Azariah

Lore & Background

The most prominent Azariah is the king of Judah, also called Uzziah, who began reigning at age sixteen after his father Amaziah (2 Kings 14:21; 2 Kings 15:1). His reign is used as a chronological reference for several kings of Israel, including Zachariah, Menahem, Pekahiah, and Pekah (2 Kings 15:8; 2 Kings 15:17; 2 Kings 15:23; 2 Kings 15:27). He was buried in the city of David, and his son Jotham succeeded him (2 Kings 15:7). Another Azariah was a priest who executed the priest's office in Solomon's temple (1 Chronicles 6:10), and a different Azariah son of Hilkiah was ruler of the house of God (1 Chronicles 9:11).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Azariah as a name attached to diverse roles: a king whose reign dates synchronize with Israelite kings (2 Kings 15:8; 2 Kings 15:17; 2 Kings 15:23; 2 Kings 15:27), a priest who served in the temple (1 Chronicles 6:10), and a prophet who received divine inspiration (2 Chronicles 15:1). The king Azariah is noted for his acts being recorded in the chronicles of the kings of Judah (2 Kings 15:6), and his death and burial are described (2 Kings 15:7). Priestly Azariahs appear in genealogies and as temple officials (1 Chronicles 6:9-14; 1 Chronicles 9:11). The passages do not harmonize these figures into a single biography, leaving multiple individuals sharing the name. The text uses Azariah as a chronological marker for other kings (2 Kings 15:8; 2 Kings 15:17; 2 Kings 15:23; 2 Kings 15:27) and as a participant in key events like the confrontation with King Uzziah's leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:17-20).

Did You Know?

• King Azariah began his reign at age sixteen (2 Kings 14:21).
• Azariah the priest confronted King Uzziah when he became leprous (2 Chronicles 26:17-20).
• Azariah son of Oded is the only Azariah explicitly said to have the Spirit of God come upon him (2 Chronicles 15:1).
• Azariah son of Nathan was over the officers under King Solomon (1 Kings 4:5).