Passage

2 Kings 1:17-18

How does the account close Ahaziah’s reign?

Berean Standard Bible

17 So Ahaziah died according to the word of the LORD that Elijah had spoken. And since he had no son, Jehoram succeeded him in the second year of the reign of Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat over Judah. 18 As for the rest of the acts of Ahaziah, along with his accomplishments, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?

What is the context?

Ahaziah dies in accordance with the word of the Lord delivered through Elijah. Because he has no son, Joram succeeds him as king of Israel.

The accession notice also names Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. These are rulers of different kingdoms, despite the similar names. The account then refers readers to the annals for the rest of Ahaziah’s acts.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley proposes a period of shared rule to explain the accession dates. The USCCB note on 3:1 discusses the difficulty differently. These are attempts to account for the chronological notices; this explanation does not present one reconstruction or an exact modern date as demonstrated by the chapter.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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