Was Ahaziah 22 or 42 Years Old When He Began His Reign?

Ahaziah was forty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. And the name of his mother was Athaliah, the daughter of Omri.

2 Chronicles 22:2

Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Athaliah the granddaughter of Omri king of Israel. 2 Kings 8:26

This apparent contradiction can be explained simply:

• 2 Kings 8:26 refers to Ahaziah's age as 22 years old when he became king.
• 2 Chronicles 22:2 refers to the 42nd year of his family's dynasty, not Ahaziah's age.

Ahaziah was part of King Ahab's dynasty, which began with his grandfather Omri. The reigns in this family add up as follows:

• Omri — 6 years
• Ahab — 22 years
• Ahaziah (of Israel) — 2 years
• Joram (or Jehoram) — 12 years

In total, the dynasty had lasted 42 years when Ahaziah started his reign. Thus, 2 Kings 8:26 gives us Ahaziah’s actual age, while 2 Chronicles 22:2 refers to the age of his family’s rule.

Who Was Father of Joseph? Jacob or Heli

and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.

Matthew 1:16

Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli.

Luke 3:23