JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

February 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning II Kings 16:2 and 18:2.

Although these verses seem to indicate that Ahaz was only 11 years old when his son Hezekiah was born, they really tell us something else. Using these verses and secular history, notice what was really recorded here.

During that period it was common for the kings of Judah to assume their sons into PARTNERSHIP in the government. An example of this is Jotham, the father of Ahaz.

In II Kings 15:33 we read that Jotham reigned 16 years in Jerusalem. We know from other historical sources that Jotham's SOLE REIGN ended in 735 B.C. He then reigned JOINTLY with his son Ahaz for an additional FOUR YEARS.

In verse 2 of chapter 16 we read that Ahaz was 20 years old when he began to reign. We understand, however, that this is referring to his age at the beginning of his four-year JOINT REIGN with his father, Jotham (735 B.C.). Ahaz began his SOLE REIGN in 731 B.C. His rule ended 16 YEARS later, in 715 B.C.

Ahaz was about 40 years old when he died. He was probably 15 years old when Hezekiah was born. Fathering a child at such a tender age would not have been unprecedented in the life of a young prince of Judah.

Whenever we can assist you further with your study of the Bible, we hope you will let us know. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT