King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 22:1 Mean?

“And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ahaziah his youngest son king in his stead: for the band of men that came with the Arabians to the camp had slain all the eldest. So Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah reigned.”

Context

And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ahaziah his youngest son king in his stead: for the band of men that came with the Arabians to the camp had slain all the eldest. So Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah reigned.

Forty and two years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Athaliah the daughter of Omri.

He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab: for his mother was his counsellor to do wickedly.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**XXII. THE SHORT REIGN OF AHAZIAH** (2Chronicles 22:1-9). (Comp. 2Kings 8:25-29.) (1) **And the inhabitants of Jerusalem.**—2Chronicles 21:11; 2Chronicles 21:13. **Made Ahaziah . . . king.**—This variation from the usual formula—“And Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead”—has been supposed to indicate that the succession was disputed, either Athaliah, the queen-mother, or Jehoiada, the high priest, opposing it. It is more likely that the difference of expression simply points to the use of a different source by the writer. **The band of men that came with the Arabians to the camp.**—The Hebrew is obscure for want of further details. “The troop that came among the Arabs to the camp” appears to have been some party of half-savage warriors, who, after the Jewish camp had been stormed by the invaders and the royal princes taken prisoners, fell upon and slew their captives. (Comp. 2Chronicles 21:17; and Judges 8:18, *seq.;* 1Samuel 15:32.) **All the eldest.**—**Heb.,** *the former* (*rîshonîm*)*.* Syriac: “For all the elder the troop had destroyed them; for the Arabs came and destroyed the camp of Israel.”

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 22:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.