1 Kings 15:24

KJV

And Asa slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Asa {H609} slept {H7901} with his fathers {H1}, and was buried {H6912} with his fathers {H1} in the city {H5892} of David {H1732} his father {H1}: and Jehoshaphat {H3092} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

Asa slept with his ancestors and was buried with his ancestors in the City of David his ancestor. Then Y'hoshafat his son became king in his place.

Berean Standard Bible

And Asa rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the city of his father David, and his son Jehoshaphat reigned in his place.

American Standard Version

And Asa slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father; and Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 15:24 concisely records the peaceful conclusion of King Asa's forty-one-year reign over Judah and the seamless transition of the throne to his son, Jehoshaphat. This verse serves as a summary statement, marking the end of one significant era in the southern kingdom's history and the inauguration of a new one, emphasizing the continuity of the Davidic monarchy through burial in the royal tombs within Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the narrative of King Asa's reign, immediately following a brief summary of his accomplishments, including the construction of cities and his long rule (1 Kings 15:23). The preceding verses detail Asa's initial faithfulness and extensive religious reforms, such as the removal of idolatry and the restoration of true worship (1 Kings 15:9-15), as well as his later strategic missteps, particularly his reliance on the king of Syria rather than the Lord during conflict with Baasha of Israel (1 Kings 15:16-22). The verse then transitions directly into the account of Jehoshaphat's reign, which begins in 1 Kings 15:25, though his full narrative is developed more extensively in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 17-20. This standard formulaic ending for a king's reign sets the stage for the next monarch, providing a sense of historical flow and dynastic continuity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Asa reigned over Judah during a period of ongoing tension with the northern kingdom of Israel. His reign (c. 913-873 BC) was one of the longest and most significant in Judah's early history, characterized by a return to Mosaic covenant principles after the idolatrous practices of his predecessors. The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common biblical idiom for death, particularly for kings, signifying that they have passed away and joined their ancestors in the grave. The burial in "the city of David" refers to Jerusalem, specifically the royal tombs within the ancient part of the city, reinforcing Asa's legitimate place within the Davidic dynasty. This practice underscored the stability and legitimacy of the monarchy, connecting each king to the foundational promise given to David in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"). The orderly succession from father to son, as seen here, was crucial for maintaining political stability in the ancient Near East and was a hallmark of the Davidic line, distinguishing it from the often violent and unstable successions in the northern kingdom of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several significant themes. Firstly, it highlights **succession and continuity** within the Davidic monarchy, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving the royal line through which the Messiah would eventually come. The smooth transfer of power from Asa to Jehoshaphat ensures the ongoing stability of the kingdom of Judah. Secondly, it underscores the **mortality of kings**, reminding readers that even powerful rulers are subject to the universal human experience of death, a truth emphasized throughout Scripture (e.g., [Psalm 146:3-4](/psalms/146-3 "Psalm 146:3-4 - Do Not Trust in Princes")). This serves as a theological reminder that ultimate trust should be placed in God, not in human leaders. Finally, the verse speaks to the concept of **legacy**, as Asa's reign is concluded and his son's begins. While brief, this final statement on Asa's rule invites reflection on the impact of his life and leadership, both his faithfulness and his shortcomings, contributing to the broader narrative of Judah's spiritual journey under the Davidic kings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **slept with his fathers (Hebrew, _vayyishkav im-avotav'_):** This is a widely used euphemism in the books of Kings and Chronicles for the death of a monarch. It does not imply a state of unconsciousness in the afterlife but rather signifies that the king has died and been gathered to his ancestors, often buried in the same family tomb or royal burial ground. This phrase underscores a sense of continuity and the cyclical nature of life and death within the royal lineage, connecting the current king to the long line of his predecessors. It is a formulaic expression that emphasizes the end of an earthly reign and the joining of a king to the collective history of his dynasty.
