2 Chronicles – Chapter 22

Old Testament • 12 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 22 of 2 Chronicles begins: "And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ochozias his youngest son king in his place: for the rovers of the Arabians, who had broke in upon…" Ahab stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 12 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and God's kingdom and kingship. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ochozias his youngest son king in his place: for the rovers of the Arabians, who had broke in upon the camp, had killed all that were his elder brothers. So Ochozias the son of Joram king of Juda reigned.

2Ochozias was forty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem, and the name of his mother was Athalia the daughter of Amri.

3He also walked in the ways of the house of Achab: for his mother pushed him on to do wickedly.

4So he did evil in the sight of the Lord, as the house of Achab did: for they were his counsellors after the death of his father, to his destruction.

5And he walked after their counsels. And he went with Joram the son of Achab king of Israel, to fight against Hazael king of Syria, at Ramoth Galaad: and the Syrians wounded Joram.

6And he returned to be healed in Jezrahel: for he received many wounds in the foresaid battle. And Ochozias the son of Joram king of Juda, went down to visit Joram the son of Achab in Jezrahel where he lay sick.

7For it was the will of God against Ochozias that he should come to Joram: and when he was come should go out also against Jehu the son of Namsi, whom the Lord had anointed to destroy the house of Achab.

8So when Jehu was rooting out the house of Achab, he found the princes of Juda, and the sons of the brethren of Ochozias, who served him, and he slew them.

9And he sought for Ochozias himself, and took him lying hid in Samaria: and when he was brought to him, he killed him, and they buried him: because he was the son of Josaphat, who had sought the Lord with all his heart. And there was no more hope that any one should reign of the race of Ochozias.

10For Athalia his mother, seeing that her son was dead, rose up, and killed all the royal family of the house of Joram.

11But Josabeth the king's daughter took Joas the son of Ochozias, and stole him from among the king's sons that were slain. And she hid him with his nurse in a bedchamber: now Josabeth that hid him, was daughter of king Joram, wife of Joiada the high priest, and sister of Ochozias, and therefore Athalia did not kill him.

12And he was with them hid in the house of God six years, during which Athalia reigned over the land.

Important Verses in 2 Chronicles 22

“And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ochozias his youngest son king in his place: for the rovers of the Arabians, who had broke in upon the camp, had killed all that were his elder brothers. So Ochozias the son of Joram king of Juda reigned.”

2 Chronicles 22:1

“So he did evil in the sight of the Lord, as the house of Achab did: for they were his counsellors after the death of his father, to his destruction.”

2 Chronicles 22:4

“For it was the will of God against Ochozias that he should come to Joram: and when he was come should go out also against Jehu the son of Namsi, whom the Lord had anointed to destroy the house of Achab.”

2 Chronicles 22:7

“And he was with them hid in the house of God six years, during which Athalia reigned over the land. ”

2 Chronicles 22:12

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, 2 Chronicles was written with the restored community, urged to keep worship pure and hearts humble in view. Chapter 22 of 36 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a genealogical record linking earlier promises to later generations with 12 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Ahab, the principal figures named in this chapter. It opens with the line: "And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ochozias his youngest son king in his place: for the rovers of the Arabians, who…" The final verse reads: "And he was with them hid in the house of God six years, during which Athalia reigned over the land. " Read against its original backdrop, Second Chronicles spans from Solomon's Temple to the decree of Cyrus allowing the exiles to return home. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

Who Wrote It

Traditionally attributed to Ezra ('the Chronicler')

When It Was Written

After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC

Catholic Commentary

The list of names is not mere record-keeping: it anchors the story of Temple worship and Judah's kings in real families and real history. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ochozias his youngest son king in his place: for the rovers of the Arabians, who had broke in upon the camp, had killed…" The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 26). Here, the Temple liturgy prefigures the Church's worship (CIC 1093). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize family and covenant relationships as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • ✓The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • ✓God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • ✓Christ is the Divine Physician who heals both body and soul.

People in This Chapter

Ahab6 mentions

Reflection for Today

2 Chronicles Chapter 22, containing 12 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 2215). Here the emphasis falls on hope in the resurrection, which shapes how the Church understands Temple worship and Judah's kings.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of hope in the resurrection bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2 Chronicles Chapter 22 about?

2 Chronicles 22 contains 12 verses. It opens with "And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ochozias his youngest son king in his place: for the rovers of the Arabians, who…" and closes with "And he was with them hid in the house of God six years, during which Athalia reigned over the land. ". The book as a whole is historical narrative.

What is a key verse in 2 Chronicles 22?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ochozias his youngest son king in his place: for the rovers of the Arabians, who had broke in upon the camp, had killed all that were his…" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 2 Chronicles Chapter 22?

This chapter mentions Ahab.

Who wrote 2 Chronicles and when?

Traditionally attributed to Ezra ('the Chronicler'). After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

Related Chapters

2 Kings 1Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Kings 16Shares people and themes with this chapterJeremiah 29Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer for the Family🙏Novena to the Holy Family🙏The Our Father🙏Novena to Christ the King

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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