2 Chronicles 14:1

KJV

¶ So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Abijah {H29} slept {H7901} with his fathers {H1}, and they buried {H6912} him in the city {H5892} of David {H1732}: and Asa {H609} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead. In his days {H3117} the land {H776} was quiet {H8252} ten {H6235} years {H8141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Aviyah slept with his ancestors, and they buried him in the City of David. Then Asa his son became king in his place; during his time the land was quiet for ten years.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Abijah rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. And his son Asa reigned in his place, and in his days the land was at peace for ten years.

American Standard Version

So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David; and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This pivotal verse marks a significant transition in the Southern Kingdom of Judah, recording the death of King Abijah and the accession of his son, Asa, to the throne. Crucially, it highlights a remarkable period of peace and stability at the outset of Asa's reign, as "the land was quiet ten years," setting the stage for his subsequent religious reforms and a season of national consolidation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial bridge between the brief and somewhat turbulent reign of Abijah (detailed in [2 Chronicles 13](/2_chronicles/13 "2 Chronicles 13 - Abijah's Reign and Victory")) and the much longer and more impactful reign of Asa. Abijah's three-year rule was characterized by a significant military victory over Jeroboam of Israel, demonstrating God's favor towards Judah despite Abijah's own spiritual shortcomings. The immediate succession of Asa, explicitly stated as "his son," underscores the continuity of the Davidic dynasty, a central theme in Chronicles. The mention of the "ten quiet years" immediately following Asa's ascension foreshadows the extensive religious and military reforms that Asa will undertake, as detailed in the subsequent verses of [2 Chronicles 14](/2_chronicles/14 "2 Chronicles 14 - Asa's Reforms and Victory").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common biblical idiom for death, particularly for kings, signifying a peaceful passing and joining one's royal ancestors in the grave. Burial "in the city of David," or Jerusalem, was reserved for legitimate kings of Judah, affirming Abijah's rightful place in the Davidic line. This period follows the division of the kingdom into Judah (south) and Israel (north), a time often marked by inter-kingdom conflict and internal instability. The "quiet ten years" is therefore a remarkable and divinely granted respite from the constant warfare that characterized much of the early divided monarchy. Such periods of peace were highly valued in the ancient Near East, often seen as a sign of divine blessing and a king's righteous rule, providing an opportunity for national strengthening and religious renewal.
* **Key Themes:** The verse introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the book of Chronicles. Firstly, **Royal Succession** is paramount, emphasizing the unbroken line of Davidic kingship, which is central to God's covenant promises to David (see [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). Secondly, the **Divine Blessing of Peace and Rest** is highlighted by the "ten quiet years." This tranquility is not merely an absence of war but a positive state of divinely granted shalom, allowing the nation to consolidate its resources and focus on internal affairs. This concept of "rest" for the land is a recurring motif, often linked to obedience and God's favor, as seen in [Judges 3:11](/judges/3-11 "Judges 3:11 - The Land Has Rest"). Finally, this period of peace serves as a **Divine Opportunity for Reform**. Asa's reign begins with this precious window of stability, which he wisely utilizes to initiate significant religious and social reforms, purging idolatry and encouraging true worship of Yahweh, setting a precedent for righteous leadership that would be explored in greater detail in the following verses (e.g., [2 Chronicles 14:2-5](/2_chronicles/14-2 "2 Chronicles 14:2-5 - Asa's Righteous Reign")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slept with his fathers (Hebrew, _shakav im avotav'_):** This is a common biblical idiom used to describe the death of a king, particularly in the books of Kings and Chronicles. It does not imply actual sleep but rather a peaceful passing and being gathered to one's ancestors in death. It emphasizes the continuity of the royal line and the natural course of life and death within the Davidic dynasty.
* **Quiet (Hebrew, שָׁקַט, _shaqat'_):** This verb means "to be at rest," "to be tranquil," "to be undisturbed," or "to be quiet." In this context, it denotes a complete cessation of hostilities and internal strife, resulting in a profound state of peace and security for the land. This "quiet" is presented as a divinely given blessing, a period of respite from the constant warfare that often plagued Judah and Israel.
* **City of David (Hebrew, עִיר דָּוִיד, _'Ir David'_):** This refers specifically to the ancient fortress of Zion, conquered by David, which became the core of Jerusalem and the burial place for the kings of Judah. Burial here signified legitimate kingship and a secure place within the Davidic lineage, distinguishing them from kings buried elsewhere.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Abijah slept with his fathers":** This clause formally concludes Abijah's reign, using a common idiom to denote his death. It signals the end of one era and prepares the reader for the transition to a new king.
* **"and they buried him in the city of David":** This detail confirms Abijah's legitimate status as a king of Judah, as burial in the royal necropolis within Jerusalem (the City of David) was a privilege reserved for the Davidic monarchs. It reinforces the continuity of the dynasty.
* **"and Asa his son reigned in his stead":** This directly states the succession, establishing Asa as the new king and emphasizing the hereditary nature of the Davidic throne. This smooth transition was vital for the stability of the kingdom.
* **"In his days the land was quiet ten years":** This final, crucial clause introduces a significant detail about the initial period of Asa's reign. The "quiet" signifies a decade of peace, free from external threats and internal unrest. This is presented as a divine blessing, providing a unique opportunity for the young king and the nation to consolidate, reform, and strengthen themselves.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. The **Idiom** "slept with his fathers" serves as a gentle euphemism for death, a recurring motif that lends a sense of continuity and tradition to the royal lineage. There is a clear **Juxtaposition** between the end of Abijah's reign and the beginning of Asa's, highlighting the cyclical nature of kingship. More importantly, the turbulent times preceding Asa's rule are implicitly contrasted with the "quiet ten years," emphasizing the profound shift in the nation's circumstances. This period of peace also functions as **Foreshadowing**, signaling a divinely granted window of opportunity that Asa will wisely utilize for significant religious and national reforms, setting the stage for the narrative that unfolds in the rest of the chapter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand in the affairs of nations and kings, particularly within the context of His covenant with David. The continuity of the Davidic line, despite the moral failings of individual kings, underscores God's faithfulness to His promises. The "ten quiet years" are not merely a historical detail but a profound theological statement: peace and stability are often direct blessings from God, granted to His people for specific purposes. This divine provision of "rest" creates an environment conducive to spiritual renewal, allowing a nation or an individual to focus on obedience, reform, and drawing closer to God without the immediate pressures of conflict. It highlights God's patience and His desire to provide opportunities for His people to thrive in righteousness.