* **city of David (Hebrew, _'ir david'_):** This refers to Jerusalem, specifically the ancient fortified area of the city that King David had conquered and made his capital. It became the traditional burial place for the kings of Judah, particularly those of the Davidic line. Being buried in the "city of David" was a mark of honor and legitimacy, signifying that the king had died in good standing and was fully recognized as a rightful successor within the royal lineage established by David. It also symbolically connects the deceased king to the covenant promises made to David regarding an enduring dynasty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Asa slept with his fathers":** This clause formally announces the death of King Asa. The use of the euphemism "slept with his fathers" is a standard literary device in the biblical historical books, signifying the peaceful end of a king's earthly life and his passing into the realm of his ancestors. It marks the definitive conclusion of his reign and earthly responsibilities.
* **"and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father":** This part specifies the location of Asa's burial. Being buried "with his fathers" reinforces his lineage and connection to the royal dynasty. The specific mention of "the city of David his father" (referring to King David, the progenitor of the dynasty) emphasizes Jerusalem as the sacred and legitimate burial ground for the Davidic kings. This detail underscores Asa's rightful place within the royal line and the continuity of the monarchy in Judah.
* **"and Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead":** This final clause announces the immediate and orderly succession of power. Jehoshaphat, Asa's son, takes the throne, indicating a smooth transition without interregnum or dispute. This highlights the stability of the Davidic monarchy, contrasting with the often turbulent successions in the northern kingdom of Israel. It also points to God's continued faithfulness in preserving the Davidic line, a crucial element in the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several key literary devices. Most prominent is **Euphemism**, specifically in the phrase "slept with his fathers," which is a gentle and common way of referring to death without explicitly stating it. This softens the stark reality of mortality while conveying the finality of the king's life. The verse also utilizes **Formulaic Language**, as the pattern of "slept with his fathers, and was buried... and [son] reigned in his stead" is a recurring literary formula used throughout 1 and 2 Kings to mark the transition between reigns. This formula provides structural cohesion to the historical narrative, emphasizing the cyclical nature of royal succession and the ongoing flow of history. Furthermore, there is an element of **Emphasis** on the Davidic lineage through the repeated mention of "his fathers" and "the city of David his father," reinforcing Asa's legitimate place within the divinely established dynasty and highlighting the covenantal significance of Jerusalem as the royal capital and burial site.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This brief verse, while a simple historical record, carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark reminder of human mortality and the transient nature of earthly power, even for a king who largely walked in righteousness. Despite Asa's long and impactful reign, his life, like all human lives, came to an end. Yet, the smooth transition to Jehoshaphat underscores God's sovereignty and faithfulness in maintaining the Davidic covenant, ensuring the continuity of the royal line. This continuity was not merely political but theological, as it preserved the lineage through which the promised Messiah would eventually come. The burial in the "city of David" reaffirms the enduring significance of Jerusalem as the spiritual and political heart of Judah, intrinsically linked to God's promises to His chosen people.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")
* [Psalm 146:3-4](/psalms/146-3 "Psalm 146:3-4 - Do Not Put Your Trust in Princes")
* [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed to Die Once")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The conclusion of King Asa's reign in 1 Kings 15:24 offers a timeless reflection on the universal truth of human mortality and the importance of legacy. No matter one's power, influence, or achievements, earthly life is finite. This verse invites us to consider not just the end of a life, but the quality of the life lived and the legacy left behind. Asa's reign, though marked by significant reforms and devotion to the Lord, also included moments of reliance on human strength over divine providence. His death reminds us that our ultimate security and hope must rest in God alone, not in earthly leaders or institutions. For believers, it prompts introspection: How are we stewarding the time, talents, and positions God has entrusted to us? Are we living in a way that honors Him and leaves a spiritual legacy that points others to Christ, or are we primarily focused on temporary earthly achievements? The seamless transition to Jehoshaphat also speaks to God's faithfulness in continuing His work through new generations, encouraging us to invest in and prepare those who will follow us in ministry, family, and society.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the phrase "slept with his fathers" challenge or confirm your understanding of human mortality and the end of life?**
* **What kind of legacy are you actively building, both personally and spiritually, that will endure beyond your earthly life?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to rely on human strength or resources rather than trusting fully in God, as Asa did in his later years?**
* **How does the continuity of leadership, from Asa to Jehoshaphat, encourage you about God's ongoing work through generations?**

