1 Kings 22:40

So Ahab slept with his fathers; and Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead.

So Ahab {H256} slept {H7901} with his fathers {H1}; and Ahaziah {H274} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

So Ach'av slept with his ancestors, and Achazyah his son became king in his place.

And Ahab rested with his fathers, and his son Ahaziah reigned in his place.

So Ahab slept with his fathers; and Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead.

Commentary

1 Kings 22:40 marks the concise conclusion of King Ahab's tumultuous reign over Israel and the immediate succession of his son, Ahaziah. This verse signifies a pivotal moment, confirming the fulfillment of divine judgment and the ongoing narrative of the Israelite monarchy.

Context

This verse comes at the end of a dramatic chapter detailing Ahab's final battle at Ramoth-Gilead. Despite prophetic warnings from Micaiah, who foretold his death (1 Kings 22:28), Ahab disguised himself and went into battle, only to be struck by a random arrow. His death brings to an end one of the most corrupt and idolatrous reigns in Israelite history, a period largely dominated by his Phoenician wife, Jezebel, and their promotion of Baal worship. Ahab's wickedness is famously highlighted in 1 Kings 21:25, stating that "there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD." His demise fulfills the earlier prophecy given by Elijah regarding the destruction of his house.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Prophecy Fulfillment: Ahab's death is not accidental but a direct consequence and fulfillment of God's word spoken through His prophets. It underscores the biblical principle that God's warnings are true and His justice is certain.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Ahab's reign was characterized by profound disobedience and idolatry. His violent end serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences that can follow persistent rebellion against God's commands.
  • Succession and Continuity: The immediate mention of Ahaziah's succession highlights the established practice of hereditary kingship in Israel, even amidst political and spiritual turmoil. It also sets the stage for the next phase of the kingdom's history, which, in Ahaziah's case, continued the pattern of unrighteousness (1 Kings 22:52).

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common biblical euphemism for death, particularly for kings and patriarchs. It implies a peaceful passing or being laid to rest in the family tomb, joining ancestors in the grave. While Ahab's death was violent, the idiom refers to the act of dying and being buried, rather than the manner of death. It doesn't necessarily imply a spiritual state but rather a physical cessation of life and burial among one's forebears.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that:

  • God's word and prophecies are always fulfilled, demonstrating His sovereignty over human affairs.
  • Choices have consequences, and persistent rebellion against God's ways ultimately leads to judgment.
  • Even in times of leadership transition, the ultimate authority rests with God, who raises up and brings down kings according to His will. It encourages believers to trust in God's overarching plan, even when human leaders fail.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 1:17

    So he died according to the word of the LORD which Elijah had spoken. And Jehoram reigned in his stead in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah; because he had no son.

  • 2 Kings 1:2

    And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that [was] in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease.

  • Deuteronomy 31:16

    And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go [to be] among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them.

  • 1 Kings 22:51

    Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned two years over Israel.

  • 2 Samuel 7:12

    And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

  • 2 Chronicles 20:35

    And after this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who did very wickedly:

  • 1 Kings 11:21

    And when Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers, and that Joab the captain of the host was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, Let me depart, that I may go to mine own country.
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