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.
Ahaziah was forty-two years old when he became king, and he ruled in Jerusalem for one year. His mother's name was Athaliah, and she was the daughter of Omri.
This verse introduces King Ahaziah of Judah, telling us his age when he became king, how long he ruled, and identifying his mother Athaliah.
📚 Historical Context
Ahaziah became king of Judah around 841 BC during a turbulent time when the northern kingdom of Israel and southern kingdom of Judah were often at war with surrounding nations. His mother Athaliah was from the northern kingdom (daughter of Omri, who had been king of Israel), which created political ties but also brought idol worship into Judah's royal family. This brief one-year reign ended when Ahaziah was killed, leading to his mother Athaliah seizing power and nearly destroying the royal line of David.
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