Definition: And all the people of Judah took Azariah, which [was] sixteen years old, and made him king instead of his father Amaziah.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Kings 14:21. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling part of biblical history. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Azariah was a young man: The verse tells us that Azariah, a young man from Judah (a region in Israel), was appointed as a royal advisor to King Amaziah. He was taken away: Instead of being left to rule, Amaziah decided to make Azariah king. The people of Judah took him: The people of Judah – that’s the area around Jerusalem and its surrounding lands – took Azariah and made him king. What it means in a nutshell: This is a story about betrayal and corruption within a royal family. It highlights a moment where someone who was meant to be a servant or advisor was elevated to a position of power, and then deliberately used for their own benefit. Why it's significant: It shows favoritism: It reveals that King Amaziah was prioritizing his own desires over the well-being and loyalty of his people. It raises questions about justice: It suggests a potential problem with the system of kingship in ancient Judah, where power could be abused. It's a warning (potentially): Some interpretations suggest it’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of loyalty to God and his people. Important Note: The exact details of this story are debated among scholars. It's a complex event with many possible explanations, but it's generally understood as a moment where a king prioritized personal gain over the good of his kingdom. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this story in more detail? Give you some broader background on ancient Judah and its kings?