Zechariah (King of Israel)

Technical Profile

  • Name Meaning: Hebrew Zĕkaryāh (“Yahweh has remembered”), reflecting remembrance language often tied to covenant identity.
  • Period/Era: Divided Kingdom (Northern Kingdom), 8th century BC
  • Main References: 2 Kings 14:29; 2 Kings 15:8–12
  • Key Connections: Son of Jeroboam II; last ruler from the house of Jehu (2 Kings 10)

Who was Zechariah (King of Israel)?

Zechariah was king of Israel (the Northern Kingdom) after the death of Jeroboam II.
He reigned in Samaria for six months in the thirty-eighth year of Judah’s king Azariah.
His short rule continued Israel’s established pattern of unauthorized worship.
He was assassinated by Shallum, ending Jehu’s royal line.

Key Events & Achievements

  • Accession: Became king in Samaria following Jeroboam II’s reign (2 Kings 15:8).
  • Religious Continuity: “Did what was evil,” not departing from the sins associated with Jeroboam son of Nebat (2 Kings 15:9).
  • Assassination and Dynasty End: Killed by Shallum; the house of Jehu ceased to rule, fulfilling a prior prophetic word about four generations (2 Kings 15:10–12).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Zechariah’s reign marks how unstable leadership in Israel’s Divided Kingdom could bring abrupt dynastic collapse.

Key Verse

"This was the promise of the LORD that he gave to Jehu: 'Your sons shall sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation.' And so it came to pass." — 2 Kings 15:12, ESV

Quizzes

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

1. Where did Zechariah reign as king during his six-month rule?

2. Who assassinated Zechariah, bringing Jehu’s royal line to an end?