And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded:

2 CHRONICLES 15:1KJV
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2 Chronicles 15:1 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 15:1 mean?

2 Chronicles 15:1 says that the Spirit of God came upon Azariah, the son of Oded. This means that God’s Spirit empowered Azariah to deliver a message or act in a special way at this moment in Israel’s history.

In the story, Azariah is a prophet who receives God’s guidance during the reign of King Asa of Judah. The verse sets the stage for Azariah to speak God’s words to the king and the people, which will follow in the next verses. This moment signals a turning point, as God is about to address the nation through Azariah.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 15:1

  • "Spirit" (רוּחַ, ruach): This word means "breath," "wind," or "spirit." Here, it refers to God’s empowering presence coming upon Azariah, enabling him to speak with authority.
  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This is the common Hebrew word for God, emphasizing the divine source of Azariah’s inspiration.
  • "Azariah" (עֲזַרְיָה, Azaryah): His name means "Yahweh has helped," which is fitting since he is about to deliver a message of help and warning.
  • "Son" (בֵּן, ben): This simply identifies Azariah’s lineage, connecting him to Oded.
  • "Oded" (עוֹדֵד, Oded): The name means "restorer" or "encourager," which may hint at the role his family played in Israel’s spiritual life.

Why 2 Chronicles 15:1 matters

  • This verse highlights that Azariah’s message is not his own opinion but comes directly from God’s Spirit, giving it special authority.
  • By naming Azariah and his father Oded, the verse roots the story in real people and history, showing that God works through specific individuals.
  • The verse prepares the reader for the important message that follows, marking it as a divinely inspired turning point in the life of King Asa and the nation of Judah.

Where else these words appear

“Oded” Hebrew H5752 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 15:8 And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD, that was before the porch of the LORD.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:9 But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven.

“Azariah” Hebrew H5838 · used in 44 verses

  • 1 Kings 4:2 And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,
  • 1 Chronicles 6:9 And Ahimaaz begat Azariah, and Azariah begat Johanan,
  • 2 Chronicles 31:10 And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the LORD hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.