Illustration created for this project.
Amon
A short-reigned idolatrous king of Judah, assassinated by his servants.
What we know — and how we know it
Bible — stated in scripture (with verse) · 1
Ancient writers — non-biblical testimony · 1
Scholarly — supported scholarly belief · 1
Life, role & deeds
BibleAn idolatrous king of Judah, son of Manasseh, assassinated by his own servants after two years.
2 Kings 21:19–24
Scan by NYPL — Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)
Ancient writersJosephus recounts the short two-year reign of King Amon of Judah, son of Manasseh and father of Josiah, and his assassination by his own servants, in Jewish Antiquities (Book 10). As with other kings, this is a retelling of the biblical account rather than an independent record.
Josephus, Jewish Antiquities 10.46-47, paraphrasing 2 Kings 21:19-26 and 2 Chronicles 33:21-25 (the reign and assassination of King Amon of Judah); a retelling of the biblical account rather than an independent record.
Name & titles
ScholarlyScholars have debated whether the royal name Amon reflects Hebrew 'amon ('skilled workman/faithful') or is a theophoric name echoing the Egyptian deity Amun, the latter fitting the Egyptianizing cultural influence in late-monarchic Judah. The alternative Hebrew derivation from '-m-n ('faithful') is also defended, so the etymology remains genuinely disputed.
Onomastic debate over Hebrew 'amon vs. Egyptian Amun theophory; discussed in commentaries and Hebrew lexica.
Where in scripture
2 KingsAmon was twenty-two years old when he began to reign; and he reigned two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Meshullemeth the daughter of Haruz of Jotbah.
2 Kings 21:19 — Becomes king
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, a public-domain translation.
Family
Places in their life
Photo: Godot13 — CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)