2 Kings 15:1-38

15:5 | The story behind Azariah’s leprosy is described in 2 Chronicles 26:16-21 (where the name Uzziah is used). Knowing the nature of the leprosy would help determine whether the reference to an isolated house means Azariah dwelt in a separate building or had separate quarters in the palace. In any case, the text indicates he relinquished some of his duties to his son Jotham.

15:8-12 | Although Zechariah (“Yahweh Remembered”) reigned only briefly, his rule initiated the swift downward plunge of the northern kingdom. He was the last king descended from Jehu, fulfilling the Lord’s promise that Jehu’s sons would sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation.

15:13-14 | Shallum reigned for a full month, the second shortest reign in Israel’s history. Only Zimri served fewer days (1 Kgs. 16:15).

15:16-31 | The atrocity Menahem committed toward the Israelite town of Tiphsah was unprecedented in the war between Judah and Israel. The decades-long reign of ungodly kings in Israel continued from Menahem to Pekah.