Ahaziah (King of Judah)

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew ’Ăḥazyāhû / ’Ăḥazyāh (“Yahweh has grasped/held”), reflecting the use of the divine name in Judean royal naming.
• Period/Era: Divided Kingdom (Southern Kingdom of Judah, 9th century BC)
• Main References: 2 Kings 8:24–29; 2 Kings 9:16–29; 2 Chronicles 22:1–9
• Key Connections: Son of Jehoram of Judah and Athaliah; related by marriage to the Omride house of Israel (Ahab’s line); reign within the Davidic dynasty.

Who was Ahaziah (King of Judah)?

Ahaziah was king of Judah who began to reign after the death of his father Jehoram.
He ruled from Jerusalem for one year and is also called Jehoahaz in some contexts.
His mother Athaliah strongly shaped his court alliances and religious direction.
He is portrayed as aligned with the northern kingdom’s royal house.

Key Events & Achievements

• Alliance with Israel: Joined Joram (Jehoram) king of Israel in conflict against Hazael of Aram at Ramoth-gilead (2 Kings 8:28–29; 2 Chronicles 22:5).
• Visit to Jezreel: Went to Jezreel to see the wounded Joram after the battle (2 Kings 8:29).
• Death during Jehu’s purge: Was pursued and killed amid Jehu’s overthrow of the Omride dynasty (2 Kings 9:27–29; 2 Chronicles 22:8–9).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Ahaziah’s brief reign illustrates how Judah’s Davidic kingship could be politically and religiously destabilized through close entanglement with the northern royal house.

Key Verse

"He too walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother was his counselor in doing wickedly." — 2 Chronicles 22:3, ESV