And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king's son, and Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah that was next to the king.
2 CHRONICLES 28:7KJVWhat does 2 Chronicles 28:7 mean?
2 Chronicles 28:7 reports that Zichri, a powerful warrior from the tribe of Ephraim, killed Maaseiah (the king’s son), Azrikam (the official in charge of the royal palace), and Elkanah (the king’s second-in-command). This verse highlights the defeat and loss suffered by the kingdom of Judah during a time of conflict.
This verse is part of a historical account describing the consequences King Ahaz of Judah faced because of his unfaithfulness. The Chronicler is narrating how leaders and important figures in Judah were killed during an invasion by Israel (the northern kingdom), showing the seriousness of Judah’s defeat and the vulnerability of its leadership.
The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 28:7
- זִכְרִי (Zichri): This is the name of the Ephraimite warrior, and the text calls him a "mighty man" (גִּבּוֹר, gibbor), emphasizing his strength and reputation in battle.
- נָשִׂיא (nasí’, here as "governor" H5057): This word often means "leader" or "prince." Azrikam’s role as governor of the house (בַּיִת, bayit) shows he was in charge of the royal household, a position of great responsibility.
- מִשְׁנֶה (mishneh, "next" H4932): Used for Elkanah, this word means "second" or "deputy," indicating he was the king’s chief assistant or second-in-command, not just a minor official.
Why 2 Chronicles 28:7 matters
- This verse clarifies that Judah’s losses were not just among ordinary soldiers but struck at the very heart of its leadership, showing the depth of the crisis.
- The specific mention of high-ranking officials being killed underlines the severity of God’s judgment on Judah, as described in the surrounding passage.
- Understanding who these men were and their roles helps make sense of why this event was so devastating for King Ahaz and his kingdom.