2 Kings Chapter 15

Commentary

Azariah's Good Reign in Judah

1In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign. 2Sixteen years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned two and fifty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jecholiah of Jerusalem. 3And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done; 4Save that the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burnt incense still on the high places. 5And the LORD smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house. And Jotham the king's son was over the house, judging the people of the land. 6And 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? 7So Azariah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.

Zechariah Reigns in Israel

8In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah king of Judah did Zachariah the son of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria six months. 9And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his fathers had done: he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin. 10And Shallum the son of Jabesh conspired against him, and smote him before the people, and slew him, and reigned in his stead. 11And the rest of the acts of Zachariah, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 12This was the word of the LORD which he spake unto Jehu, saying, Thy sons shall sit on the throne of Israel unto the fourth generation. And so it came to pass.

Shallum Reigns in Israel

13Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the nine and thirtieth year of Uzziah king of Judah; and he reigned a full month in Samaria. 14For Menahem the son of Gadi went up from Tirzah, and came to Samaria, and smote Shallum the son of Jabesh in Samaria, and slew him, and reigned in his stead. 15And 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 smote Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not to him, therefore he smote it; and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up.

Menahem Reigns in Israel

17In the nine and thirtieth year of Azariah king of Judah began Menahem the son of Gadi to reign over Israel, and reigned ten years in Samaria. 18And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not all his days from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.

19And Pul the king of Assyria came against the land: and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand. 20And Menahem exacted the money of Israel, even of all the mighty men of wealth, of each man fifty shekels of silver, to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria turned back, and stayed not there in the land. 21And the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 22And Menahem slept with his fathers; and Pekahiah his son reigned in his stead.

Pekahiah Reigns in Israel

23In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned two years. 24And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin. 25But Pekah the son of Remaliah, a captain of his, conspired against him, and smote him in Samaria, in the palace of the king's house, with Argob and Arieh, and with him fifty men of the Gileadites: and he killed him, and reigned in his room. 26And 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.

Pekah Reigns in Israel

27In the two and fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekah the son of Remaliah began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned twenty years. 28And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.

29In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abelbethmaachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them captive to Assyria. 30And Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, and smote him, and slew him, and reigned in his stead, in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah. 31And 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.

Jotham's Good Reign in Judah

(2 Chronicles 27:1-9)

32In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah king of Israel began Jotham the son of Uzziah king of Judah to reign. 33Five and twenty years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jerusha, the daughter of Zadok. 34And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD: he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done. 35Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the LORD. 36Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 37In those days the LORD began to send against Judah Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah. 38And Jotham slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Azariah Reigns in Judah
(2 Chronicles 26:3–23)

1 In the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign. 2 Sixteen years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem: and his mother’s name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. 3 He did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, according to all that his father Amaziah had done. 4 However the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places. 5 Yahweh 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. 6 Now 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? 7 Azariah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Jotham his son reigned in his place.

Zechariah Reigns in Israel

8 In the thirty-eighth year of Azariah king of Judah, Zechariah the son of Jeroboam reigned over Israel in Samaria six months. 9 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, 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. 10 Shallum the son of Jabesh conspired against him, and struck him before the people, and killed him, and reigned in his place. 11 Now the rest of the acts of Zechariah, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 12 This was the word of Yahweh which he spoke to Jehu, saying, “Your sons to the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel.” So it came to pass.

Shallum Reigns in Israel

13 Shallum 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. 14 Menahem the son of Gadi went up from Tirzah, and came to Samaria, and struck Shallum the son of Jabesh in Samaria, and killed him, and reigned in his place. 15 Now 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. 16 Then Menahem struck Tiphsah, and all who were therein, and its borders, from Tirzah: because they didn’t open to him, therefore he struck it; and all the women therein who were with child he ripped up.

