Sixteen years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned two and fifty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jecholiah of Jerusalem.
2 KINGS 15:2KJVWhat does 2 Kings 15:2 mean?
2 Kings 15:2 states that the king being described began his reign at sixteen years old and ruled for fifty-two years in Jerusalem. The verse also names his mother as Jecholiah of Jerusalem, giving a bit of family background.
This verse is part of a historical record in the book of Kings, which tracks the rulers of Israel and Judah. Here, the focus is on the age and length of reign of the king (Azariah, also called Uzziah, though not named in this verse), and the mention of his mother’s name highlights her importance in royal lineage and possibly in his upbringing or influence.
The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 15:2
- "Sixteen" (שֵׁשׁ־עֶשְׂרֵה, shesh-esreh): This word combines the Hebrew for six (שֵׁשׁ, shesh) and ten (עֶשְׂרֵה, esreh), making clear the king’s young age at the start of his reign.
- "Reigned" (מָלַךְ, malakh): This verb means "to rule as king." The use here emphasizes the official start and duration of his kingship, not just a temporary leadership.
- "Jecholiah" (יְכוֹלְיָה, Yekholyah): The mother’s name is specifically given, which is not always the case for kings. This detail may suggest her significance in the royal household or in the king’s story.
Why 2 Kings 15:2 matters
- The verse shows that some kings began ruling at a very young age, which could affect how they governed and who influenced them.
- Mentioning the mother’s name highlights the role of royal women in the history of Judah, which is sometimes overlooked.
- The long reign of fifty-two years stands out in the context of the often short and turbulent reigns of other kings, hinting at a period of stability or significance in Jerusalem’s history.