Ahaziah

 

     In Hebrew Ahaziah is אֲחַזְיָהוּ which means "God grasps (the hand)" or "held by Yah(-weh)".  It can also mean in "whom Jehovah upholds". In Greek Ahaziah is Ὀχοζίας.  It is a name that any king would like to have, but the Bible only tells of two kings with this name.  One was in Israel and one in Judah.  That could make some of the story lines confusing.

    Ahaziah of Israel was the eighth king in Israel.  He was Ahab and Jezebel's son who reigned in Samaria.  After he became king, he fell through the latticework on the upper room.  He was seriously injured, but did not die.  He sent for the Baal priest.  

    During this time, an angel went to Elijah to confront the king's messengers about going to Baal's priest instead of turning to God.  Because the king to the pagan instead of God, God instructed the messengers to return to let the king know that he would not recover from his injuries.  He saw what happened to his parents.  He had a chance to change.  He chose the same path as them.  That means that he would have to face God's judgment.  

    King Ahaziah did not see it that way.  He felt like Elijah was cursing him or bringing the problems to him.  His reaction was to send soldiers to capture Elijah.  However, Elijah was prepared and his faith was strong.  The soldiers were killed by God's power.  When Ahaziah sent more, they too were killed.  

    The third set had a smart leader who approached Elijah with humility instead of pride.  He was rewarded with Elijah complying to go with him.  Elijah did not need to be bound.  He went willingly to talk to the Ahaziah.  Elijah repeated the message that God gave him for Ahaziah.  Ahaziah indeed died in the bed that he had laid.  He did not have any children to succeed him, so his brother Joram became the ninth king of Judah.

    Ahaziah of Judah was the sixth king of Judah.  He was the son of son of Jehoram and Athaliah.  What makes him stand out is that he is the first Judahite king to be descended from both the House of David and the House of Omri.  He was 22 when he became king, but he only reigned one year.  He did evil by following the ways of Ahab's family.  The families got along because there was a marriage alliance.

    King Ahaziah of Judah did not deal with Elijah.  Instead he got Elisha.  Ahaziah was killed because he was visiting King Joram.  He got caught up in a mutiny battle.  Ahaziah and Joram rode out together to face Jehu.  Joram tried to run away calling out treason to Ahaziah, but was shot by an arrow in the back killing him.  

    King Ahaziah saw and then realized what was happening.  In his fear he fled on the road to Beth-haggan.  He had made his choice of people to align himself with which led to consequences.  Jehu's people pursued him.  He was shot with an arrow near Ibleam, but made it to Megiddo before he died.  His servant took him in his chariot to Jerusalem to be buried.  

    Both kings had chances to change their evil ways.  They chose to reject God.  Their choices led to their premature death.  They had wealth and prestige, but they only held poverty in their hearts and souls.  Following God does not make life easier, but it makes you rich in your heart and soul.  It normally leads to a long and fruitful life.

2 Kings 1 & 8:25-9:27