Azariah was the one who rebuilt ElathAzariah, also known as Uzziah, was a king of Judah who reigned for 52 years. His reign is noted for its prosperity and military success. Elath, a port city on the Red Sea, was strategically important for trade and military purposes. Rebuilding Elath signifies a period of expansion and economic growth for Judah. This act demonstrates Azariah's focus on strengthening Judah's infrastructure and securing trade routes, which were vital for the kingdom's wealth and stability.
and restored it to Judah
The restoration of Elath to Judah indicates that the city had previously been lost or under foreign control. This action reflects Azariah's efforts to reclaim and consolidate territories that were historically part of Judah. It also underscores the importance of Elath as a key location for trade and military advantage. The restoration can be seen as a fulfillment of the Davidic promise of territorial expansion and prosperity for the kingdom.
after King Amaziah rested with his fathers.
King Amaziah, Azariah's father, had a reign marked by both military success and failure. His defeat by Jehoash of Israel led to a period of instability. The phrase "rested with his fathers" is a biblical euphemism for death, indicating the end of Amaziah's reign and the transition of power to Azariah. This transition marks a new chapter for Judah, with Azariah's reign bringing renewed strength and stability. The continuity of leadership from Amaziah to Azariah highlights the dynastic succession of the Davidic line, which is significant in biblical prophecy concerning the Messiah.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Azariah (Uzziah)Also known as Uzziah, he was the king of Judah who succeeded his father Amaziah. His reign is noted for military success and building projects, including the rebuilding of Elath.
2.
ElathA strategic port city located on the Red Sea, significant for trade and military purposes. Its restoration to Judah marked a period of prosperity and expansion.
3.
JudahThe southern kingdom of the Israelites, which Azariah ruled. It was distinct from the northern kingdom of Israel.
4.
AmaziahThe father of Azariah, who was king of Judah before him. His reign ended with his death, after which Azariah took the throne.
5.
RestorationThe act of rebuilding and reclaiming Elath, symbolizing a return to strength and influence for Judah under Azariah's leadership.
Teaching Points
Leadership and LegacyAzariah's actions in rebuilding Elath demonstrate the importance of leadership in restoring and strengthening a nation. Leaders today can learn from his example by focusing on projects that bring long-term benefits to their communities.
Strategic PlanningThe restoration of Elath highlights the need for strategic planning in leadership. By securing a key location, Azariah ensured economic and military advantages for Judah. Believers can apply this by seeking God's wisdom in making strategic decisions in their lives.
Faithfulness in Small ThingsAzariah's attention to rebuilding a single city reflects the biblical principle of being faithful in small things. Christians are encouraged to be diligent in their responsibilities, trusting that God will bless their efforts.
Historical Context and God's SovereigntyUnderstanding the historical context of biblical events helps believers see God's sovereignty in action. The restoration of Elath is a reminder of God's hand in the affairs of nations and individuals.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Kings 14:22?
2.How does 2 Kings 14:22 demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises?
3.What lessons on leadership can we learn from Azariah's actions in this verse?
4.How does rebuilding Elath connect to God's covenant with Israel?
5.How can we apply Azariah's example of restoration in our communities today?
6.What does Azariah's initiative in 2 Kings 14:22 teach about perseverance in faith?
7.Why did Azariah rebuild Elath and restore it to Judah in 2 Kings 14:22?
8.What historical significance does Elath hold in the context of 2 Kings 14:22?
9.How does 2 Kings 14:22 reflect the political landscape of ancient Judah?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 14?
11.2 Kings 15:1 begins Azariah's reign in Jeroboam II's 27th year, yet surrounding passages suggest conflicting dates--how can these discrepancies be resolved?
12.Why does 2 Kings 14:3 say Amaziah followed God while 2 Chronicles 25:14 depicts him turning to idols?
13.Where is the archaeological proof that Amaziah seized the city of Sela (2 Kings 14:7)?
14.Who was King Amaziah in the Bible?What Does 2 Kings 14:22 Mean
Azariah was the one• The verse opens by spotlighting Azariah (also called Uzziah; see2 Chronicles 26:1), underscoring personal responsibility and leadership.
• God often singles out individuals who respond to His call; compare Gideon inJudges 6:14–16 and Josiah in2 Kings 22:1–2.
• The statement affirms that Azariah—not a committee, not a foreign ally—took decisive action, reminding us that godly initiative matters.
Who rebuilt Elath• Elath (sometimes spelled Eloth) was a strategic Red Sea port at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba (1 Kings 9:26).
