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 28:7KJV
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2 Chronicles 28:7 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“Azrikam” Hebrew H5840 · used in 6 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 3:23 And the sons of Neariah; Elioenai, and Hezekiah, and Azrikam, three.
  • 1 Chronicles 8:38 And Azel had six sons, whose names are these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.
  • 1 Chronicles 9:44 And Azel had six sons, whose names are these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan: these were the sons of Azel.

“Zichri” Hebrew H2147 · used in 12 verses

  • Exodus 6:21 And the sons of Izhar; Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri.
  • 1 Chronicles 8:27 And Jaresiah, and Eliah, and Zichri, the sons of Jeroham.
  • 2 Chronicles 17:16 And next him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the LORD; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour.

“Elkanah” Hebrew H511 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 6:24 And the sons of Korah; Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph: these are the families of the Korhites.
  • 1 Samuel 1:23 And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:27 Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son.

“Maaseiah” Hebrew H4641 · used in 23 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:18 And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.
  • Ezra 10:22 And of the sons of Pashur; Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethaneel, Jozabad, and Elasah.
  • Nehemiah 11:7 And these are the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jesaiah.