2 Kings 1:17
So he died according to the word of the LORD which Elijah had spoken. And Jehoram reigned in his stead in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah; because he had no son.
2 Kings 1:17 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of 2 Kings is about the fulfillment of a prophecy made by the prophet Elijah concerning the death of King Ahaziah of Israel. Ahaziah had been injured in a fall and instead of seeking help from God, he consulted a pagan god which angered God. Elijah then prophesied Ahaziah's death as punishment for seeking help from false gods. True to the word of the Lord, Ahaziah died as foretold by Elijah, and Jehoram, his brother, became the new king of Israel. The verse also mentions that Jehoram began his reign in the second year of Jehoram, the king of Judah, because Ahaziah had no male heir to succeed him. This highlights the importance of the continuity of leadership and how one's actions can have consequences not only for themselves but for their successors as well. It serves as a reminder of the significance of obedience to God and the severity of seeking guidance from false idols.
Theological Overview
In this passage, we see the fulfillment of the prophecy made by the prophet Elijah concerning the death of King Ahaziah. The theological interpretation of this verse underscores the sovereignty of God over the affairs of men. The fact that Ahaziah died exactly as the word of the Lord had decreed through Elijah serves as a reminder of God's power and authority. Furthermore, the ascension of Jehoram to the throne following Ahaziah's death highlights the divine orchestration of events, as it fulfills the divine plan despite the lack of a direct heir. Through careful word studies, we can delve deeper into the significance of the language used in this verse. For example, the phrase "according to the word of the Lord" emphasizes the trustworthiness and reliability of God's promises, while the mention of Jehoram's reign in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah highlights the historical context and timeline of these events.
2 Kings 1:17 in other translations
American Standard Version
So he died according to the word of Jehovah which Elijah had spoken. And Jehoram began to reign in his stead in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah; because he had no son.
World English Bible
So he died according to Yahweh’s word which Elijah had spoken. Jehoram began to reign in his place in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah; because he had no son.
Douay-Rheims
So he died, according to the word of the Lord, which Elias spoke; and Joram, his brother, reigned in his stead, in the second year of Joram, the son of Josaphat, king of Juda, because he had no son.
Geneva Bible (1599)
So he dyed according to the worde of the Lord which Eliiah had spoken. And Iehoram began to reigne in his steade, in the seconde yeere of Iehoram the sonne of Iehoshaphat King of Iudah, because he had no sonne.