Ahaziah (King of Israel)

Technical Profile

  • Name Meaning: Hebrew ’Ăḥazyāhû (“Yahweh has grasped/held”), a theophoric name invoking Israel’s God.
  • Period/Era: Divided Kingdom (9th century BC).
  • Main References: 1 Kings 22:51–53; 2 Kings 1; 2 Chronicles 20:35–37.
  • Key Connections: Son of Ahab and Jezebel; brother of Joram (Jehoram) of Israel; allied with Jehoshaphat of Judah; confronted by the prophet Elijah.

Who was Ahaziah (King of Israel)?

Ahaziah was a king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel who reigned briefly in Samaria after Ahab.
He continued the religious policies associated with the house of Omri and the worship of Baal.
His reign is narrated in the context of Israel–Judah interactions and prophetic oversight.

Key Events & Achievements

  • Moabite revolt: Moab rebelled against Israel’s rule after Ahab’s death.
  • Alliance with Judah: He partnered with Jehoshaphat in a maritime venture that ended in disaster.
  • Prophetic judgment: After seeking Baal-zebub for healing, he received Elijah’s message and died from his injury.

Life Lesson & Legacy

Ahaziah’s reign illustrates how royal policy and religious allegiance in the Divided Kingdom were evaluated under prophetic critique.

Key Verse

"Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going off to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron?" — 2 Kings 1:3, NIV

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. After Ahab's death, what happened with Moab in relation to Israel?

2. Whom did Ahaziah consult for healing, leading to a prophetic message from Elijah?