And all the people of Judah took Azariah, which was sixteen years old, and made him king instead of his father Amaziah.

2 KINGS 14:21KJV
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2 Kings 14:21 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 14:21 mean?

2 Kings 14:21 describes how the people of Judah chose Azariah, a sixteen-year-old, to become king after his father Amaziah. The verse highlights a moment of transition in Judah’s leadership, showing the people’s active role in making Azariah their new ruler.

This verse is set during a time of political change in the southern kingdom of Judah. After Amaziah’s reign ended, the people themselves took the initiative to install his son Azariah as king, rather than waiting for a formal succession. The verse marks the beginning of Azariah’s rule, who is also known as Uzziah in other parts of the Bible.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 14:21

  • עַזַרְיָה (Azaryah, “Azariah”): This name means “Yahweh has helped.” The meaning of his name may have been significant to the people, suggesting hope for divine support during his reign.
  • לָקַח (laqach, “took”): The word often means to seize or take hold of. Here, it shows that the people of Judah were proactive in making Azariah king, not just passively accepting him.
  • עַם (am, “people”): This word refers to the collective group of Judah’s citizens, emphasizing that it was a communal decision rather than one made by a small group of leaders.

Why 2 Kings 14:21 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Azariah’s rise to the throne was not just a matter of family succession but involved the will and action of the people of Judah.
  • It introduces Azariah, who would have a long and significant reign, setting the stage for later events in Judah’s history.
  • The verse helps explain the continuity of leadership in Judah after a period of instability, showing how the community ensured the monarchy continued.

Where else these words appear

“Amaziah” Hebrew H558 · used in 39 verses

  • 2 Kings 12:21 For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 15:3 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done;
  • 2 Chronicles 25:17 Then Amaziah king of Judah took advice, and sent to Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us see one another in the face.

“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 6:10 And Johanan begat Azariah,(he it is that executed the priest's office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem:)
  • 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.