• Rebuilding indicates the city had been damaged or neglected, likely during earlier conflicts with Edom (2 Kings 8:20–22).
• By repairing the port, Azariah revived Judah’s access to maritime trade, echoing Solomon’s earlier naval ventures (1 Kings 10:22).
And restored it to Judah• This clause highlights reassertion of covenant territory.Genesis 15:18–21 forecasts Israel’s broad inheritance; each reclaimed city displays God’s faithfulness in tangible geography.
• Restoration implies something lost is now recovered, paralleling Nehemiah’s later wall-building (Nehemiah 2:17–18).
• Practical blessings flowed: economic strength, national security, and renewed hope for the people of Judah.
After King Amaziah rested with his fathers• “Rested with his fathers” is a respectful way of noting Amaziah’s death (2 Chronicles 25:28).
• Transition of leadership can either stall or speed kingdom progress; here, momentum increased under Azariah, reminiscent of Joshua advancing after Moses (Joshua 1:1–2).
• The timing underscores that God’s purposes outlive any single generation (Psalm 145:4).
Spiritual implications• God honors leaders who repair what is broken—whether cities, worship, or relationships (Isaiah 58:12).
• Strategic obedience, even in infrastructure, displays stewardship of divine gifts (Luke 16:10).
• The Lord uses restored places to bless His people, foreshadowing Christ’s ultimate restoration of all things (Acts 3:21).
summary2 Kings 14:22 records Azariah’s decisive act of rebuilding Elath and returning it to Judah after Amaziah’s death. The verse showcases personal leadership, fulfillment of covenant promises, economic and strategic wisdom, and the continuity of God’s work across generations. By highlighting one king’s faithful initiative, Scripture encourages every believer to reclaim and rebuild whatever the Lord entrusts to them, trusting His ongoing faithfulness.
(22)
He built Elath.--The pronoun is emphatic;
he, in contrast with his father. "Built," either
rebuilt or
fortified. The verse is in close connection with the preceding narrative. Amaziah perhaps had not vigorously prosecuted the conquest of Edom, having been greatly weakened by his defeat in the struggle with Jehoash. He may even have suffered some further losses at the hands of the Edomites; and this, as Thenius supposes may have led to the conspiracy which brought about his death and the accession of his son. The warlike youth Uzziah took the field at once, and pushed his victorious arms to the southern extremity of Edom, the port of Elath (
2Kings 9:26), and thus restored the state of things which had existed under Solomon and Jehoshaphat.
After that the king slept--i.e., immediately after the murder of Amaziah. Thenius explains the verse with most success, but this clause is still somewhat surprising.
Verse 22. -
He built Elath, and restored it to Judah. On the position of Elath, or Eloth, and its importance, see the comment on 1 Kings 9:26. It had been the headquarters of Solomon's fleet (
1 Kings 9:26), and again of Jehoshaphat's (
1 Kings 22:48;
2 Chronicles 20:36); but had been, of course, recovered by the Edomites when they revolted (
2 Kings 8:22). Azariah's re-occupation seems to imply an intention on his part of, renewing the old Red Sea trade. By "built ' in this passage we must understand "rebuilt" or (as in
2 Chronicles 11:6) "fortified."
After that the king slept with his fathers. Keil is probably right in understanding this to mean "immediately after he had ascended the throne," or "as soon as ever his father was dead" (see the comment on ver. 19). His further military successes will be considered in the comment on his reign, as sketched in the next chapter.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
[Azariah was the one]ה֚וּא(hū)Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, arewho rebuiltבָּנָ֣ה(bā·nāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1129:To buildElathאֵילַ֔ת(’ê·laṯ)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 359:Eloth -- 'grove of lofty trees'and restored itוַיְשִׁבֶ֖הָ(way·ši·ḇe·hā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7725:To turn back, in, to retreat, againto Judahלִֽיהוּדָ֑ה(lî·hū·ḏāh)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063:Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelitesafterאַחֲרֵ֥י(’a·ḥă·rê)Preposition
Strong's 310:The hind or following partKing [Amaziah]הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingrestedשְׁכַֽב־(šə·ḵaḇ-)Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7901:To lie downwithעִם־(‘im-)Preposition
Strong's 5973:With, equally withhis fathers.אֲבֹתָֽיו׃(’ă·ḇō·ṯāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1:Father
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OT History: 2 Kings 14:22 He built Elath and restored it (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) 
