Kings 15?+
2 Kings 15:6: "And the rest of the acts of Azariah, and all that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? (2 Kings 15:6)"
What are the main themes of 2 Kings 15?+
The main themes of 2 Kings 15 are Divine Sovereignty, The Consequences of Idolatry, The Instability of Leadership, Hope Amidst Judgment.

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Study Notes