Menahem Reigns in Israel

17 In the nine and thirtieth year of Azariah king of Judah, Menahem the son of Gadi began to reign over Israel for ten years in Samaria. 18 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh: he didn’t depart all his days from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, with which he made Israel to sin.

19 There came against the land Pul the king of Assyria; and Menahem gave Pul one thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand. 20 Menahem exacted the money of Israel, even of all the mighty men of wealth, of 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. 21 Now 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? 22 Menahem slept with his fathers; and Pekahiah his son reigned in his place.

Pekahiah Reigns in Israel

23 In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria for two years. 24 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh: he didn’t depart from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, with which he made Israel to sin. 25 Pekah the son of Remaliah, his captain, conspired against him, and struck him in Samaria, in the castle of the king’s house, with Argob and Arieh; and with him were fifty men of the Gileadites: and he killed him, and reigned in his place. 26 Now 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.

Pekah Reigns in Israel

27 In the two and fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekah the son of Remaliah began to reign over Israel in Samaria for twenty years. 28 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh: he didn’t depart from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, with which he made Israel to sin.

29 In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglath Pileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abel Beth Maacah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali; and he carried them captive to Assyria. 30 Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, and struck him, and killed him, and reigned in his place, in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah. 31 Now 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.

Jotham Reigns in Judah
(2 Chronicles 27:1–9)

32 In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah king of Israel began Jotham the son of Uzziah king of Judah to reign. 33 He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: and his mother’s name was Jerusha the daughter of Zadok. 34 He did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh; he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done. 35 However the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burned incense in the high places. He built the upper gate of the house of Yahweh. 36 Now 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? 37 In those days Yahweh began to send against Judah Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah. 38 Jotham slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Ahaz his son reigned in his place.

Azariah Reigns in Judah
(2 Chronicles 26:3–23)

1 In the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam’s reign over Israel, Azariah a son of Amaziah became king of Judah. 2 He was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother’s name was Jecoliah; she was from Jerusalem. 3 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done.

4 Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there.

5 And the LORD afflicted the king with leprosy b until the day he died, so that he lived in a separate house while his son Jotham had charge of the palace and governed the people of the land.

6 As for the rest of the acts of Azariah, along with all his accomplishments, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?

7 And Azariah rested with his fathers and was buried near them c in the City of David. And his son Jotham reigned in his place.

Zechariah Reigns in Israel

8 In the thirty-eighth year of Azariah’s reign over Judah, Zechariah son of Jeroboam became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria six months. 9 And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, as his fathers had done. He did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit.

10 Then Shallum son of Jabesh conspired against Zechariah, struck him down and killed him in front of the people, d and reigned in his place.

11 As for the rest of the acts of Zechariah, they are indeed written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel. 12 So the word of the LORD spoken to Jehu was fulfilled: “Four generations of your sons will sit on the throne of Israel.”

Shallum Reigns in Israel

13 In the thirty-ninth year of Uzziah’s e reign over Judah, Shallum son of Jabesh became king, and he reigned in Samaria one full month.

14 Then Menahem son of Gadi went up from Tirzah to Samaria, struck down and killed Shallum son of Jabesh, and reigned in his place.

15 As for the rest of the acts of Shallum, along with the conspiracy he led, they are indeed written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel.

16 At that time Menahem, starting from Tirzah, attacked Tiphsah and everyone in its vicinity, because they would not open their gates. So he attacked Tiphsah and ripped open all the pregnant women.

Menahem Reigns in Israel

17 In the thirty-ninth year of Azariah’s reign over Judah, Menahem son of Gadi became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria ten years. 18 And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and throughout his reign he did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit.

19 Then Pul f king of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver g in order to gain his support and strengthen his own grip on the kingdom. 20 Menahem exacted this money from each of the wealthy men of Israel—fifty shekels of silver h from each man—to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria withdrew and did not remain in the land.

21 As for the rest of the acts of Menahem, along with all his accomplishments, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?