### FAQ
**What does "slept with his fathers" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common biblical euphemism for death, particularly for kings in the books of Kings and Chronicles. It does not imply a state of unconsciousness in the afterlife or a specific theological doctrine about the soul's state. Instead, it simply means that the king has died and has been gathered to his ancestors, often buried in the same royal burial ground. It emphasizes the end of his earthly reign and his joining the long line of his predecessors, signifying a peaceful and legitimate passing from power, as seen in [Deuteronomy 31:16](/deuteronomy/31-16 "Deuteronomy 31:16 - Moses Sleeps with His Fathers") or [2 Samuel 7:12](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12 - David Sleeps with His Fathers").

**Why is the burial in "the city of David" significant?**

Answer: Being buried in "the city of David" (Jerusalem) was highly significant for the kings of Judah. It indicated that the king was a legitimate successor within the Davidic dynasty and was being laid to rest in the traditional royal burial grounds established by King David. This practice reinforced the stability and continuity of the Davidic monarchy, which was divinely promised to endure (e.g., [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Enduring Davidic Dynasty")). It also connected the deceased king to the very heart of the kingdom and its covenantal heritage, affirming his place in the sacred history of God's people.

**What was King Asa's reign generally known for?**

Answer: King Asa's reign, lasting 41 years, is generally characterized by significant religious reforms and a strong commitment to purging idolatry from Judah. He removed pagan altars, Asherah poles, and cult prostitutes, and even deposed his own grandmother for her idolatry (see [1 Kings 15:12-13](/1_kings/15-12 "1 Kings 15:12-13 - Asa's Reforms")). He also fortified cities and led Judah to victory over a massive Cushite army, trusting in the Lord (recorded in [2 Chronicles 14](/2_chronicles/14 "2 Chronicles 14 - Asa's Victory Over Zerah")). While largely righteous, the biblical account also notes his later failings, such as relying on the king of Syria instead of the Lord during a conflict and imprisoning the prophet Hanani for rebuking him ([2 Chronicles 16:7-10](/2_chronicles/16-7 "2 Chronicles 16:7-10 - Hanani Rebukes Asa")). Despite these shortcomings, his reign is generally viewed positively in the biblical narrative, especially in comparison to many other kings of both Judah and Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly simple record of King Asa's death and succession in 1 Kings 15:24 finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. The verse highlights the continuity of the Davidic line, a lineage that, despite the mortality of its kings and their human failings, was divinely preserved to bring forth the Messiah. Asa, like all earthly kings, "slept with his fathers," succumbing to death, a universal consequence of sin. However, Jesus, the true Son of David, also "slept" in death, but His sleep was not the end. He conquered death, rising triumphantly from the grave, thereby establishing a kingdom that is not subject to the mortality and succession seen in human monarchies (as prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Everlasting Kingdom of Christ")). Unlike Asa, whose reign concluded and was passed to a son, Jesus' reign is eternal, and His kingdom has no end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). Furthermore, while Asa was buried in the "city of David," Jesus' burial and resurrection transformed the very meaning of death and burial for believers, offering the promise that those who "sleep in Him" will also rise to eternal life ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Thus, 1 Kings 15:24, in its quiet affirmation of dynastic continuity and the reality of death, ultimately points forward to the one King who would overcome death and reign forever, the "Root and the Offspring of David" ([Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Bright Morning Star")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 1:8

And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;

1 Kings 22:41

¶ And Jehoshaphat the son of Asa began to reign over Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel.

1 Kings 22:43

And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing [that which was] right in the eyes of the LORD: nevertheless the high places were not taken away; [for] the people offered and burnt incense yet in the high places.

2 Chronicles 17:1

¶ And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel.

2 Chronicles 17:9

And they taught in Judah, and [had] the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.