All the people of Judah took Azariah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king to succeed his father Amaziah — the people's initiative in crowning Azariah (אֲזַרְיָה, *Azaryah*) reflects their determination to maintain the Davidic succession despite Amaziah's deposition and death. Azariah's youth (sixteen years) necessitates regency, yet the text emphasizes popular choice over factional imposition. This represents a moment of covenantal solidarity: despite the king's failure, the people reaffirm the monarchy and the Davidic promise.

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