2 Chronicles 22
BSB1 Then the people of Jerusalem made Ahaziah, the youngest son of Jehoram, king in his place, since the raiders who had come into the camp with the Arabs had killed all the older sons. So Ahaziah son of Jehoram became king of Judah. 2 Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem one year. His mother’s name was Athaliah, the granddaughter of Omri. 3 Ahaziah also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother was his counselor in wickedness. 4 And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, as the house of Ahab had done, for to his destruction they were his counselors after the death of his father. 5 Ahaziah also followed their counsel and went with Joram son of Ahab king of Israel to fight against Hazael king of Aram at Ramoth-gilead. But the Arameans wounded Joram; 6 so he returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds they had inflicted on him at Ramah when he fought against Hazael king of Aram. Then Ahaziah son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to Jezreel to visit Joram son of Ahab, because Joram had been wounded. 7 Ahaziah’s downfall came from God when he went to visit Joram. When Ahaziah arrived, he went out with Joram to meet Jehu son of Nimshi, whom the LORD had anointed to destroy the house of Ahab. 8 So while Jehu was executing judgment on the house of Ahab, he found the rulers of Judah and the sons of Ahaziah’s brothers who were serving Ahaziah, and he killed them. 9 Then Jehu looked for Ahaziah, and Jehu’s soldiers captured him while he was hiding in Samaria. So Ahaziah was brought to Jehu and put to death. They buried him, for they said, “He is the grandson of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart.” So no one was left from the house of Ahaziah with the strength to rule the kingdom. 10 When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs of the house of Judah. 11 But Jehoshabeath daughter of King Jehoram took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the sons of the king who were being murdered, and she put him and his nurse in a bedroom. Because Jehoshabeath, the daughter of King Jehoram and the wife of Jehoiada the priest, was Ahaziah’s sister, she hid Joash from Athaliah so that she could not kill him. 12 And Joash remained hidden with them in the house of God for six years while Athaliah ruled the land.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 22
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Chronicles 22
- Themes from 2 Chronicles 22
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with the reign of Ahaziah, who became king at the age of 22 and reigned for one year. He followed the example of his father, Ahab, and allied himself with the king of Israel, which led to his downfall. Jehu, a prophet, prophesied against the royal family, and Ahaziah was eventually killed by Jehu's men. The chapter also describes the reign of Athaliah, Ahaziah's mother, who seized power and tried to destroy all the royal heirs. However, one of Ahaziah's sons, Joash, was rescued and hidden away, and he eventually became the king of Judah. Key verses include 2 Chronicles 22:3, which describes Ahaziah's alliance with the king of Israel, and 2 Chronicles 22:7-8, which describes Jehu's prophecy against the royal family.
Context for the Chapter
2 Chronicles 22 is part of the larger narrative of the divided kingdom, which began with the reign of Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12. The chapter is also part of the larger story of God's relationship with His people, which is a central theme throughout the Old Testament. The events described in this chapter take place during the reign of the kings of Judah and Israel, and serve as a reminder of God's judgment against sin and His plan to redeem His people.
Heart Application
The chapter serves as a warning to avoid evil influences and seek wise counsel. It also reminds us of God's sovereignty and the importance of trusting in His plan to redeem His people. As we reflect on this chapter, we are called to examine our own lives and seek to follow God's commands, avoiding the sinful practices that can lead to downfall.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter describes the reign of Ahaziah, who became king of Judah at a young age and followed the example of his father, Ahab. Ahaziah's alliance with the king of Israel led to his downfall, and he was eventually killed. The chapter also introduces Jehu, a prophet who prophesied against the royal family. One of Ahaziah's sons, Joash, was rescued and hidden away, and he eventually became the king of Judah. The chapter serves as a reminder of God's judgment against sin and His plan to redeem His people.
Voices from the Church
“The ways of sin are always downward, and the end of it is death and destruction. But the ways of righteousness are always upward, and the end of it is life and glory.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Lord is a righteous judge, who punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous. Let us therefore seek to follow His commands and avoid the sinful practices that can lead to downfall.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Reign of Ahaziah (22:1-4) — The chapter begins with the reign of Ahaziah, who became king of Judah at the age of 22 and reigned for one year. He followed the example of his father, Ahab, and allied himself with the king of Israel.
