King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 15:13 Mean?

2 Kings 15:13 in the King James Version says “Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the nine and thirtieth year of Uzziah king of Judah; and he reigned a full m...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the nine and thirtieth year of Uzziah king of Judah; and he reigned a full month in Samaria. Uzziah: Gr. Ozias a full: Heb. a month of days”

2 Kings 15:13 · KJV

Context

11

And the rest of the acts of Zachariah, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.

12

This was the word of the LORD which he spake unto Jehu, saying, Thy sons shall sit on the throne of Israel unto the fourth generation. And so it came to pass.

13

Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the nine and thirtieth year of Uzziah king of Judah; and he reigned a full month in Samaria. Uzziah: Gr. Ozias a full: Heb. a month of days

14

For Menahem the son of Gadi went up from Tirzah, and came to Samaria, and smote Shallum the son of Jabesh in Samaria, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.

15

And the rest of the acts of Shallum, and his conspiracy which he made, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.

Read 2 Kings 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the nine and thirtieth year of Uzziah king of Judah; and he reigned a full month in Samaria.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 15 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Rapid Succession and Instability) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 15 regarding political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
שַׁלּ֤וּם1 of 15

“Shallum”

H7967

shallum, the name of fourteen israelites

בֶּן2 of 15

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יָבֵישׁ֙3 of 15

“of Jabesh”

H3003

jobesh, the name of an israelite and of a place in palestine

וַיִּמְלֹ֥ךְ4 of 15

“and he reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

שָׁנָ֔ה5 of 15

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים6 of 15

“and thirtieth”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

וָתֵ֙שַׁע֙7 of 15

“in the nine”

H8672

nine or (ordinal) ninth

שָׁנָ֔ה8 of 15

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

לְעֻזִיָּ֖ה9 of 15

“of Uzziah”

H5818

uzzijah, the name of five israelites

מֶ֣לֶךְ10 of 15

“king”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֑ה11 of 15

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וַיִּמְלֹ֥ךְ12 of 15

“and he reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

יֶֽרַח13 of 15

“month”

H3391

a lunation, i.e., month

יָמִ֖ים14 of 15

“a full”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בְּשֹֽׁמְרֽוֹן׃15 of 15

“in Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

2 Kings 15:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 15:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 15:1Proverbs 28:17Proverbs 28:2Psalms 55:231 Kings 16:15Job 20:15

Places in This Verse

Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
View all places in 2 Kings 15 →

Test Your Knowledge

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