Topical Encyclopedia Azariah, also known as Ahaziah, was a king of Judah whose reign is recorded in the biblical books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. He was the son of Jehoram and Athaliah, and his rule is noted for its brevity and the influence of his mother, Athaliah, who was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, rulers of the northern kingdom of Israel.Reign and Background Azariah's reign is marked by the continuation of the idolatrous practices introduced by his maternal grandparents, Ahab and Jezebel. His mother, Athaliah, played a significant role in his governance, and her influence is seen as a contributing factor to the spiritual decline during his rule. The Bible records that Azariah "walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother was his counselor in wickedness" (2 Chronicles 22:3). Azariah ascended to the throne at the age of 22, and his reign lasted only one year. His short rule is often attributed to the political instability and the divine judgment upon the house of Ahab, which extended to Judah through his mother, Athaliah. Alliance with Israel During his reign, Azariah formed an alliance with Joram (also called Jehoram), the king of Israel, who was his uncle. This alliance was primarily against Hazael, the king of Aram (Syria), who was a common enemy of both Israel and Judah. The two kings went to war against Hazael at Ramoth-gilead, where Joram was wounded. Azariah visited Joram in Jezreel while he was recovering from his injuries (2 Kings 8:28-29). Death and Aftermath Azariah's death was a direct result of his association with the house of Ahab. The Bible recounts that God used Jehu, the son of Nimshi, to execute judgment on the house of Ahab. While visiting Joram, Azariah was caught in Jehu's rebellion against the house of Ahab. Jehu, who had been anointed by the prophet Elisha to destroy Ahab's lineage, killed both Joram and Azariah at Jezreel (2 Kings 9:27). Following Azariah's death, his mother Athaliah seized the throne of Judah and attempted to exterminate the royal family to secure her position. However, Joash, Azariah's nephew, was hidden and later became king, continuing the Davidic line (2 Chronicles 22:10-12). Legacy Azariah's reign is often viewed as a cautionary tale of the dangers of ungodly alliances and the influence of idolatry. His life and death serve as a reminder of the consequences of departing from the ways of the Lord and the importance of maintaining faithfulness to God's covenant. His account is a significant part of the narrative of the divided kingdom, illustrating the intertwining fates of Israel and Judah during this tumultuous period in biblical history. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 22:6And he returned to be healed in Jezreel because of the wounds which were given him at Ramah, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria. And Azariah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Jehoram the son of Ahab at Jezreel, because he was sick. Nave's Topical Index Library The Kingdom Op Judah. The Fall of the House of Ahab Appendices Resources Why do some people in the Bible have more than one name? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Uzziah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is a Daniel Fast? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Azariah: A Captive Returned from Babylon Azariah: A Captive Returned from Babylon: Also Called Seraiah Azariah: A High Priest: Also Called Amariah Azariah: A Levite: Called Uzziah Azariah: A Prophet, Called Obed Azariah: Captain of Solomon's Guards Azariah: Chief of the Tribe of Ephraim Azariah: Hebrew Name of Abed-Nego Azariah: High Priest in Hezekiah's Reign Azariah: High Priest in Hezekiah's Reign: Probably Identical With Ahitub Mentioned In Azariah: King of Judah, Called Ahaziah Azariah: Son of Johanan, Possibly Identical With Zechariah, Son of Jehoiada Related Terms |
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