Ahaziah, the son of Ahab and Jezebel, was a king of Israel who reigned in Samaria. His family connections are significant in understanding the political and spiritual climate of Israel during his reign. Ahaziah's relatives played crucial roles in the narrative of the Israelite monarchy, and their actions had lasting impacts on the history of Israel and Judah.

Parents:

· Ahab: Ahaziah's father, Ahab, was the seventh king of Israel and is often remembered for his marriage to Jezebel and his promotion of Baal worship, which led Israel into idolatry. Ahab's reign was marked by conflict with the prophet Elijah, who condemned his actions and prophesied the downfall of his house (1 Kings 16:29-33).

· Jezebel: Ahaziah's mother, Jezebel, was a Phoenician princess and a fervent worshiper of Baal. Her influence over Ahab and her persecution of the prophets of Yahweh contributed to the spiritual decline of Israel. Jezebel's actions and her eventual demise are recounted in 2 Kings 9:30-37.

Siblings:

· Jehoram (Joram): Ahaziah's brother, Jehoram, succeeded him as king of Israel. Jehoram continued the policies of his parents, maintaining the worship of Baal, though he removed the sacred pillar of Baal (2 Kings 3:1-3). His reign was marked by military conflicts, including a notable alliance with Jehoshaphat of Judah and the king of Edom against Moab (2 Kings 3:4-27).

Extended Family:

· Jehoshaphat: Ahaziah's father-in-law, Jehoshaphat, was the king of Judah. Known for his piety and efforts to reform Judah, Jehoshaphat formed an alliance with Ahab through the marriage of his son Jehoram to Ahab's daughter Athaliah (2 Chronicles 18:1). This alliance had significant implications for the relationship between Israel and Judah.

· Athaliah: Ahaziah's sister-in-law, Athaliah, was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. She married Jehoram of Judah and became the mother of Ahaziah of Judah. After the death of her son, she seized the throne of Judah and attempted to exterminate the royal line of David, but her plans were thwarted by the survival of Joash (2 Kings 11:1-3).

Ahaziah of Judah:

· Ahaziah of Judah: Often confused with Ahaziah of Israel, Ahaziah of Judah was the son of Jehoram and Athaliah. He became king of Judah and reigned for a brief period before being killed by Jehu, who was executing judgment on the house of Ahab (2 Kings 9:27-28).

The relatives of Ahaziah of Israel illustrate the complex intermarriages and alliances between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. These relationships often led to both political alliances and spiritual compromises, as seen in the influence of Jezebel and Athaliah. The legacy of Ahaziah's family is a testament to the intertwined destinies of the two kingdoms and the prophetic warnings against idolatry and unfaithfulness to Yahweh.