22 And Menahem rested with his fathers, and his son Pekahiah reigned in his place.

Pekahiah Reigns in Israel

23 In the fiftieth year of Azariah’s reign over Judah, Pekahiah son of Menahem became king of Israel and reigned in Samaria two years. 24 And he did evil in the sight of the LORD and did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit.

25 Then his officer, Pekah son of Remaliah, conspired against him along with Argob, Arieh, and fifty men of Gilead. And at the citadel of the king’s palace in Samaria, Pekah struck down and killed Pekahiah and reigned in his place.

26 As for the rest of the acts of Pekahiah, along with all his accomplishments, they are indeed written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel.

Pekah Reigns in Israel

27 In the fifty-second year of Azariah’s reign over Judah, Pekah son of Remaliah became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria twenty years. 28 And he did evil in the sight of the LORD and did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit.

29 In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, including all the land of Naphtali, and he took the people as captives to Assyria.

30 Then Hoshea son of Elah led a conspiracy against Pekah son of Remaliah. In the twentieth year of Jotham son of Uzziah, Hoshea attacked Pekah, killed him, and reigned in his place.

31 As for the rest of the acts of Pekah, along with all his accomplishments, they are indeed written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel.

Jotham Reigns in Judah
(2 Chronicles 27:1–9)

32 In the second year of the reign of Pekah son of Remaliah over Israel, Jotham son of Uzziah became king of Judah. 33 He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. His mother’s name was Jerusha i daughter of Zadok. 34 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Uzziah had done.

35 Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there.

Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD.

36 As for the rest of the acts of Jotham, along with his accomplishments, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?

37 (In those days the LORD began to send Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah against Judah.)

38 And Jotham rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the City of David his father. And his son Ahaz reigned in his place.

 

Footnotes:

1 a Azariah  is also called Uzziah ; also in verses 6, 7, 8, 17, 23, and 27; see 2 Chronicles 26:1.
5 b Leprosy  was a term used for various skin diseases; see Leviticus 13.
7 c Literally with his fathers ; see 2 Chronicles 26:23.
10 d Hebrew; some LXX manuscripts in Ibleam
13 e Uzziah  is also called Azariah ; also in verses 32 and 34; see verse 1.
19 f Pul  is another name for Tiglath-pileser ; see verse 29.
19 g 1,000 talents  is approximately 37.7 tons or 34.2 metric tons of silver.
20 h 50 shekels  is approximately 1.26 pounds or 569.8 grams of silver.
33 i Jerusha  is a variant of Jerushah ; see 2 Chronicles 27:1.

Azariah's Good Reign in Judah

1In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel reigned hath Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah, 2a son of sixteen years was he in his reigning, and fifty and two years he hath reigned in Jerusalem, and the name of his mother is Jecholiah of Jerusalem, 3and he doth that which is right in the eyes of Jehovah, according to all that Amaziah his father did, 4only, the high places have not turned aside -- yet are the people sacrificing and making perfume in high places. 5And Jehovah smiteth the king, and he is a leper unto the day of his death, and he dwelleth in a separate house, and Jotham son of the king is over the house, judging the people of the land. 6And the rest of the matters of Azariah, and all that he did, are they not written on the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Judah? 7And Azariah lieth with his fathers, and they bury him with his fathers, in the city of David, and reign doth Jotham his son in his stead.

Zechariah Reigns in Israel

8In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah king of Judah reigned hath Zechariah son of Jeroboam over Israel, in Samaria, six months, 9and he doth the evil thing in the eyes of Jehovah, as did his fathers, he hath not turned aside from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat that he caused Israel to sin. 10And Shallum son of Jabesh conspireth against him, and smiteth him before the people, and putteth him to death, and reigneth in his stead. 11And the rest of the matters of Zechariah, lo, they are written on the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel. 12It is the word of Jehovah that He spake unto Jehu, saying, 'Sons of the fourth generation do sit for thee on the throne of Israel;' and it is so.