- The Prophecy of Jehu (22:5-8) — Jehu, a prophet, prophesied against the royal family, warning them of God's judgment against their sinful practices.
- The Death of Ahaziah (22:9) — Ahaziah was eventually killed by Jehu's men, fulfilling the prophecy against the royal family.
- The Reign of Athaliah (22:10-12) — Athaliah, Ahaziah's mother, seized power and tried to destroy all the royal heirs. However, one of Ahaziah's sons, Joash, was rescued and hidden away.
- The Preservation of Joash (22:11-12) — Joash was eventually rescued and became the king of Judah, serving as a reminder of God's plan to preserve His people and ultimately bring about redemption through Christ.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over the affairs of men, as seen in the fulfillment of Jehu's prophecy against the royal family.
- The Importance of Following God's Commands
- The chapter serves as a warning to avoid evil influences and seek wise counsel, highlighting the importance of following God's commands and avoiding sinful practices.
- The Preservation of God's People
- The chapter describes the rescue of Joash, one of Ahaziah's sons, which serves as a reminder of God's plan to preserve His people and ultimately bring about redemption through Christ.
- The Judgment of God
- The chapter highlights God's judgment against sin, as seen in the fulfillment of Jehu's prophecy against the royal family.
Lessons from 2 Chronicles 22
- The Importance of Seeking Wise Counsel — The chapter highlights the importance of seeking wise counsel and avoiding bad influences, as seen in Ahaziah's alliance with the king of Israel.
- The Fulfillment of Prophecy — The chapter describes the fulfillment of Jehu's prophecy against the royal family, serving as a reminder of God's sovereignty and judgment against sin.
- The Preservation of God's People — The chapter describes the rescue of Joash, one of Ahaziah's sons, which serves as a reminder of God's plan to preserve His people and ultimately bring about redemption through Christ.
- The Judgment of God — The chapter highlights God's judgment against sin, as seen in the fulfillment of Jehu's prophecy against the royal family.
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Sovereignty — The chapter serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over the affairs of men, and the importance of trusting in His plan to redeem His people.
Themes from 2 Chronicles 22
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over the affairs of men, as seen in the fulfillment of Jehu's prophecy against the royal family.
- The Importance of Following God's Commands — The chapter serves as a warning to avoid evil influences and seek wise counsel, highlighting the importance of following God's commands and avoiding sinful practices.
- The Preservation of God's People — The chapter describes the rescue of Joash, one of Ahaziah's sons, which serves as a reminder of God's plan to preserve His people and ultimately bring about redemption through Christ.
- The Judgment of God — The chapter highlights God's judgment against sin, as seen in the fulfillment of Jehu's prophecy against the royal family.
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Sovereignty — The chapter serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over the affairs of men, and the importance of trusting in His plan to redeem His people.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Ahaziah's alliance with the king of Israel, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- How does Jehu's prophecy against the royal family serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and judgment against sin?
- What can we learn from the preservation of Joash, and how does this serve as a reminder of God's plan to redeem His people?
- How can we seek to follow God's commands and avoid the sinful practices that can lead to downfall, as warned against in this chapter?
- What can we learn from the example of Athaliah, who tried to destroy all the royal heirs, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Reign of Ahaziah (22:1-4)
| 22:1 | The chapter begins with the reign of Ahaziah, who became king of Judah at the age of 22 and reigned for one year. |
| 22:2 | Ahaziah was 22 years old when he became king, and he reigned for one year in Jerusalem. |
| 22:3 | He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother was his counselor to do wickedly. |
| 22:4 | He did evil in the sight of the Lord, as the house of Ahab had done, for after the death of his father, they were his counselors to his destruction. |
2. The Prophecy of Jehu (22:5-8)
| 22:5 | He walked also after their counsel, and went with Jehoram the son of Ahab king of Israel to war against Hazael king of Syria at Ramoth-gilead. |
| 22:6 | And the archers shot King Joram, and he said to his chariot man, Turn your hand and carry me away from the face of the battle, for I am wounded. |
| 22:7 | For it was the will of God concerning him, because he walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, and because he was a son-in-law to the house of Ahab, that God destroyed him. |
| 22:8 | And it came to pass, when Jehu was executing judgment upon the house of Ahab, that he found the princes of Judah and the sons of the brethren of Ahaziah, who ministered to Ahaziah, and slew them. |
3. The Death of Ahaziah (22:9)
| 22:9 | And he sought Ahaziah, and they caught him (for he was hiding in Samaria), and they brought him to Jehu, and when they had slain him, they buried him, Because, said they, he is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the Lord with all his heart. |
4. The Reign of Athaliah (22:10-12)
| 22:10 | Now when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal of the house of Judah. |
| 22:11 | But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of Jehoram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah and stole him from among the king's sons who were slain, and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber. |
| 22:12 | And they hid him, because they feared Athaliah; and he was with her hid in the house of the Lord six years, while Athaliah reigned over the land. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What can we learn from Ahaziah's alliance with the king of Israel?
