2 Kings 23:31

English (YLT) 1898 Young's Literal Translation by Robert Young

2 Kings 23:31 — English (YLT) 1898 Young's Literal Translation by Robert Young

A son of twenty and three years [is] Jehoahaz in his reigning, and three months he hath reigned in Jerusalem, and the name of his mother [is] Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah,

What Does This Mean?

This verse tells us about a king named Jehoahaz who became king at the age of twenty-three. He ruled for only three months in Jerusalem, and his mother was Hamutal, who came from a place called Libnah.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're starting a big game, and you're only in it for a short time. That's what happened to Jehoahaz. He became the leader of his team, but he was only able to play for three months. His mommy's name was Hamutal, and she came from a place called Libnah.

Historical Background

The Book of 2 Kings, where this verse is found, was likely written by several authors after the fall of Jerusalem. It was aimed at the Jewish exiles in Babylon, providing historical context about their kings and the reasons for their exile.

Living It Out Today

Just like Jehoahaz, we sometimes only have a short time to make an impact in a new role or position. His short reign reminds us to use our time wisely, regardless of how long we expect to be in any given role.

Topics

• leadership
• kingship
• history
• family
• Jerusalem
• Babylonian exile

Related Verses

• 2 Kings 23:34
• Jeremiah 22:10-12
• 1 Chronicles 3:15
• 2 Chronicles 36:2-4
• Ezekiel 19:4

Frequently Asked Questions

How old was Jehoahaz when he became king?

Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, which was unusually young for a king in that era.

How long did Jehoahaz reign as king?

Jehoahaz only reigned for three months, which is a very short time compared to other kings mentioned in the Bible.

Who was Hamutal?

Hamutal was Jehoahaz's mother, and she was from a place called Libnah. She played a role in the royal family during that time.

What does this verse tell us about the stability of the monarchy in this period?

This verse highlights the instability of the monarchy during this period, with short reigns like Jehoahaz's, indicating significant political turmoil.