Jecoli'ah, also spelled Jecholiah, is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament. She is recognized primarily as the mother of King Uzziah (also known as Azariah), who was one of the kings of Judah. Her name appears in the genealogical and historical records of the kings of Judah, providing insight into the royal lineage and the maternal influence in the Davidic dynasty.

Biblical References:

Jecoli'ah is mentioned in the context of the reign of her son, Uzziah, in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. The primary references to Jecoli'ah are found in:

· 2 Kings 15:2 : "He was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for fifty-two years. His mother’s name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem."

· 2 Chronicles 26:3 : "Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for fifty-two years. His mother’s name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem."

These passages highlight Jecoli'ah's role as the mother of Uzziah, emphasizing her connection to Jerusalem, which may suggest her Judean heritage and possible influence in the royal court.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Jecoli'ah lived during a period of significant political and religious activity in the Kingdom of Judah. Her son, Uzziah, is noted for his long and prosperous reign, which was marked by military successes, economic prosperity, and infrastructural development. Uzziah's reign is often seen as a time of relative stability and strength for Judah, although it eventually ended in tragedy due to his pride and subsequent affliction with leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:16-21).

The mention of Jecoli'ah in the biblical text, though brief, underscores the importance of maternal figures in the royal lineage. In the ancient Near Eastern context, queens and mothers of kings often held significant influence, both politically and spiritually. While the Bible does not provide extensive details about Jecoli'ah's life or her role in the court, her inclusion in the genealogical records signifies her importance in the Davidic line.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, Jecoli'ah's mention in the Scriptures serves as a reminder of the continuity of God's covenant with David. The Davidic line, through which the Messiah was prophesied to come, is carefully chronicled in the Bible, and figures like Jecoli'ah contribute to this lineage. Her son Uzziah, despite his eventual downfall, is part of the messianic genealogy that is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as outlined in the New Testament (Matthew 1:8-9).

Jecoli'ah's presence in the biblical narrative, though limited, reflects the broader theme of God's faithfulness to His promises and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through history. Her role as the mother of a king highlights the significance of family and heritage in the biblical worldview, where God's purposes are often worked out through the lives of individuals and their descendants.Jecoli'ah (2 Occurrences)

2 Kings 15:2
Sixteen years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned two and fifty years in Jerusalem; and his mother's name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem.
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 26:3
Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign; and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem; and his mother's name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem.
(See RSV)

Jecoli'ah (2 Occurrences)
Jecoli'ah. Jecoliah, Jecoli'ah. Jeconiah . Multi-Version Concordance
Jecoli'ah (2 Occurrences). 2 Kings 15:2 Sixteen years old was ...
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Jeconiah (9 Occurrences)

/j/jeconiah.htm - 9k

Jecoliah (2 Occurrences)

/j/jecoliah.htm - 7k

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