And he returned to be healed in Jezreel because of the wounds which were given him at Ramah, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria. And Azariah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Jehoram the son of Ahab at Jezreel, because he was sick.
And he returned
2 Kings 9:15 But king Joram was returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria.) And Jehu said, If it be your minds, then let none go forth nor escape out of the city to go to tell it in Jezreel.
2 Chronicles 22:1,7 And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ahaziah his youngest son king in his stead: for the band of men that came with the Arabians to the camp had slain all the eldest. So Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah reigned…
Ahaziah
2 Chronicles 21:17 And they came up into Judah, and brake into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king's house, and his sons also, and his wives; so that there was never a son left him, save Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons.
Jehoahaz
2 Kings 8:29 And king Joram went back to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. And Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Joram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick.
2 Kings 10:13,14 Jehu met with the brethren of Ahaziah king of Judah, and said, Who are ye? And they answered, We are the brethren of Ahaziah; and we go down to salute the children of the king and the children of the queen…
when he fought against Hazael king of Aram
Hazael was a formidable king of Aram (modern-day Syria), known for his aggressive expansionist policies. His reign marked a period of intense conflict with Israel and Judah. The battles against Hazael were part of the larger geopolitical struggles in the region, as Aram sought to dominate the trade routes and territories of Israel. This phrase highlights the fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy in 2 Kings 8:12-13, where Hazael's rise to power and his subsequent oppression of Israel were foretold. The conflict with Hazael also serves as a backdrop for the divine judgment against the house of Ahab, as God used foreign powers to execute His will.
Then Ahaziah son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to Jezreel
Ahaziah's journey to Jezreel signifies the close political and familial ties between the kingdoms of Judah and Israel during this period. Ahaziah, being the son of Jehoram and Athaliah (daughter of Ahab and Jezebel), was deeply connected to the northern kingdom. His visit to Jezreel reflects the alliance between the two royal houses, which was often marked by shared military campaigns and mutual support. This alliance, however, was contrary to God's command for Israel and Judah to remain distinct from the idolatrous practices of their neighbors, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:3-4. Ahaziah's actions ultimately led to his downfall, as prophesied by Elijah (2 Chronicles 22:7).
to visit Joram son of Ahab, because Joram had been wounded
Joram, also known as Jehoram, was the king of Israel and the son of Ahab and Jezebel. His reign was characterized by continued idolatry and apostasy, following in the footsteps of his parents. The mention of Joram's wounds indicates his involvement in the ongoing conflicts with Aram, specifically against Hazael. Ahaziah's visit to Joram highlights the solidarity between the two kings, both of whom were descendants of Ahab. This connection ultimately led to their joint downfall, as both were targeted by Jehu, who was anointed by God to destroy the house of Ahab (2 Kings 9:6-10). The visit also sets the stage for the fulfillment of divine judgment against the house of Ahab, as prophesied by Elijah and Elisha.
- “He” is King Joram (Jehoram) of Israel, the son of Ahab (2 Kings 8:28-29).
- Jezreel served as a secondary royal residence and fortress (cf. 1 Kings 21:1).
- By withdrawing there, Joram steps off the battlefield for medical care, setting the stage for later events recorded in 2 Kings 9.
- Ramah (called Ramoth-gilead in 2 Kings 8:28) lay east of the Jordan and had long been disputed with Aram.
- Joram was hurt while trying to hold the city, just as his father Ahab had been mortally wounded in the same region years earlier (1 Kings 22:34).
- The wounds underscore Aram’s growing power and Israel’s vulnerability.
- Hazael had seized Syria’s throne after the prophecy given to Elijah (1 Kings 19:15; 2 Kings 8:12-15).
- His aggression fulfilled the LORD’s word that Aram would discipline Israel for covenant unfaithfulness (2 Kings 13:3).
- The clash at Ramoth-gilead therefore carries both military and prophetic significance.
- Ahaziah of Judah was Joram’s nephew; his mother Athaliah was Ahab’s daughter (2 Kings 8:26).
- The journey from Jerusalem to Jezreel reveals a political-family alliance that had begun under Jehoshaphat (2 Chron 18:1).
- Although appearing courteous, the visit entangles Judah in Israel’s judgment.
- Ahaziah’s purpose was pastoral—“to see Joram” (2 Kings 9:16).
- Yet God was orchestrating events: “Ahaziah’s visit to Joram was from God to bring about his downfall” (2 Chron 22:7).
- Jehu’s divinely mandated purge would strike them both in Jezreel (2 Kings 9:21-28).
2 Chronicles 22:6 explains why both kings end up together in Jezreel: Joram’s injuries draw him off the front lines, and Ahaziah’s loyalty draws him into the north. Scripture records these details to show the precise outworking of God’s earlier prophecies—Hazael’s rise, Jehu’s judgment, and the demise of Ahab’s line. The verse reminds readers that seemingly routine decisions (seeking medical care, paying a family visit) unfold under the sovereign hand of the LORD, whose word proves accurate and literal in every detail.
(6) And he--i.e., Joram, 1Kings 8:29, and LXX.Because of the wounds.--Omit "because." So
Kings, and LXX. (??? ??? ??????), Syriac, Arabic, and Targum, as well as some Hebrew MSS. The Hebrew text has "because the wounds," which makes no sense. The word rendered "wounds" (makhim) only occurs besides in 2Kings 8:29; 2Kings 9:15. (Ki, "because," has originated out of min, "from.")
Azariah.--A mistake for "Ahaziah." So Kings, LXX., Vulg., Syriac, Arabic, and some Hebrew MSS.
Went down.--Whether from Ramah or Jerusalem is not clear. (See 2Kings 9:14.) . . .
Verse 6. - Both places (this and the parallel) tell first that Ahaziah went with Joram against Hazael; then that Joram, being smitten, returned for healing to Jezreel; next that Ahaziah, out of compassion in some sort, went down to see Joram in Jezreel; and lastly, it is here signalized that in that very deed of his, Providence brought it about that Jehu lighted upon the track of him (vers. 7-9), and he met his end. This feature of the history the writer of Chronicles wishes to exhibit, as usual. Ramah; i.q. Ramoth-Gilead. Jezreel. This was a town in the Plain of Jezreel (Esdraelon), belonging to the tribe of Issachar. For Azariah read Ahaziah; compare אֲחַזְיָהוּ (Ahaziah) and יְהואָחָז (Jehoahaz), the meaning of both being "held" or "upheld of the Lord."