* [Judges 3:11](/judges/3-11 "Judges 3:11 - The Land Had Rest")
* [1 Kings 5:4](/1_kings/5-4 "1 Kings 5:4 - Solomon's Rest from Adversaries")
* [Isaiah 32:17-18](/isaiah/32-17 "Isaiah 32:17-18 - The Effect of Righteousness is Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The transition from Abijah to Asa, marked by a decade of peace, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. God, in His providence, often grants seasons of "quiet" in our lives – periods free from overwhelming external pressures or internal turmoil. These seasons are not merely for comfort but are divine opportunities for growth, consolidation, and deeper spiritual work. Just as Asa used this peace to initiate reforms and strengthen Judah's commitment to God, we are called to recognize and steward our own times of tranquility. Are we using these moments to deepen our walk with God, to address areas of spiritual neglect, or to build up our faith and character? Effective leadership, whether in a family, church, or community, involves discerning these windows of opportunity and wisely investing in spiritual and moral foundations. This verse reminds us to be proactive in pursuing righteousness and reform when God provides the space to do so, rather than waiting for crisis to compel us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "quiet" periods has God granted in your life, and how have you stewarded them?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling for "reforms" during a time of peace?**
* **How does the continuity of God's plan, even through changes in human leadership, encourage your faith?**
* **What steps can you take today to intentionally use a season of peace for spiritual growth?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: "Slept with his fathers" is a common biblical idiom used to describe the death of a king or patriarch. It does not imply literal sleep but rather a peaceful passing away and being gathered to one's ancestors. It emphasizes the continuity of the lineage and the natural course of life and death within the royal family, signifying a legitimate and honorable end to a reign, as seen in many passages like [1 Kings 2:10](/1_kings/2-10 "1 Kings 2:10 - David's Death").

**Why is the "ten quiet years" at the beginning of Asa's reign so significant?**

Answer: The "ten quiet years" signifies a divinely granted period of peace and stability for the Southern Kingdom of Judah. In an era often marked by constant conflict with the Northern Kingdom of Israel and surrounding nations, such an extended period of tranquility was a rare and precious blessing. It provided King Asa with a crucial window of opportunity to implement significant religious reforms, remove idolatry, and strengthen the nation's defenses and spiritual foundations without the immediate distraction of war. This peace is presented as a sign of God's favor and a testament to the potential for growth when a nation is given rest, as further detailed in [2 Chronicles 14:6-7](/2_chronicles/14-6 "2 Chronicles 14:6-7 - Asa Builds During Peace").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The transition from Abijah to Asa, marked by the stability of the Davidic line and the promise of peace, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "City of David" where Abijah was buried points to the lineage from which the Messiah would come, the true Son of David who would reign forever (see [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")). The "quiet ten years" foreshadows the profound and eternal peace that Christ, the Prince of Peace (as prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Prince of Peace")), brings to His people. Unlike the temporary rest granted to Judah, Jesus offers a spiritual rest that transcends earthly circumstances, a Sabbath rest for the people of God that is complete and enduring (see [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")). Asa's reforms, which purged idolatry and sought to restore true worship, prefigure Christ's ultimate work of cleansing and reconciliation, where He breaks down all barriers and establishes a new covenant of peace through His blood (as described in [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). In Christ, the true King, we find not just a temporary reprieve from conflict, but eternal peace, perfect rest, and the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises.

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

1 Kings 15:8

And Abijam slept with his fathers; and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead.

1 Kings 15:24

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.

1 Chronicles 3:10

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

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.

1 Kings 2:10

So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.

2 Chronicles 9:31

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

Matthew 1:7

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