6. Ahaziah (22:1-9)

Jehoram’s surviving son rules for one evil year. Ahaziah’s mother, Athaliah, leads him to increase connections with the North. His downfall comes as a result of his alliance with Joram of Israel. God ordains a coup, led by Jehu, to end Ahab’s dynasty. Ahaziah, while on a visit, is killed in the revolt. The dynastic situation in the South becomes hazy as a result of Ahaziah’s death (v.9). This dark moment for the nation was similar in many respects to the despair at the fall of Saul’s house. What would become of the monarchy? Would someone from David’s house sit on the throne? In the interim, the evil Athaliah seizes the throne.