Shallum Reigns in Israel

13Shallum son of Jabesh hath reigned in the thirty and ninth year of Uzziah king of Judah, and he reigneth a month of days in Samaria; 14and go up doth Menahem son of Gadi from Tirzah and cometh in to Samaria, and smiteth Shallum son of Jabesh in Samaria, and putteth him to death, and reigneth in his stead. 15And the rest of the matters of Shallum, and his conspiracy that he made, lo, they are written on the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel. 16Then doth Menahem smite Tiphsah, and all who are in it, and its borders from Tirzah, for it opened not to him, and he smiteth it, all its pregnant women he hath ripped up.

Menahem Reigns in Israel

17In the thirty and ninth year of Azariah king of Judah reigned hath Menahem son of Gadi over Israel -- ten years in Samaria. 18And he doth the evil in the eyes of Jehovah, he hath turned not aside from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat that he caused Israel to sin, all his days.

19Pul king of Asshur hath come against the land, and Menahem giveth to Pul a thousand talents of silver, for his hand being with him to strengthen the kingdom in his hand. 20And Menahem bringeth out the silver from Israel, from all the mighty men of wealth, to give to the king of Asshur, fifty shekels of silver for each one, and the king of Asshur turneth back and hath not stayed there in the land. 21And the rest of the matters of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written on the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel? 22And Menahem lieth with his fathers, and reign doth Pekahiah his son in his stead.

Pekahiah Reigns in Israel

23In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah hath Pekahiah son of Menahem reigned over Israel, in Samaria -- two years, 24and he doth the evil thing in the eyes of Jehovah, he hath not turned aside from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat that he caused Israel to sin. 25And Pekah son of Remaliah, his captain, doth conspire against him, and smiteth him in Samaria, in the high place of the house of the king with Argob and Arieh, and with him fifty men of the sons of the Gileadites, and he putteth him to death, and reigneth in his stead. 26And the rest of the matters of Pekahiah, and all that he did, lo, they are written on the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel.

Pekah Reigns in Israel

27In the fifty and second year of Azariah king of Judah, reigned hath Pekah son of Remaliah over Israel, in Samaria -- twenty years, 28and he doth the evil thing in the eyes of Jehovah, he hath not turned aside from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, that he caused Israel to sin.

29In the days of Pekah king of Israel hath Tiglath-Pileser king of Asshur come, and taketh Ijon, and Abel-Beth-Maachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and removeth them to Asshur. 30And make a conspiracy doth Hoshea son of Elah against Pekah son of Remaliah, and smiteth him, and putteth him to death, and reigneth in his stead, in the twentieth year of Jotham son of Uzziah. 31And the rest of the matters of Pekah, and all that he did, lo, they are written on the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel.

Jotham's Good Reign in Judah

(2 Chronicles 27:1-9)

32In the second year of Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel reigned hath Jotham son of Uzziah king of Judah. 33A son of twenty and five years was he in his reigning, and sixteen years he hath reigned in Jerusalem, and the name of his mother is Jerusha daughter of Zadok, 34and he doth that which is right in the eyes of Jehovah, according to all that Uzziah his father did he hath done. 35Only, the high places have not turned aside -- yet are the people sacrificing and making perfume in high places; he hath built the high gate of the house of Jehovah. 36And the rest of the matters of Jotham, and all that he did, are they not written on the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Judah? 37In those days hath Jehovah begun to send against Judah Rezin king of Amram and Pekah son of Remaliah. 38And Jotham lieth with his fathers, and is buried with his fathers, in the city of David his father, and reign doth Ahaz his son in his stead.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of 2 Kings 15?
2Introduction to 2 Kings 15
3Context of 2 Kings 15
4Ancient Key Word Study
5Compare & Contrast
62 Kings 15 Unique Insights
72 Kings 15 Connections to Yeshua
82 Kings 15 Scriptural Echoes
92 Kings 15 Devotional
10Did You Know

What is the meaning of 2 Kings 15?

