Jehoahaz/Ahaziah

Though not altogether obvious in English, the names Jehoahaz and Ahaziah are variations of the same name (cf. 2 Kings 13). Jeho = iah, both references to Yahweh’s name, and the verb “ahaz” is common to both. “Ahaz” means “to seize, to lay hold,” and the name “Yah lays hold” is particularly appropriate to the Israelite king Jehoahaz. Yahweh has laid hold of His people, and in spite of all their idolatries, he refuses to turn away from them, but gives them deliverance from oppression and victory over the Arameans.