We can learn the importance of seeking wise counsel and avoiding bad influences, as seen in Ahaziah's alliance with the king of Israel, which ultimately led to his downfall (2 Chronicles 22:3-4).
How does Jehu's prophecy against the royal family serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and judgment against sin?
Jehu's prophecy against the royal family serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and judgment against sin, as seen in the fulfillment of the prophecy against the royal family (2 Chronicles 22:7-8).
What can we learn from the preservation of Joash, and how does this serve as a reminder of God's plan to redeem His people?
We can learn from the preservation of Joash that God is sovereign over the affairs of men and that He has a plan to redeem His people, as seen in the rescue of Joash and his eventual reign as king of Judah (2 Chronicles 22:11-12).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 22:3 → 1 Kings 21:25 | The ways of the house of Ahab are described in 1 Kings 21:25, which highlights the sinful practices of Ahab's family. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 22:7 → Hosea 1:4 | The prophecy against the house of Ahab is also described in Hosea 1:4, which highlights God's judgment against sin. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 22:9 → 2 Kings 9:27 | The death of Ahaziah is also described in 2 Kings 9:27, which highlights the fulfillment of Jehu's prophecy against the royal family. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 22:11 → 2 Kings 11:2 | The preservation of Joash is also described in 2 Kings 11:2, which highlights the rescue of Joash and his eventual reign as king of Judah. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 22:12 → Psalm 27:5 | The hiding of Joash in the house of the Lord is reminiscent of Psalm 27:5, which describes the Lord as a hiding place for His people. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 22:3 → Matthew 1:8 | The genealogy of Jesus includes Ahaziah, who is described as the son of Jehoram in Matthew 1:8. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 22:7 → Romans 11:25 | The prophecy against the house of Ahab is also described in Romans 11:25, which highlights God's plan to redeem His people. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 22:9 → Acts 13:22 | The death of Ahaziah is also described in Acts 13:22, which highlights the fulfillment of God's plan to redeem His people. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 22:11 → Hebrews 11:32 | The preservation of Joash is also described in Hebrews 11:32, which highlights the faith of those who trusted in God's plan to redeem His people. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 22:12 → Revelation 12:6 | The hiding of Joash in the house of the Lord is reminiscent of Revelation 12:6, which describes the woman who fled into the wilderness to escape the dragon. |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Chronicles 22
The chapter describes the reign of Ahaziah, who followed the example of his father, Ahab, and allied himself with the king of Israel. This alliance ultimately led to his downfall, as he was killed by Jehu's men. The chapter also introduces Jehu, a prophet who prophesied against the royal family, and describes the preservation of Joash, one of Ahaziah's sons, who was rescued and hidden away. The chapter serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and judgment against sin, as well as His plan to redeem His people. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord is a righteous judge, who punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous.' We are called to seek wise counsel and avoid bad influences, trusting in God's plan to redeem His people. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Influence of Evil Counsel
The chapter highlights the negative influence of Ahaziah's mother, who encouraged him to do evil. This serves as a warning to seek wise counsel and avoid bad influences.
The Fulfillment of Prophecy
The chapter describes the fulfillment of Jehu's prophecy against the royal family, which serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of listening to prophetic warnings.
The Preservation of God's People
The chapter describes the rescue of Joash, one of Ahaziah's sons, which serves as a reminder of God's plan to preserve His people and ultimately bring about redemption through Christ.