Izates II

Izates II was king of Adiabene and a notable convert to Judaism whose reign is described at length by Josephus.

Izates II was the favored son of Monobazus I and Helena. Concerned about hostility from his brothers, his father sent him to the court of Abennerigus in Characene, where he married the ruler's daughter Samacha. Josephus describes how Izates learned Jewish religious teachings through a Jewish merchant named Ananias. After returning to Adiabene and becoming king, he adopted Jewish practice and eventually underwent circumcision despite political concerns. His mother Helena also became a convert. Josephus describes Izates's dealings with Parthian rulers and challenges from nobles who opposed his religious changes. He remained king despite political threats. Josephus reports that he reigned twenty-four years and died at the age of fifty-five, leaving many children. His elder brother Monobazus II succeeded him. His remains were later brought to Jerusalem along with those of Helena.

Izates II is important for the history of Judaism beyond Judea. Josephus provides a detailed account of his conversion and the political challenges it created. His reign also shows the importance of Adiabene in Parthian regional affairs.

Izates is raised partly in Characene. He marries Samacha. He learns Jewish religious practices and converts. He becomes king after his father's death. He navigates conflicts involving Adiabene nobles and Parthian politics. He dies after a reign Josephus describes as twenty-four years. Monobazus II succeeds him.

Izates II is not named in Scripture. His conversion to Judaism and support for Jerusalem illuminate the religious world of the first century AD, when Jewish communities and sympathizers lived far beyond Judea.

Acts 2:9–11; Acts 11:27–30 (broader Jewish diaspora and famine-era context only)

Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews 20.2–4; Encyclopaedia Iranica, Adiabene.

Josephus states that Izates died aged fifty-five and that Monobazus II arranged for his remains to be buried near Jerusalem with those of Helena.