Introduction

2 Kings 15 covers decades in both kingdoms—Azariah's long reign in Judah and Israel's violent decline through five kings in about twenty-five years. While Judah maintains stability, Israel disintegrates through conspiracy after conspiracy. The chapter introduces Assyria as a looming threat, taking tribute and territory. The end of the northern kingdom approaches.

Azariah (Uzziah) of Judah (Verses 1-7)

[1-4] Azariah son of Amaziah became king of Judah at sixteen, reigning fifty-two years in Jerusalem. "He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done." However, "the high places were not removed; the people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places." The persistent qualification continues through Judah's kings.

[5-7] "The LORD touched the king, so that he was a leper to the day of his death, and he lived in a separate house." His son Jotham was over the household, governing the people. The reason for his leprosy is detailed in 2 Chronicles 26:16-21">2 Chronicles 26:16-21—pride leading to improper temple worship. He was buried with his fathers; Jotham his son reigned.

Israel's Rapid Succession (Verses 8-31)

[8-12] Zechariah son of Jeroboam II reigned over Israel six months. "He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his fathers had done." Shallum son of Jabesh conspired against him, struck him down in public, and reigned in his place. This fulfilled the LORD's word to Jehu: "Your sons shall sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation"—and so it was.

[13-16] Shallum reigned one month. Menahem son of Gadi came from Tirzah to Samaria, struck down Shallum, and reigned in his place. When Tiphsah refused to open its gates, Menahem sacked it and ripped open its pregnant women—savage violence marking his ascent.

[17-22] Menahem reigned ten years. "He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD." When Pul (Tiglath-pileser) king of Assyria came, Menahem gave him a thousand talents of silver to secure his support. He exacted the money from Israel's wealthy, fifty shekels per person, and Assyria withdrew. He slept with his fathers; Pekahiah his son reigned.

[23-26] Pekahiah reigned two years. "He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD." His captain Pekah son of Remaliah conspired against him with fifty Gileadites, struck him down in Samaria's citadel, and reigned in his place.

[27-31] Pekah reigned twenty years. "He did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam." In his days, Tiglath-pileser of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, Galilee, and all Naphtali, deporting the people to Assyria. Hoshea son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah, struck him down, and reigned in his place.

Jotham of Judah (Verses 32-38)

[32-35] Jotham son of Uzziah became king at twenty-five, reigning sixteen years. "He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah had done." But the high places were not removed. He built the upper gate of the house of the LORD.

[36-38] In those days, the LORD began to send Rezin of Syria and Pekah against Judah. Jotham slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David. Ahaz his son reigned in his place.

Key Takeaways

• Long reigns require humility: Azariah's leprosy came from pride late in his reign.
• Conspiracy becomes pattern: Israel's throne changed hands through violence repeatedly.
• Assyria arrives: The superpower that would destroy Israel has begun taking territory.
• Prophecy is fulfilled: Jehu's dynasty ended at the fourth generation as promised.
• Evil produces evil: Menahem's savage methods typified the era's violence.

Reflection Questions

1. What does the contrast between Azariah's fifty-two years and Israel's six months/one month reigns reveal?
2. How did paying tribute to Assyria represent a fundamental shift for Israel?
3. Why do you think the conspiracy pattern repeated so frequently in Israel?
4. What does the fulfillment of Jehu's four-generation promise teach about God's word?