2 Chronicles 12:16

KJV

And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David: and Abijah his son reigned in his stead.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Rehoboam {H7346} slept {H7901} with his fathers {H1}, and was buried {H6912} in the city {H5892} of David {H1732}: and Abijah {H29} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rechav'am slept with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David. Then Aviyah his son became king in his place.

Berean Standard Bible

And Rehoboam rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. And his son Abijah reigned in his place.

American Standard Version

And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David: and Abijah his son reigned in his stead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse succinctly concludes the seventeen-year reign of King Rehoboam over Judah, marking his death and burial in Jerusalem, the revered "city of David." It serves as a formulaic transition, signaling the end of one monarch's rule—a reign characterized by a significant departure from God's commands and subsequent national humbling—and the immediate succession of his son, Abijah, thereby affirming the continuing, albeit often troubled, lineage of the Davidic dynasty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [2 Chronicles 12:16](/2_chronicles/12-16 "2 Chronicles 12:16 - The End of Rehoboam's Reign") stands as the concluding verse of the twelfth chapter, which meticulously details the latter half of King Rehoboam's reign. The preceding verses ([2 Chronicles 12:13-15](/2_chronicles/12-13-15 "2 Chronicles 12:13-15 - Summary of Rehoboam's Reign")) summarize his rule, highlighting his age at accession, the duration of his reign, his mother's identity, and a general assessment of his character, notably that "he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD" ([2 Chronicles 12:14](/2_chronicles/12-14 "2 Chronicles 12:14 - Rehoboam's Evil Reign")). This final verse provides the customary closing statement for a king's account in the books of Kings and Chronicles, formally marking the end of his life and the transfer of power. It serves as a narrative bridge, setting the stage for the account of Abijah's reign, which immediately follows in [2 Chronicles 13](/2_chronicles/13 "2 Chronicles 13 - Abijah's Reign").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Rehoboam's reign (c. 931-913 BC) immediately followed the glorious united monarchy of his father, Solomon. Historically, it was a period of immense national upheaval, marked by the seismic division of the kingdom into Israel (north) and Judah (south), a direct consequence of Rehoboam's harsh policies and the Lord's judgment upon Solomon's idolatry, as prophesied in [1 Kings 11:29-39](/1_kings/11-29-39 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam"). Culturally, the practice of burying kings in the "city of David" (Jerusalem) was a significant honor, signifying their legitimate place within the Davidic lineage and their connection to the sacred capital. The phrase "slept with his fathers" was a common, respectful euphemism for death, indicating a natural passing and joining one's ancestors, often implying a peaceful end, regardless of the quality of the reign.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several recurring themes central to the Chronicler's theological agenda. Firstly, it underscores the **transience of human leadership**; all earthly kings, regardless of their power or legacy, are mortal and their reigns finite. Secondly, it highlights the **continuity of the Davidic covenant**, as the succession from Rehoboam to Abijah ensures the perpetuation of the promised royal line, despite Rehoboam's personal failings and the nation's spiritual decline (compare with God's enduring promise in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Thirdly, the mention of burial in the "city of David" reinforces the theme of **legitimate kingship and divine appointment**, affirming Rehoboam's rightful, albeit flawed, place within the divinely ordained dynasty. Finally, it subtly points to the **sovereignty of God** over history and human affairs, as the divine plan unfolds through successive generations of kings, even amidst human frailty and rebellion, as seen in the broader narrative of [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles - The History of the Kings of Judah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **slept (Hebrew, _shâkab'_):** A primitive root meaning "to lie down" for various purposes, including rest, sexual connection, or decease. In this context, it is a widely used biblical euphemism for death, particularly for kings and patriarchs, implying a peaceful, natural passing and joining one's ancestors.
* **buried (Hebrew, _qâbar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to inter" or "to bury." This term signifies the formal act of interment, which for kings in ancient Judah, particularly within the "city of David," was a mark of honor, legitimacy, and a testament to their established place within the royal lineage.
