Ahaziah of Judah facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ahaziah |
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Ahaziah from Guillaume Rouillé's Promptuarii Iconum Insigniorum, 1553
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| King of Judah | |||||
| Reign | c. 842 – 841 BCE | ||||
| Predecessor | Jehoram | ||||
| Successor | Athaliah | ||||
| Born | c. 883 BCE or c. 863 BCE Jerusalem, Kingdom of Judah |
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| Died | c. 841 BCE Megiddo, Kingdom of Israel |
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| Burial | c. 841 BCE City of David |
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| Spouse | Zibiah | ||||
| Issue | Jehoash of Judah | ||||
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| Hebrew | אֲחַזְיָה | ||||
| House | House of David | ||||
| Father | Jehoram | ||||
| Mother | Athaliah | ||||
Ahaziah of Judah was an important king in ancient times. He was the sixth king of the kingdom of Judah. His father was King Jehoram of Judah and his mother was Athaliah.
Athaliah was the daughter of King Ahab of Israel. This meant Ahaziah was connected to two powerful royal families. He was part of the Davidic line from his father's side. He was also linked to the House of Omri through his mother.
The Bible tells us Ahaziah was 22 years old when he became king. He ruled for only one year in Jerusalem. Another part of the Bible says he was 42 when he started his reign. Historians usually agree his reign was around 842 to 841 BCE.
Ahaziah's Time as King
Ahaziah was the youngest son of King Jehoram. His older brothers had been captured in a raid. This raid was carried out by the Philistines and Arabs.
Ahaziah's mother, Athaliah, had a lot of influence over him. She encouraged him to bring in new ways of worship. These new ways were not popular with everyone.
His mother's family members became his trusted advisors. They encouraged him to join his uncle, Jehoram of Israel, in a battle. This battle was against Hazael, the king of the Arameans.
King Jehoram of Israel was hurt in the battle. He went to a city called Jezreel to get better. Ahaziah also left the battle area. After visiting Jerusalem, he went to Jezreel to meet with Jehoram.
While there, they were caught in a rebellion. A general named Jehu led this revolt. Ahaziah and Jehoram went out to meet Jehu. Jehoram soon realized Jehu's bad intentions. Ahaziah watched as Jehu shot his uncle with a bow.
Ahaziah tried to escape. He was wounded near Gur in Ibleam. He only had enough strength to reach Megiddo, where he died.
The Tel Dan Stele
The Tel Dan Stele is an ancient stone monument. It was found during archaeological digs in the 1990s. The writing on this stone tells a story.
It says that the person who wrote it killed two kings. These were the king of Judah, Ahaziah, and the king of Israel, Jehoram. Many historians believe King Hazael of the Arameans wrote this inscription.
Ancient kings often boasted and made big claims. So, it's not fully clear who killed the two kings. The Bible says Jehu killed them. The Tel Dan Stele says Hazael did. It's also possible Jehu and Hazael worked together.
See Also
- Kings of Judah
- List of biblical figures identified in extra-biblical sources
