FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
2 Kings 15:3
KJVAnd he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done;
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The accounts of the kings culminate in Assyria's conquest of Israel and an extended explanation of the disaster.
- 15:1 In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign.
- 15:2 Sixteen years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned two and fifty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jecholiah of Jerusalem.
- 15:3 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done;
- 15:4 Save that the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burnt incense still on the high places.
- 15:5 And the LORD smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house. And Jotham the king's son was over the house, judging the people of the land.
- 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?
- 15:7 So Azariah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Jeremiah is the traditional Jewish attribution to Kings. The completed work incorporates records of Israel and Judah and events during exile; its final compiler is uncertain. Biblical references: 2 Kings 15:11; 2 Kings 25:27. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Kings 14:1–15:38): The kings, officials, and peoples of Judah and Israel are described in successive reigns, wars, and changes of power. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The Israelite and Judean community in and after the exile, reflecting on why both kingdoms fell and what remained of the Davidic line. Biblical references: 2 Kings 17:7; 2 Kings 23:27; 2 Kings 25:27. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Azariah Reigns in Judah. Read 2 Kings 15:1 through 2 Kings 15:7 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The accounts of the kings culminate in Assyria's conquest of Israel and an extended explanation of the disaster. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The book continues the divided-kingdom histories through Assyria's conquest of Israel and Babylon's conquest of Judah, ending with a notice concerning Jehoiachin. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Israel and Judah, including Samaria and Jerusalem, and ends with exile in Babylon. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Azariah Reigns in Judah (2 Kings 15:1 to 2 Kings 15:7). Start reading at 2 Kings 15:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus cites the cleansing of Naaman in His discourse at Nazareth. This supplies a specific connection to the book's prophetic narratives and challenges assumptions about privilege. See 2 Kings 5:14, Luke 4:27. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Hear warnings before repeated refusal hardens into habit. Reform, repentance, and faithfulness should be assessed from the narrated response to God's word, not merely a ruler's reputation. interpretation
Cited: 2 Kings 15:1, 2 Kings 15:7, 2 Kings 5:14, Luke 4:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Related passages
- And he did that which was right in the si… 2 Kgs 12:2-3 2 Kgs 14:3-4 2 Chr 26:4
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 2 Kings 15
2 Kings 17:7 2 Kings 23:27 2 Kings 25:27
Zechariah Reigns in Israel
2 Kings 15:8–12FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
Shallum Reigns in Israel
2 Kings 15:13–16FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
Menahem Reigns in Israel
2 Kings 15:17–22FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
Pekahiah Reigns in Israel
2 Kings 15:23–26FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
Pekah Reigns in Israel
2 Kings 15:27–31FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
Jotham Reigns in Judah
2 Kings 15:32–38FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 2 Kings
2 Kings 17:7 2 Kings 23:27 2 Kings 25:27
Elijah's departure and Elisha's ministry
2 Kings 1:1–8:15FocusThe prophetic word continues
FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
Judah before its fall
2 Kings 18:1–23:30FocusHezekiah, Manasseh, and Josiah
Jerusalem falls and Judah is exiled
2 Kings 23:31–25:30FocusDestruction and a final note of favor
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.