Introduction to 2 Kings 15

2 Kings 15 presents a complex tapestry of political upheaval and spiritual decline during one of the most turbulent periods in Israel’s divided kingdom. This chapter chronicles the reigns of multiple kings in both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, highlighting a stark contrast between moments of godly leadership and devastating apostasy. The narrative serves as a powerful reminder of how leadership, whether righteous or wicked, profoundly impacts both the spiritual and societal fabric of a nation.

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Context of 2 Kings 15

This chapter is situated during a critical period of the divided monarchy, approximately in the 8th century BCE. It details the succession of several kings in both kingdoms, with particular focus on Azariah (also known as Uzziah) of Judah and the rapid succession of kings in Israel. The chapter’s position within 2 Kings is significant as it demonstrates the increasing instability of the northern kingdom of Israel, which would soon face exile at the hands of Assyria.

The broader biblical context reveals this period as one prophesied about by multiple prophets, including Isaiah, Hosea, and Amos. Their ministries intersect with the events of this chapter, providing deeper spiritual insight into the moral and religious climate of the time. This chapter also serves as a crucial historical bridge, documenting the political landscape that would eventually lead to the fall of the northern kingdom and the rise of Assyrian dominance in the region.

Ancient Key Word Study

  • מְצֹרָע (metzora) – “Leprous”: Used to describe King Azariah’s condition, this term carries deep spiritual significance beyond mere physical illness. In biblical context, tzaraat (leprosy) often served as a physical manifestation of spiritual rebellion or divine judgment, reminiscent of Miriam’s punishment in Numbers 12:10.
  • בֵּית הַחָפְשִׁית (beit hachofshit) – “Separate house”: This phrase, describing where Azariah lived after becoming leprous, literally means “house of freedom” but ironically represented confinement and separation from normal society, highlighting the serious social and spiritual implications of his condition.
  • קָשַׁר (qashar) – “Conspired”: This word appears multiple times in the chapter, describing various political conspiracies. Its root meaning connects to binding or joining together, ironically used here to describe acts of betrayal and murder.
  • שַׁלֻּם (Shallum) – Beyond being a proper name, this word comes from the root meaning “retribution” or “recompense,” perhaps prophetically significant given his brief one-month reign.
  • מְנַחֵם (Menahem) – His name means “comforter,” yet his actions proved anything but comforting, highlighting the ironic contrast between names and character in biblical narrative.
  • פּוּל (Pul) – The Assyrian king also known as Tiglath-pileser III, this name represents the growing shadow of foreign domination over Israel, marking a significant turning point in biblical history.
  • כֶּסֶף (kesef) – “Silver”: The mention of this payment to Assyria symbolizes Israel’s desperate attempts at political survival through human means rather than divine trust.
  • יָשָׁר (yashar) – “Right”: Used to describe doing what is “right in the eyes of the LORD,” this term represents moral uprightness and adherence to divine standards.

Compare & Contrast

  • Verse 3’s description of Azariah doing “what was right in the eyes of the LORD” uses יָשָׁר (yashar) rather than טוֹב (tov, good), emphasizing moral uprightness specifically in relation to divine standards rather than general goodness.
  • The phrase “he reigned in his place” (וַיִּמְלֹךְ תַּחְתָּיו) appears repeatedly, emphasizing the rapid succession of kings in Israel. The use of תַּחְתָּיו rather than alternatives highlights the idea of substitution rather than legitimate succession.
  • Verse 16’s description of Menahem’s brutality uses specific Hebrew terminology that emphasizes the horror of his actions, with the word בָּקַע (baqa) carrying connotations of “splitting open” rather than more general terms for killing.
  • The reference to Azariah’s leprosy uses מְצֹרָע (metzora) rather than the more general term for illness (חָלָה), emphasizing the spiritual significance of his condition.
  • The description of the “separate house” (בֵּית הַחָפְשִׁית) uses a term related to freedom rather than isolation, creating a profound irony in the text.
  • The payment to Pul is described using the term כֶּסֶף (silver) rather than general terms for wealth, possibly emphasizing the specific nature of the tribute and its connection to temple treasury.

