And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds [of spices] prepared by the apothecaries' art: and they made a very great burning for him.
And they buried {H6912} him in his own sepulchres {H6913}, which he had made {H3738} for himself in the city {H5892} of David {H1732}, and laid {H7901} him in the bed {H4904} which was filled {H4390} with sweet odours {H1314} and divers kinds {H2177} of spices prepared {H7543} by the apothecaries {H4842}' art {H4639}: and they made {H8313} a very {H3966} great {H1419} burning {H8316} for him.
They buried him in his own burial cave, which he had ordered cut for himself in the City of David. They laid him in a bed filled with sweet spices of various kinds, expertly compounded; and a very great fire was kindled in his honor.
And he was buried in the tomb that he had cut out for himself in the City of David. They laid him on a bier that was full of spices and various blended perfumes; then they made a great fire in his honor.
And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had hewn out for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odors and divers kinds of spices prepared by the perfumers’ art: and they made a very great burning for him.
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2 Chronicles 21:19
And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness: so he died of sore diseases. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers. -
Genesis 50:2
And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father: and the physicians embalmed Israel. -
Jeremiah 34:5
[But] thou shalt die in peace: and with the burnings of thy fathers, the former kings which were before thee, so shall they burn [odours] for thee; and they will lament thee, [saying], Ah lord! for I have pronounced the word, saith the LORD. -
Mark 16:1
¶ And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the [mother] of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. -
John 19:39
And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound [weight]. -
John 19:42
There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation [day]; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand. -
Exodus 30:25
And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil.
2 Chronicles 16:14 describes the elaborate burial of King Asa of Judah, marking the end of his long reign. This verse provides a detailed account of the funeral rites, emphasizing the honor bestowed upon him despite the spiritual failings of his later years.
Context of King Asa's Reign and Death
King Asa's reign began with great devotion to God, as he purged idolatry and led Judah in a period of peace and reform (see 2 Chronicles 14:4). However, later in his life, Asa demonstrated a lack of trust in the Lord. When faced with a threat from Baasha, King of Israel, he relied on an alliance with Syria instead of seeking divine help (2 Chronicles 16:7). Furthermore, he imprisoned the prophet Hanani for rebuking him and, in his final illness, sought only physicians, "but not the Lord" (2 Chronicles 16:12). Despite these shortcomings, this verse details a kingly burial, reflecting the customs of the time and perhaps the enduring respect for his earlier accomplishments.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The term "apothecaries' art" comes from the Hebrew word raqach (רַקָּח), referring to a perfumer or compounder of spices and ointments. This highlights the specialized skill involved in preparing the elaborate burial materials. The "very great burning" (Hebrew: serēphāh, שְׂרֵפָה) signifies a ceremonial burning of spices, likely at the tomb, rather than the body itself, underscoring the deep respect and high status accorded to King Asa at his passing.
Practical Application and Reflection
The account of King Asa's burial serves as a poignant reminder that even leaders with a strong spiritual beginning can falter. While his later life was marked by a decline in faith and reliance on human wisdom, his burial was still one of great honor. This passage encourages us to reflect on the entirety of a life, acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses. It also provides insight into the ancient world's customs surrounding death and the deep cultural significance placed on honoring the deceased, particularly those in positions of authority. Ultimately, it reminds us of the importance of trusting in the Lord with all our heart throughout our lives, even when faced with challenges or illness.