* **reigned (Hebrew, _mâlak'_):** A primitive root meaning "to reign" or, inceptively, "to ascend the throne." It can also causatively mean "to induct into royalty." Here, it signifies the formal transfer of royal authority and the commencement of the successor's rule, emphasizing the unbroken continuity of the monarchy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Rehoboam slept with his fathers":** This clause formally announces the death of King Rehoboam. The use of the euphemism "slept with his fathers" is a standard formula in biblical historiography, signaling the end of a king's earthly life and reign. It conveys a sense of finality and the natural course of mortality, irrespective of the king's accomplishments or failures, placing him within the lineage of his predecessors.
* **"and was buried in the city of David":** This part specifies the location of Rehoboam's burial. Being interred in the "city of David" (Jerusalem) was a privilege reserved for legitimate kings of Judah, affirming his royal status and his connection to the Davidic lineage. It underscores his established place within the succession of kings ruling from Jerusalem, the divinely chosen capital, despite the mixed assessment of his reign.
* **"and Abijah his son reigned in his stead":** This final clause announces the immediate and legitimate succession of Rehoboam's son, Abijah. It highlights the continuity of the Davidic dynasty, emphasizing that even with the passing of one king, the throne was not left vacant but was immediately filled by the rightful heir. This continuity is crucial for the Chronicler's theological narrative, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenantal promises regarding David's lineage.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several key literary devices that contribute to its function within the biblical narrative. The most prominent is **Euphemism**, specifically "slept with his fathers," which serves as a gentle and respectful way to refer to death, avoiding the harshness of a direct statement. This phrase is part of a larger **Formulaic Language** or **Regnal Formula** common in Kings and Chronicles, used to conclude the account of a king's reign (typically including age at accession, length of reign, mother's name, general assessment, death, burial, and successor). This formula provides structural consistency and predictability to the historical narrative, allowing the reader to easily track the succession of kings. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Juxtaposition**, placing the end of Rehoboam's reign ("slept with his fathers") immediately alongside the beginning of Abijah's ("reigned in his stead"). This rapid transition emphasizes the seamless continuity of the Davidic monarchy, even in the face of individual mortality and the challenges faced by the kingdom, thereby underscoring God's faithfulness to His covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple concluding verse carries profound theological weight, underscoring the sovereignty of God over human history and the enduring nature of His covenantal promises. It reminds us that while human leaders are mortal and their reigns temporary, God's plan unfolds across generations, transcending the imperfections and failures of individual kings. The continuity of the Davidic line, even through a flawed king like Rehoboam, serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, ensuring that a descendant would always sit on the throne. This historical record, therefore, points beyond the immediate succession to the ultimate King whose reign would be eternal and perfect, one who would not "sleep with his fathers" in a permanent sense.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "The Davidic Covenant: An Enduring Dynasty")
* [1 Kings 11:43](/1_kings/11-43 "Solomon's Death and Succession")
* [2 Kings 16:20](/2_kings/16-20 "Ahaz's Death and Succession, demonstrating the standard formula")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The conclusion of Rehoboam's reign, marked by his death and the succession of his son, offers a powerful reminder of the transient nature of all earthly power and authority. For us today, this verse calls for humility in leadership, recognizing that our time and influence are finite. It encourages us to consider the legacy we are building, not just for ourselves, but for those who will follow. Just as the Davidic line continued despite Rehoboam's shortcomings, so too does God's work persist through generations, often despite human imperfections. This should inspire us to invest intentionally in the next generation, preparing and empowering them to carry forward the torch of faith and service with integrity and wisdom. Ultimately, this passage directs our gaze from the temporary reigns of human kings to the eternal, unchanging reign of God, in whom our true hope and security lie, reminding us that true impact is measured not by duration of rule, but by faithfulness to the divine King.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the brevity of Rehoboam's concluding summary challenge our own perceptions of success and legacy?**
* **In what ways does the continuity of the Davidic line, despite Rehoboam's flaws, demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises?**
* **How can we, in our own spheres of influence, prepare the next generation to carry on the work of God?**

