2 Chronicles 16:13

KJV

And Asa slept with his fathers, and died in the one and fortieth year of his reign.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Asa {H609} slept {H7901} with his fathers {H1}, and died {H4191} in the one {H259} and fortieth {H705} year {H8141} of his reign {H4427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Asa slept with his ancestors, dying in the forty-first year of his reign.

Berean Standard Bible

So in the forty-first year of his reign, Asa died and rested with his fathers.

American Standard Version

And Asa slept with his fathers, and died in the one and fortieth year of his reign.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 16:13 succinctly records the death of King Asa of Judah, marking the conclusion of his forty-one-year reign. This verse serves as a sober capstone to a life that began with fervent devotion and significant reforms but ended in a concerning decline of trust in God, evidenced by his reliance on human alliances and physicians rather than divine aid, and his harsh treatment of those who rebuked him. The Chronicler presents Asa's death not merely as a historical fact but as the final, somber note in a narrative emphasizing the critical importance of sustained faithfulness to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Chronicles 16:13 concludes the account of King Asa's reign, immediately following a detailed description of his spiritual decline. The preceding verses (2 Chronicles 16:1-12) highlight a pivotal shift in Asa's character. After a period of initial faithfulness and reliance on God, demonstrated powerfully in his victory over Zerah the Ethiopian (see [2 Chronicles 14:9-15](/2_chronicles/14-9 "2 Chronicles 14:9-15 - Asa's Victory Over Zerah")), Asa falters. When faced with a threat from King Baasha of Israel, he chooses to rely on a political alliance with Ben-Hadad of Syria, using temple treasures to secure aid, rather than seeking the Lord (see [2 Chronicles 16:1-6](/2_chronicles/16-1 "2 Chronicles 16:1-6 - Asa's Alliance with Syria")). This decision draws the rebuke of the prophet Hanani, whom Asa then imprisons in anger (see [2 Chronicles 16:7-10](/2_chronicles/16-7 "2 Chronicles 16:7-10 - Hanani's Rebuke and Asa's Reaction")). The narrative further notes Asa's disease in his feet and his exclusive reliance on physicians, rather than seeking the Lord (see [2 Chronicles 16:12](/2_chronicles/16-12 "2 Chronicles 16:12 - Asa's Illness and Lack of Trust")). Thus, verse 13 serves as the narrative's conclusion to this downward trajectory, setting the stage for the succession of his son, Jehoshaphat.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Asa ruled Judah for 41 years, a relatively long reign for a monarch in the ancient Near East, indicating a period of stability for the Southern Kingdom. The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common biblical euphemism for death, particularly for kings and patriarchs, signifying their peaceful passing and joining their ancestors in the grave. This idiom does not inherently convey a theological statement about the afterlife but rather a cultural recognition of lineage and the continuity of generations. Kings were typically buried in royal tombs, often within the "City of David," a practice that underscored their connection to the Davidic dynasty. The geopolitical landscape involved ongoing tensions between Judah and Israel (the divided kingdom), as well as interactions with powerful regional entities like Syria (Aram) and Ethiopia. The Chronicler, writing centuries after these events, often reinterprets or emphasizes aspects of the monarchical history to teach theological lessons relevant to the post-exilic community, particularly concerning the importance of covenant fidelity and temple worship.

* **Key Themes:** Asa's story, culminating in his death, powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the Chronicler's theological perspective. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Retribution and Blessing**, where faithfulness to God leads to prosperity and victory, while disobedience and a lack of trust result in negative consequences, even for a king. Asa's early reign exemplifies the former, while his latter years demonstrate the latter. His initial zeal for purging idolatry (see [2 Chronicles 14:2-5](/2_chronicles/14-2 "2 Chronicles 14:2-5 - Asa's Reforms")) and trust in God against overwhelming odds (see [2 Chronicles 14:11](/2_chronicles/14-11 "2 Chronicles 14:11 - Asa's Prayer")) stands in stark contrast to his later pride and self-reliance. This narrative also highlights the theme of **Sustained Faithfulness**, emphasizing that a strong beginning does not guarantee a strong finish. Asa's life serves as a cautionary tale, underscoring the continuous need for humility, repentance, and unwavering reliance on God throughout one's entire life. Finally, the verse implicitly points to **Divine Sovereignty** over human life and death, reminding readers that even the longest and most powerful reigns ultimately conclude under God's appointed timing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slept (שָׁכַב, _shakav'_):** This Hebrew verb literally means "to lie down" or "to sleep." In the context of death, particularly for kings and patriarchs, it functions as a common and respectful euphemism. It suggests a peaceful passing and being "gathered to one's fathers," implying continuity within the lineage and the natural cycle of life and death, without necessarily detailing the state of the soul after death. Its use here connects Asa's death to a long tradition of biblical figures who "slept" with their ancestors.
* **Fathers (אָב, _'av'_):** Refers to the preceding generations or ancestors. The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a standard idiom for death, indicating that the deceased has joined the collective of their deceased forebears. For a king, it specifically implies being buried in the royal tombs alongside previous monarchs, thus emphasizing his place within the Davidic dynasty and the historical continuity of the kingdom.
* **Reign (מַלְכוּת, _malkût'_):** This noun denotes the period of kingship or royal rule. The mention of "the one and fortieth year of his reign" provides a precise chronological marker, highlighting the significant duration of Asa's time on the throne. This long reign, initially characterized by faithfulness and prosperity, ultimately concludes with a mixed legacy, making the duration itself a point of subtle theological commentary by the Chronicler.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Asa slept with his fathers":** This clause serves as a euphemistic declaration of King Asa's death. It signifies his natural passing and his joining the long line of deceased Israelite and Judean ancestors, particularly the kings of Judah. This common biblical idiom underscores the finality of his earthly life and rule, placing him within the historical continuum of his lineage.
* **"and died":** This direct and unambiguous statement confirms the euphemism of the preceding phrase. It leaves no doubt about Asa's physical demise, emphasizing the ultimate end of his human existence and kingship. The Chronicler uses both the idiomatic and direct statements to ensure clarity regarding the event.
* **"in the one and fortieth year of his reign":** This specific chronological detail provides the exact duration of Asa's rule. The mention of 41 years highlights a significant and lengthy period on the throne. This detail is crucial for the Chronicler's narrative, as it brings to a close the account of a king whose long reign began with great promise and faithfulness but concluded with a notable spiritual decline, making the length of his rule a backdrop against which his later failures are starkly contrasted.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 2 Chronicles 16:13 to convey both historical fact and theological meaning. The most prominent is **Euphemism**, specifically the phrase "slept with his fathers," which is a gentle, respectful, and common way of referring to death without using a harsh or direct term. This device is frequently used in biblical narratives concerning the demise of significant figures, especially kings, linking them to their ancestral lineage. The verse also utilizes **Chronological Marker** by explicitly stating "in the one and fortieth year of his reign," providing precise historical context and emphasizing the substantial length of Asa's rule. This temporal specificity allows the reader to place Asa's entire narrative—his initial faithfulness, his reforms, his victories, and his later spiritual decline—within a defined period. Finally, there is an implicit **Juxtaposition** at play. Coming at the end of a chapter that details Asa's spiritual failures (his alliance with Syria, his anger at the prophet Hanani, and his exclusive reliance on physicians), this simple declaration of death stands in stark contrast to the earlier descriptions of his zealous and God-fearing reign. The brevity of the verse, following a detailed account of his decline, underscores the tragic culmination of a life that began strong but did not finish well, serving as a subtle yet powerful theological commentary on the consequences of wavering faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The death of King Asa in 2 Chronicles 16:13, especially in light of the preceding narrative, serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of covenant faithfulness and its consequences. The Chronicler meticulously details Asa's initial devotion, his radical reforms, and God's subsequent blessings, contrasting them sharply with his later pride, lack of trust, and oppressive behavior. This verse, therefore, is not merely a record of a king's passing but a poignant reminder that a life of faith requires sustained reliance on God, from beginning to end. It underscores the biblical principle that while God is merciful, He also holds His people, especially leaders, accountable for their choices, and that even a long and initially righteous reign can be marred by a departure from divine wisdom and trust. Asa's story is a testament to the fact that spiritual vigilance is a lifelong endeavor, and that turning away from God, even in subtle ways, can have significant and regrettable consequences.