2 Kings 15 Unique Insights

The chapter presents a fascinating spiritual principle through the account of King Azariah’s leprosy. According to rabbinical tradition, his affliction came as a result of his attempt to usurp priestly duties by offering incense in the Temple (as detailed in 2 Chronicles 26:16-21). This demonstrates the serious consequences of failing to respect divine boundaries and authority structures.

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The rapid succession of kings in Israel, with multiple assassinations and conspiracies, reflects a deeper spiritual principle found in Proverbs: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). The political instability mirrors the spiritual instability of a nation that had abandoned its covenant with יהוה.

The appearance of Assyria (Pul) in this chapter marks a significant theological turning point. Ancient Jewish commentators saw this as the beginning of the divine judgment prophesied by Hosea, where God would use foreign nations as instruments of correction for His people. This pattern would later find its ultimate reversal in the Messiah’s kingdom, where all nations would come to worship the God of Israel.

2 Kings 15 Connections to Yeshua

The leprous condition of King Azariah presents a powerful type and shadow of humanity’s spiritual condition apart from the Messiah. Just as Azariah was forced to live in isolation due to his leprosy, sin separates humanity from God. However, Yeshua’s ministry specifically included healing lepers, symbolically demonstrating His power to cleanse humanity from spiritual impurity and restore relationship with God.

The political instability and succession of kings in this chapter highlights the need for the perfect King promised in Isaiah’s prophecies. Where these earthly kings failed, Yeshua fulfills the promise of an eternal kingdom established in righteousness. His reign, unlike the temporary and often corrupt reigns described in this chapter, brings permanent peace and justice.

2 Kings 15 Scriptural Echoes

The theme of leprosy connects this chapter to several other significant biblical accounts, including Miriam’s temporary affliction (Numbers 12), Naaman’s healing (2 Kings 5), and the Messianic healing of lepers (Matthew 8:1-4).

The political turmoil described here echoes warnings given in Deuteronomy 28 about the consequences of disobedience to the covenant. It also foreshadows similar patterns of judgment described in later prophetic books, particularly Hosea and Amos.

2 Kings 15 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our own hearts regarding authority and obedience. King Azariah’s story reminds us that even successful leadership must remain submitted to God’s established order. In our own lives, we must guard against pride that might lead us to overstep divine boundaries.

The rapid succession of kings in Israel serves as a warning about the instability that comes from abandoning God’s ways. In our modern context, this prompts us to consider where we might be seeking security in human solutions rather than trusting in God’s provision and protection.

Did You Know

  • The name Azariah (עֲזַרְיָה) means “יהוה has helped,” making his act of pride in the temple particularly ironic given his dependence on divine help.
  • Archaeological evidence from this period confirms the biblical account of Assyrian influence, with discoveries of tribute payments mentioned in Assyrian records.
  • The term for leprosy (צָרַעַת) in biblical Hebrew could refer to various skin conditions, not necessarily the same as modern Hansen’s disease.
  • The separate house (בֵּית הַחָפְשִׁית) where Azariah lived has been tentatively identified by archaeologists in Jerusalem’s upper city.
  • The rapid succession of kings in Israel (four kings in less than two years) represents the fastest turnover of monarchs in biblical history.
  • Menahem’s brutal treatment of Tiphsah is corroborated by Assyrian records that describe similar military tactics during this period.
  • The silver payment to Pul (Tiglath-pileser III) mentioned in this chapter would be worth millions in today’s currency.
  • The concept of co-regency (joint rule) explains some of the chronological complexities in this chapter’s dating system.
  • Archaeological discoveries have confirmed the historical existence of several kings mentioned in this chapter through royal seals and inscriptions.

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Jean Paul Joseph
Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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