2 Chronicles 16:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 16:14 meticulously records the elaborate and honorific burial of King Asa of Judah, bringing his long and complex reign to its close. Despite his initial fervent devotion and significant religious reforms, Asa's later years were tragically marked by a decline in faith, characterized by a reliance on human alliances and physicians rather than unwavering trust in the Lord. Nevertheless, this verse details a kingly interment within his self-prepared sepulchre in the sacred City of David, accompanied by a funeral bed filled with precious aromatic spices and diverse kinds of preparations crafted by skilled apothecaries, culminating in a "very great burning"—a ceremonial act of immense honor and profound mourning, underscoring the enduring respect for his accomplishments even amidst his spiritual shortcomings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding statement to the narrative of King Asa's reign, immediately following a sobering account of his spiritual decline. The preceding passages in [2 Chronicles 16:1-6](/2_chronicles/16-1-6 "2 Chronicles 16:1-6 - Asa's Alliance with Syria and Its Consequences") detail his strategic, but faithless, reliance on a Syrian alliance against Baasha of Israel, rather than seeking divine intervention. This is followed by the prophet Hanani's courageous rebuke in [2 Chronicles 16:7-10](/2_chronicles/16-7-10 "2 Chronicles 16:7-10 - Hanani's Rebuke and Asa's Harsh Response"), which Asa met with violent anger, imprisoning the prophet and oppressing some of the people. Finally, [2 Chronicles 16:11-13](/2_chronicles/16-11-13 "2 Chronicles 16:11-13 - Asa's Illness and Death") describes his severe foot disease, pointedly noting his reliance solely on physicians and "not the Lord," leading to his death in the forty-first year of his reign. Thus, [2 Chronicles 16:14](/2_chronicles/16-14 "2 Chronicles 16:14 - The Burial of King Asa") functions as the final, somewhat paradoxical, statement on a king whose reign began gloriously in faithfulness but ended in spiritual compromise, yet who still received a burial befitting a monarch.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Asa reigned over the southern kingdom of Judah from approximately 913-873 BC, a period characterized by ongoing political tensions with the northern kingdom of Israel and surrounding nations. The practice of preparing one's own tomb, as Asa did in the [City of David](/2_samuel/5-7 "2 Samuel 5:7 - David Captures Jerusalem and Makes it His Capital"), was a common custom among ancient Near Eastern royalty and wealthy individuals. This act signified prestige, permanence, and a secure resting place, often with provisions for the afterlife. The extensive use of "sweet odours and divers kinds of spices" reflects ancient practices related to honoring the deceased, whether through anointing, embalming, or simply filling the tomb with pleasant aromas to mitigate decay and signify immense honor. The "very great burning" was emphatically not cremation, which was generally abhorrent in Israelite culture (cf. [Amos 2:1](/amos/2-1 "Amos 2:1 - Punishment for Cremation of Edomite King")). Instead, it refers to the ceremonial burning of vast quantities of aromatic spices, incense, and possibly personal effects (like the king's bed or other valuable items) as a profound act of respect, mourning, and purification. This ritual created a fragrant atmosphere during the funeral procession or at the tomb, signifying the king's status and the depth of public grief, a practice also observed for figures like King Saul ([1 Samuel 31:12](/1_samuel/31-12 "1 Samuel 31:12 - Burning for Saul")) and King Zedekiah ([Jeremiah 34:5](/jeremiah/34-5 "Jeremiah 34:5 - Burning for Zedekiah")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles - The History of Judah's Kings") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **divine retribution and blessing**, illustrating how Asa's initial obedience brought peace and prosperity to Judah ([2 Chronicles 14](/2_chronicles/14 "2 Chronicles 14 - Asa's Early Reign and Reforms")), while his later disobedience led to illness and conflict ([2 Chronicles 16:9](/2_chronicles/16-9 "2 Chronicles 16:9 - God's Eyes Roam the Earth")). Secondly, it underscores the **paramount importance of unwavering trust in God**, contrasting Asa's early reliance on the Lord with his later dependence on human wisdom and power, particularly his reliance on physicians rather than God for healing ([2 Chronicles 16:12](/2_chronicles/16-12 "2 Chronicles 16:12 - Asa Relies on Physicians")). Thirdly, the elaborate burial, despite his documented failings, speaks to the **complexities of human character and legacy**, acknowledging the enduring respect for a king who had, for a significant portion of his reign, served God faithfully and initiated widespread reforms. Finally, it illustrates the **cultural significance of funeral rites** in ancient Israel, emphasizing the importance of honor and remembrance for deceased monarchs, even when their lives ended with a mixed spiritual record.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sweet Odours (Hebrew, _besem'_ - H1314):** This term refers to fragrance, spicery, or balsam. Its use here indicates the presence of highly aromatic and valuable substances, likely costly perfumes, incense, or spices. The inclusion of "sweet odours" in Asa's burial underscores the lavishness and honor bestowed upon him, as such materials were expensive and typically reserved for royalty or significant religious rituals, signifying reverence and the desire to create a pleasant, perhaps even sacred, atmosphere around the deceased.
* **Apothecaries' Art (Hebrew, _mirqachath'_ - H4842):** This word denotes an aromatic unguent or ointment, often prepared by a perfumer or compounder. The phrase "prepared by the apothecaries' art" (which includes the Hebrew _maʻăseh_ H4639, "work" or "art") emphasizes the specialized skill and craftsmanship involved in creating these aromatic preparations. It indicates that the spices and perfumes were not merely raw materials but meticulously compounded substances, highlighting the high quality and deliberate nature of the funeral preparations, further accentuating the immense honor accorded to King Asa.
* **Burning (Hebrew, _sᵉrêphâh'_ - H8316):** While literally meaning "cremation" or "conflagration," in this specific context, particularly when combined with "very great" (Hebrew, _mᵉʼôd gâdôwl_ - H3966, H1419), it refers to a ceremonial burning of a vast quantity of aromatic spices, incense, and possibly the king's personal effects (such as his bed or other valuable items). This was not the burning of the body, which was generally abhorrent in Israelite culture. Instead, this "very great burning" was a profound public display of honor, mourning, and reverence for the deceased monarch, creating a significant amount of fragrant smoke and serving as a powerful visual and olfactory testament to his status and the collective respect of his people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David":** This clause highlights King Asa's foresight and preparation for his own death, a common practice among ancient royalty and wealthy individuals to ensure a dignified and permanent resting place. Being buried "in the city of David" (Jerusalem) signifies a royal burial site, connecting him directly to the lineage of David and the heart of the kingdom, reinforcing his status and legitimate claim to the throne, despite his later spiritual missteps.
* **"and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds [of spices] prepared by the apothecaries' art":** This detailed description underscores the lavishness and immense care taken in Asa's funeral. The "bed" likely refers to a funeral bier or a specially prepared resting place within the tomb. The "sweet odours and divers kinds [of spices]" were not merely for preservation but were a costly and elaborate display of honor, indicative of royal wealth and the profound respect accorded to the king. The specific mention of "apothecaries' art" further emphasizes the specialized skill, expense, and meticulousness involved in these preparations, signifying the highest level of tribute.
* **"and they made a very great burning for him":** This final phrase describes the ceremonial conflagration of a large quantity of spices and perhaps other valuable materials, creating a vast amount of fragrant smoke. This act, as discussed in the "Key Word Analysis," was a significant public display of mourning and honor. It was a final, grand tribute to a king who, despite his flaws, had a long and impactful reign, serving as a powerful visual and olfactory testament to his status and the collective respect of his people.

