What does 2 Kings 15:32 mean?
"¶ In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah king of Israel began Jotham the son of Uzziah king of Judah to reign." - 2 Kings 15:32
The Bible verse 2 Kings 15:32 from the King James Version (KJV) reads: "In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah king of Israel began Jotham the son of Uzziah king of Judah to reign."
This verse comes from the book of 2 Kings, which is a historical narrative of the kings of Israel and Judah. The verse marks a transition of power from one king to another in the Southern Kingdom of Judah. It provides a specific historical timeline of when Jotham began his reign as king.
To fully understand the significance of this verse, it's important to consider the context in which it was written. During this time in Israel's history, the nation was divided into two kingdoms: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The Northern Kingdom had a succession of kings who were largely evil and turned away from God, leading to their eventual destruction by the Assyrian Empire. The Southern Kingdom, however, had a mix of good and evil kings, and it ultimately fell to the Babylonian Empire.
Jotham became king of Judah after his father, Uzziah, whom some translations refer to as Azariah, died. Uzziah's reign was marked by prosperity and military success, and he was considered a good king who "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord" (2 Kings 15:3). Jotham's reign, which lasted for 16 years, continued the general trajectory of good leadership and prosperity for the kingdom of Judah.
The theme of succession and the transfer of power is a significant aspect of this verse. In ancient Israelite society, the line of kings was of utmost importance, as the king was seen as God's chosen leader and the representative of the people. The transition of power from one king to another was not only a political event but also a spiritual one. It signified a new era and direction for the nation, and the character and actions of the new king would have a profound impact on the people and their relationship with God.
The verse also reflects the broader theme of God's sovereignty over human history. The rise and fall of kings and nations are ultimately under God's control, and he uses these events to accomplish his purposes. Though the actions of the kings in the Bible are often flawed and sometimes outright sinful, God remains in control and works through their reigns to bring about his plans for the redemption of humanity.
The symbolism of this verse lies in the names and lineage of the kings mentioned. Jotham's name means "Yahweh is upright" or "Yahweh is perfect," which reflects his father's reign as a good and upright king. The lineage of the kings also holds symbolic significance, as it ties the current king to his ancestors and establishes his legitimacy to the throne.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 15:32 is a seemingly simple verse that marks a transition of power from one king to another. However, when placed in its historical and theological context, it becomes a rich and meaningful part of the biblical narrative. It illustrates themes of succession, God's sovereignty, and the symbolic significance of kingship in ancient Israel. The verse serves as a reminder that human history is ultimately under the control of God, and his purposes will always be accomplished, regardless of the actions of individuals.
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2 Kings 15:32 - "¶ In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah king of Israel began Jotham the son of Uzziah king of Judah to reign."
"¶ In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah king of Israel began Jotham the son of Uzziah king of Judah to reign." - 2 Kings 15:32
1 Kings 15:32 - "And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days."
2 Chronicles 32:32 - "Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his goodness, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, and in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel."
"And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days." - 1 Kings 15:32
2 Kings 15:15 - "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."
2 Kings 4:32 - "And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed."
2 Kings 3:15
2 Kings 3:15
2 Kings 3:15
2 Kings 15:11 - "And the rest of the acts of Zachariah, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."
2 Kings 23:32 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his fathers had done."
2 Kings 10:32 - "¶ In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short: and Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel;"
2 Kings 15:6 - "And the rest of the acts of Azariah, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 15:21 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Kings 15:31 - "And the rest of the acts of Pekah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."
2 Kings 15:36 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 15:26 - "And the rest of the acts of Pekahiah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."
2 Kings 17:32 - "So they feared the LORD, and made unto themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places, which sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places."
2 Kings 9:32 - "And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs."
2 Kings 15:29 show the army and attack
2 Kings 18:15 - "And Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house."
2 Kings 14:15 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Kings 19:32 - "Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it."
2 Kings 15:22 - "And Menahem slept with his fathers; and Pekahiah his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 15:1 - "In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign."
"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." - 2 Kings 15:15
1 Kings 15:2 - "Three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom."
2 Kings 12:15 - "Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to be bestowed on workmen: for they dealt faithfully."
2 Kings 15:37 - "In those days the LORD began to send against Judah Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah."