2 Kings 15:2

Sixteene yeeres old was he when he began to reigne, and he reigned two aud fifty yeeres in Ierusalem: and his mothers name was Iecholiah of Ierusalem. 2 Kings 15:2 (KJV)

2 Kings belongs to the historical books of the Old Testament, which record the succession of the kings of Israel and Judah. 2 Kings 15:2 specifically concerns the reign of Azariah, also known as Uzziah, over the southern kingdom of Judah. He was the son of Amaziah and ascended the throne in Jerusalem.

Azariah began his reign at the remarkably young age of sixteen. While it was not unheard of for a teenager to become king, such an early accession was relatively unusual in the biblical narrative. Despite his youth, he governed for an impressive fifty‑two years, making his tenure one of the longest among Judah’s monarchs. The length of his reign contributed to a period of stability and prosperity for the nation, allowing for continuity in leadership and the implementation of long‑term policies.

The verse also records the name of his mother, Jecholiah of Jerusalem. In many biblical genealogies the focus is on paternal lineage, so the explicit mention of a mother’s name is noteworthy. This inclusion suggests that Jecholiah held a position of significance, perhaps influencing Azariah’s character or the royal household. Her identification by name and city underscores the importance of familial ties and the role of women in the royal line, even when the primary record‑keeping emphasizes fathers.

Overall, 2 Kings 15:2 provides a concise snapshot of a youthful king who achieved a notably long and stable reign, while also highlighting the maternal lineage that accompanied his ascent. The passage invites readers to consider how early leadership, longevity in office, and family background together shaped the history of Judah during Azariah’s time on the throne.