#### Literary Devices
The account of Asa's burial in [2 Chronicles 16:14](/2_chronicles/16-14 "2 Chronicles 16:14 - The Burial of King Asa") employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound meaning and impact. **Symbolism** is prominent, as the meticulously prepared sepulchre, the costly spices, and the "very great burning" all powerfully symbolize the king's royal status, the enduring respect for his office, and the collective memory of his earlier, more faithful reign. The detailed description of these elaborate funeral rites serves as a form of **emphasis**, highlighting the extraordinary honor bestowed upon Asa, perhaps in stark **contrast** to the narrative of his spiritual decline that immediately precedes this verse. This contrast creates a poignant tension, where the outward display of royal honor coexists with an underlying narrative of spiritual failure and a lack of ultimate trust in God. Furthermore, the phrase "very great burning" could be interpreted as a form of **hyperbole** or **amplification**, underscoring the immense scale and significance of the tribute, transcending a mere factual report to convey the emotional and cultural weight of the event. The narrative subtly uses **irony** as well, in that such a grand earthly send-off follows a life that ended with a pronounced spiritual failing, prompting the reader to ponder the true measure of a king's legacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The burial of King Asa, as described in [2 Chronicles 16:14](/2_chronicles/16-14 "2 Chronicles 16:14 - The Burial of King Asa"), serves as a profound theological statement on the complexities of human faithfulness and God's enduring covenant with His people. While Asa's later life was tragically marked by a decline in trust in the Lord, culminating in reliance on human wisdom and medicine, his grand burial reflects the enduring respect for his initial fervent devotion and the significant religious reforms he instituted. This passage reminds us that even those who begin well can falter, yet God's people often remember the positive contributions of a leader, even when acknowledging their weaknesses. It also subtly points to the sobering reality that earthly honors, however great or lavish, cannot atone for spiritual failings or replace genuine, consistent trust in God. The account thus invites a deep reflection on the entirety of a life lived, emphasizing the ultimate importance of a consistent walk with God over outward displays of prestige or temporal power.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Psalm 146:3-5](/psalms/146-3-5 "Psalm 146:3-5 - Do Not Put Your Trust in Princes")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of King Asa's life, culminating in his elaborate burial, offers a powerful and sobering lesson for believers today, challenging us to consider the entirety of our spiritual journey, not just its beginnings. Asa started with great zeal and faithfulness, purging idolatry and leading Judah in a significant revival, earning divine favor and extended periods of peace. Yet, in his later years, he allowed fear, pride, and self-reliance to creep in, leading him to trust in human alliances and physicians more than the sovereign Lord who had previously delivered him from overwhelming odds. This serves as a vital reminder that spiritual vigilance and perseverance are lifelong endeavors. We are called to continually seek God's counsel, to trust Him implicitly in all circumstances—especially during times of adversity, illness, or perceived weakness—and to resist the temptation to rely solely on human wisdom or resources. While the world may honor outward achievements and status, God ultimately values a heart fully devoted to Him, a consistent walk of faith, and unwavering obedience. Our ultimate legacy should be defined not by the grandeur of our earthly departure, but by the consistent faithfulness of our walk with God throughout our lives, a life lived in humble dependence on His grace and power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does King Asa's life, particularly his later years, challenge my understanding of consistent faith and unwavering reliance on God?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I tempted to rely on human wisdom, personal resources, or my own control rather than fully trusting in the Lord?**
* **What does Asa's elaborate burial, despite his spiritual decline, teach me about the nature of human honor versus divine approval and true spiritual legacy?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that consistently seeks the Lord's counsel, healing, and provision first, even when conventional wisdom or seemingly effective worldly solutions are readily available?**

