In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel began to reign in Samaria, and reigned forty and one years.

2 KINGS 14:23KJV
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2 Kings 14:23 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 14:23 mean?

2 Kings 14:23 marks the beginning of Jeroboam II’s reign as king over Israel, stating that he began to rule in Samaria during the fifteenth year of Amaziah, king of Judah, and that his reign lasted forty-one years. This verse sets the timeline and leadership context for events that follow in the northern kingdom of Israel.

The book of 2 Kings is a historical account, and this verse is part of a section that records the succession of kings in both Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom). The writer is providing a chronological anchor by linking Jeroboam II’s start as king to the reign of Amaziah in Judah. Naming Samaria as the capital and giving the length of Jeroboam II’s reign helps readers situate the coming stories and understand the stability and significance of his rule.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 14:23

  • "fifteenth" (חֲמֵשׁ־עֶשְׂרֵה שָׁנָה, chamesh-esreh shanah): This phrase means "fifteenth year," showing the careful tracking of time between the two kingdoms’ rulers. It helps clarify the overlap and relationship between the reigns of Amaziah and Jeroboam II.
  • "reign" (מָלַךְ, malakh): This word means "to reign" or "to be king." Its use here emphasizes the official start of Jeroboam II’s kingship, not just a claim or a temporary rule.
  • "Samaria" (שֹׁמְרוֹן, Shomron): This is the capital city of Israel. Mentioning Samaria highlights where Jeroboam II ruled from and distinguishes the northern kingdom from Judah, whose capital was Jerusalem.

Why 2 Kings 14:23 matters

  • This verse helps readers keep track of the complex timeline between the northern and southern kingdoms, which often had overlapping reigns and different leaders.
  • By stating that Jeroboam II reigned for forty-one years, the verse signals a period of relative stability and length in Israel’s leadership, which stands out compared to many shorter reigns.
  • The mention of Samaria as the seat of power reminds readers of the divided nature of Israel and Judah, setting the stage for understanding the political and spiritual climate during Jeroboam II’s time.

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.

“Joash” Hebrew H3101 · used in 41 verses

  • Judges 6:11 And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
  • 2 Kings 13:9 And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria: and Joash his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:25 Then the king of Israel said, Take ye Micaiah, and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son;

“Jeroboam” Hebrew H3379 · used in 95 verses

  • 1 Kings 11:26 And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king.
  • 1 Kings 14:30 And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all their days.
  • 2 Kings 15:8 In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah king of Judah did Zachariah the son of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria six months.

“Samaria” Hebrew H8111 · used in 101 verses

  • 1 Kings 13:32 For the saying which he cried by the word of the LORD against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the high places which are in the cities of Samaria, shall surely come to pass.
  • 2 Kings 10:36 And the time that Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria was twenty and eight years.
  • 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.