Bible Discussion Thread

Reference: 2 Chronicles Chapter 21 Verse 17 vs 2 Chronicles Chapter 22 Verse 1

King Jehoram youngest son is named Jehoahaz (2:21:17) why is his named referred as Ahaziah when he becomes the next King of Judah (2:22:1)

Note: 2 Kings confirms only the name Ahaziah; It does not say the name Jehoahaz.

I am new to the word of God but I have always been his rock. I am reading the bible linear from Genesis to Revelation to know his word. It is very complex but this is the first point of which I perceive a discrepancy. Am I reading incorrectly? Can you provide an explanation for the name change; please enlighten me?

Hi Peter. That is a good observation which not many pick up on & one that has come up previously on this Site. We're not given any clear indication as to why the name, Jehoahaz, is also referred to as Ahaziah. Both names are clearly in the Hebrew text, so this isn't a transcription error that we're dealing with.

The possible reason I see, is based on the same meaning of both names, which is, "Yah has grasped". It might seem strange that what appears as two entirely different names can have the same meaning. It probably appears more apparent to the Hebrew speaker, but I learn that the elements of words (i.e. slightly changing the letters within the words), gives forth another name but still retaining its intended meaning. Now why did the writer do this? One can only guess, but I feel that since Jehoahaz is also a king (son of Jehu of the kingdom of Israel: 2 Kings 13:8,9), maybe it was felt it would be prudent to avoid a mistaken identity, though unfortunately, creating some confusion to us non-Hebrew readers. Even though the Jehoahaz of Israel reigned 15 to 20 years after Jehoahaz of Judah, continual reference to those kings by the same name may have brought confusion, hence Ahaziah being referred to a Judah's king. Just my thoughts.

As well, we do have many instances of name changes in the Bible, though I'm unsure whether they still retained the same meaning, probably not. E.g. Daniel - Belteshazzar; Dorcas - Tabitha; Esther - Hadassaah; Jedediah - Solomon; Gideon - Jerub-baal.

Thank-you Chris. I appreciate your insight. It helps. When I read this I cried and I don't even understand why. The name changed without context as to why. To distinguish King of Israel vs King of Judah is plausible but I feel there must be more to it. These are not good Kings since both did evil in the sight of God. Perhaps King Ahaziah of Judah was worse. Do you think it is possible that it means a good person can become a bad person? That Johoahaz followed in the footsteps of King Ahaziah of Israel whom his father joined ( 2 Chr 20:35) instead of following the footsteps of his own father?

Thanks Peter. Just to confirm the family line (Judah): King Jehoshaphat's son was Jehoram ( 2 Chronicles 21:1) & Jehoram's son was Jehoahaz (or, Ahaziah): 2 Chronicles 21:17. All Jehoahaz's siblings were killed by the Philistines, etc. & he was the only one left; therefore, heir to the throne. So, if Jehoahaz "followed in the footsteps of his own father", he wouldn't have done well at all, since Jehoram was evil as well taking on the evil ways of the kings of Israel ( 2 Chronicles 21:6,11,13).

And yes, a good person, or king in this instance, can start off well, but if he begins to forget the Lord, not taking in the Word, not listening to God's warnings through the prophets, then he opens himself up to all manner of wickedness, not only giving in to the lusts of the people, but also propagating the apparatus to serve other gods & to overfill their lusts. The kings of Israel had a bad record in this regard; all of them evil (all 18 of them, though Jehu appeared 'good' in part) till their captivity to Assyria. And of the 19 kings of Judah, 8 appeared to serve the Lord with a heart & will towards God, yet the Babylonian captivity awaited them too.

And we see the same today as believers, when our eyes turn from the Lord & His Word, our hearts begin to wander & the appeal of the flesh begin to take hold. So the apostles had to continually warn & teach the Church to the end that they would set their hearts right again & not suffer under the discipline of God. Both Israel & Judah had every opportunity & warning, as does the Church now, but they tested the Lord's patience to the point of suffering & banishment. This again reminds us that it's not worth the pain & loss - the world ought to have no appeal to our hearts, just as Israel & Judah should have been so circumspect given all that the Lord had done for them & all this before their very eyes. The OT has some great lessons for us today. Blessings brother & the Lord's enrichment in every way to your life.

I appreciate your thoughts. You clearly have wisdom and insight. It is such a difficult time in history and I feel like I could study Kings and Chronicles for years. I must continue forward but I will come back to study and reflect on this part of the Bible.

Thanks Chris, God Bless