דברי הימים ב, פרק כ״ב, פסוק ג׳

Ahaziah's reign is defined by a profound moral collapse, deeply rooted in the ongoing influence of his family. His mother, Athaliah, served as the primary driving force behind his wicked actions. Having already been responsible for leading her husband Jehoram into sin, she carried this same destructive power over to her son [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Her own wickedness formed the very foundation of his failures [רלב״ג].

A clear distinction exists between the king's personal behavior and his public administration [מלבי״ם]. In his private life, he embraced the corrupt practices of the house of Ahab, acting directly on his mother's guidance. At the same time, his public rule was equally marked by a choice to do evil in the eyes of God. This public failing was fueled by advisors from the house of Ahab. Following the death of his father, these advisors stepped in to direct his path, offering counsel that ultimately guaranteed his complete downfall and ruin [רלב״ג, מלבי״ם].