### FAQ
**What does "slept with his fathers" mean in the Bible?**

Answer: "Slept with his fathers" is a common biblical euphemism for death, particularly used for kings and patriarchs. It signifies a natural, peaceful passing, implying that the deceased has joined their ancestors in the realm of the dead. It's a respectful way of stating that a person's earthly life has ended and their reign (if a king) has concluded. This phrase is part of a standard formula used to close the accounts of kings in books like [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - History of the Kings of Israel and Judah") and [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles - History of the Kings of Judah"), providing a consistent narrative structure.

**Why was it significant for Rehoboam to be buried in the "city of David"?**

Answer: Being buried in the "city of David" (Jerusalem) was a significant honor and a mark of legitimate kingship for the kings of Judah. It affirmed Rehoboam's rightful place within the Davidic dynasty and his connection to the sacred capital established by King David. Not all kings were granted burial in this specific location, making its mention an indicator of his recognized royal status, despite the mixed assessment of his reign. It underscored the continuity of the royal line in the divinely chosen city, symbolizing the enduring covenant with David.

**How does this verse relate to the broader narrative of the Davidic covenant?**

Answer: This verse, by stating that Abijah "reigned in his stead," directly relates to the Davidic covenant. Despite Rehoboam's failures and the division of the kingdom, the promise that a descendant of David would always sit on the throne (as found in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")) continued to be fulfilled. The succession from father to son, even through imperfect kings, demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, ensuring the preservation of the royal line until the ultimate Son of David, Jesus Christ, would come. This continuity highlights God's sovereignty over human history and His commitment to His divine plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The formulaic conclusion of Rehoboam's reign in [2 Chronicles 12:16](/2_chronicles/12-16 "2 Chronicles 12:16 - The End of Rehoboam's Reign") serves as a poignant reminder of the temporary and flawed nature of all earthly kings, pointing ultimately to the eternal and perfect reign of Jesus Christ. Rehoboam "slept with his fathers" and was buried, a common fate for all humanity, signifying the finality of his earthly authority. In stark contrast, Jesus, the true Son of David, also "slept" in death, but His sleep was not final. He conquered death and the grave, rising on the third day, as prophesied in [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - You will not abandon me to the grave") and affirmed in the New Testament ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God raised him up")). His burial was not merely in a "city of David" but in a tomb from which He emerged victorious, demonstrating His power over sin and death, a power no earthly king could ever possess. Furthermore, while Abijah "reigned in his stead," signaling a continuation of a human dynasty, Jesus' reign is not merely a succession but an eternal, unbroken dominion. The angel Gabriel declared that Jesus "will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end" ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Jesus")). Thus, the passing of Rehoboam and the succession of Abijah foreshadow the ultimate King whose kingdom is not of this world, whose death was a victory, and whose reign is forevermore, fulfilling the Davidic covenant in a way no human monarch ever could ([Acts 2:29-36](/acts/2-29-36 "Acts 2:29-36 - Peter's Sermon on David and Christ's Resurrection")). He is the King who truly "reigns in his stead," establishing an everlasting kingdom that will never pass away ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Everlasting Dominion")).

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

2 Chronicles 11:20

And after her he took Maachah the daughter of Absalom; which bare him Abijah, and Attai, and Ziza, and Shelomith.

Matthew 1:7

And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;

1 Chronicles 3:10

¶ And Solomon's son [was] Rehoboam, Abia his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son,

2 Chronicles 13:1

¶ Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam began Abijah to reign over Judah.

1 Kings 14:29

Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam, and all that he did, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

1 Kings 14:31

And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And his mother's name [was] Naamah an Ammonitess. And Abijam his son reigned in his stead.