* [1 Kings 11:4](/1_kings/11-4 "1 Kings 11:4 - Solomon's Heart Turned Away")
* [Psalm 73:27-28](/psalms/73-27 "Psalm 73:27-28 - Nearness to God is My Good")
* [Hebrews 3:12-13](/hebrews/3-12 "Hebrews 3:12-13 - Warning Against Unbelief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King Asa's final days and death offer a sobering yet vital lesson for believers today: the imperative of finishing well. While his early reign was marked by commendable zeal for God and a clear demonstration of faith in the face of overwhelming odds, his later years reveal a tragic shift towards self-reliance, anger, and a hardening of heart. This narrative challenges us to consider not just the strength of our spiritual beginnings, but the consistency and depth of our faith throughout every season of life. It calls us to cultivate a posture of humility, openness to correction, and unwavering dependence on God, even when facing illness, adversity, or the temptation to rely on human wisdom or resources alone. Asa's story reminds us that true spiritual maturity is characterized by a continuous seeking of the Lord, a willingness to repent when we stray, and a steadfast trust in His sovereignty and provision, regardless of our circumstances. Our walk with God is a marathon, not a sprint, requiring persistent faithfulness and a heart continually fixed on Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Asa's initial faithfulness compare with his later decline, and what does this teach us about the ongoing need for spiritual vigilance?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to rely on my own wisdom or resources rather than seeking God's guidance and provision?**
* **How do I respond when I receive correction or rebuke, and what can I learn from Asa's reaction to the prophet Hanani?**
* **What does it mean to "finish well" in my faith journey, and what steps can I take today to cultivate sustained faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**What does the phrase "slept with his fathers" mean in a biblical context?**

Answer: The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common biblical euphemism for death, particularly used for kings and patriarchs. It signifies a peaceful passing and the deceased being gathered to their ancestors in the afterlife or, more concretely, being buried in the family or royal tomb alongside previous generations. It emphasizes the continuity of lineage and the natural cycle of life and death, rather than providing specific theological details about the state of the dead. For a king like Asa, it also implies his integration into the historical and dynastic line of rulers.

**Is Asa's death presented as a judgment for his later unfaithfulness?**

Answer: While the verse itself simply states Asa's death, the Chronicler's preceding narrative strongly implies a connection between Asa's spiritual decline and the circumstances surrounding his end. The text highlights his failure to seek the Lord in battle against Baasha, his anger and imprisonment of the prophet Hanani for rebuke, and his exclusive reliance on physicians rather than God during his illness (see [2 Chronicles 16:12](/2_chronicles/16-12 "2 Chronicles 16:12 - Asa's Illness")). The Chronicler's theological agenda often links obedience to blessing and disobedience to negative consequences. Therefore, while not explicitly stated as a direct judgment, Asa's death concludes a narrative arc that showcases the regrettable outcomes of a king who began well but faltered in his trust and obedience to God.

**What is the most significant lesson we can learn from King Asa's reign and death?**

Answer: The most significant lesson from King Asa's reign and death is the critical importance of sustained faithfulness and perseverance in one's walk with God. Asa's story powerfully illustrates that a strong beginning in faith does not guarantee a strong finish. His early devotion, religious reforms, and reliance on God brought great blessing and victory. However, his later pride, self-reliance, and refusal to accept prophetic correction led to a decline in his spiritual life and a less-than-ideal end to his long reign. This narrative serves as a timeless reminder for all believers to remain humble, continually seek the Lord, and maintain a steadfast trust in Him throughout all seasons and challenges of life, ensuring that our faith endures to the very end (see [Hebrews 10:36](/hebrews/10-36 "Hebrews 10:36 - Perseverance in Doing God's Will")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The account of King Asa's death, following a reign marked by both commendable faithfulness and lamentable spiritual decline, powerfully foreshadows the need for a perfect King whose reign and life would be utterly without blemish. Asa, like all earthly kings, "slept with his fathers" and died, demonstrating the universal dominion of death over humanity, a consequence of sin (see [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin and Death Through Adam")). His failure to maintain consistent trust in God, particularly in his later years and during his illness, highlights the inherent limitations and imperfections of even the best human leaders. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ is the King who never falters, whose trust in the Father was absolute, even unto the cross (see [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Unlike Asa, who succumbed to disease and death, Christ willingly laid down His life and, through His resurrection, conquered death itself, rising victorious to an eternal reign (see [Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ, the Living One")). His perfect obedience, unwavering faith, and ultimate triumph over sin and death provide the fulfillment that Asa's imperfect reign could only hint at. In Christ, we find the perfect King who truly heals, provides, and reigns eternally, offering not just a temporary reprieve but everlasting life and perfect communion with God, a reality far surpassing any earthly kingdom or monarch.

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 15:24

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.