### FAQ
**Was the "very great burning" a form of cremation for King Asa's body?**

Answer: No, the "very great burning" (Hebrew: _sᵉrêphâh_) mentioned in [2 Chronicles 16:14](/2_chronicles/16-14 "2 Chronicles 16:14 - King Asa's Burial") was not the cremation of King Asa's body. Cremation was generally abhorrent in ancient Israelite culture, typically viewed as a pagan practice or a severe form of punishment (e.g., [Amos 2:1](/amos/2-1 "Amos 2:1 - Punishment for Cremation")). Instead, this "burning" refers to a ceremonial conflagration of a large quantity of aromatic spices, perfumes, and possibly personal effects (like the king's bed or other valuable items). This act would have created a significant amount of fragrant smoke, serving as a profound public display of honor, mourning, and reverence for the deceased king. It was a practice reserved for monarchs and highly esteemed individuals, signifying their status and the depth of collective respect.

**Why did King Asa receive such an honorable and elaborate burial despite his later spiritual failings?**

Answer: King Asa's honorable and elaborate burial, despite his spiritual decline in later years, likely reflects several significant factors. Firstly, he had a long and initially very successful reign, marked by significant religious reforms, the purging of idolatry, and military victories directly attributed to his early faithfulness to God (see [2 Chronicles 14](/2_chronicles/14 "2 Chronicles 14 - Asa's Early Reign and Reforms")). His early accomplishments and the stability and prosperity he brought to Judah would have earned him lasting respect and a strong legacy. Secondly, he was a king, and royal burials were typically elaborate affairs, regardless of every detail of a monarch's personal piety or later missteps. The deeply ingrained custom and expectation for a king's interment would have dictated a grand ceremony. Thirdly, the narrative in Chronicles often highlights the consequences of both obedience and disobedience, but it also acknowledges the complexities of human character and the full scope of a ruler's impact. While his later actions were indeed rebuked by the prophet Hanani, the overall legacy of his reign, particularly its strong and faithful beginning, still warranted a burial befitting a descendant of David and a king of Judah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The elaborate burial of King Asa, marked by costly spices, a self-prepared sepulchre, and a "very great burning" of honor, subtly points forward to the ultimate King whose death and burial would be infinitely more significant and eternally redemptive. While Asa's spices were meant to honor a flawed earthly monarch and mitigate the stench of decay, they foreshadow the anointing of Jesus, the true King, whose body was prepared for burial with an immense quantity of costly myrrh and aloes by Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea ([John 19:39-40](/john/19-39-40 "John 19:39-40 - Jesus' Burial with Spices")). Unlike Asa, whose reign ended in spiritual compromise and a lack of trust in God, Jesus' death was not a failure but the triumphant culmination of perfect obedience to His Father's will, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God for our sins ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). The "very great burning" for Asa, a symbol of earthly honor and a people's mourning, pales in comparison to the spiritual reality of Christ's singular, perfect sacrifice, which truly takes away the sin of the world and brings eternal life ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice to Put Away Sin")). Asa's sepulchre was a prepared resting place for a human king, but Jesus' tomb, though sealed, could not hold Him, for He is the King of Glory who conquered death and rose again on the third day, offering true hope beyond the grave and the promise of resurrection life to all who believe ([Matthew 28:6](/matthew/28-6 "Matthew 28:6 - He Is Not Here, For He Has Risen!")). Thus, Asa's grand but ultimately limited burial serves as a faint echo and a poignant contrast to the immeasurable honor and eternal significance of Christ's death, burial, and glorious resurrection, which secured a perfect and everlasting reign for all who put their faith in Him.

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 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.