2 Chronicles 24:16

KJV

And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they buried {H6912} him in the city {H5892} of David {H1732} among the kings {H4428}, because he had done {H6213} good {H2896} in Israel {H3478}, both toward God {H430}, and toward his house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They buried him in the City of David among the kings, because he had served Isra'el, God and his house well.

Berean Standard Bible

And Jehoiada was buried with the kings in the City of David, because he had done what was good in Israel for God and His temple.

American Standard Version

And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, and toward God and his house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 24:16 records the extraordinary honor bestowed upon Jehoiada, the high priest, who, despite not being of royal lineage, was buried among the kings in the City of David. This unprecedented tribute was granted because of his profound and unwavering faithfulness in Israel, demonstrated through his dedicated service to God and his steadfast loyalty to the Davidic dynasty and the temple, which he diligently restored.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding statement on the life and legacy of Jehoiada, immediately following the account of his death at the venerable age of 130. It stands as a powerful testament to his pivotal role in Judah's history, particularly during the early reign of King Joash. Jehoiada's story begins with his courageous act of rescuing the infant [Joash from the murderous purge of Athaliah](/2_chronicles/22-11 "2 Chronicles 22:11 - Jehoash Rescued") and hiding him in the temple for six years. He then masterminded the [coup that overthrew the usurper Athaliah](/2_chronicles/23 "2 Chronicles 23 - Athaliah Overthrown and Joash Crowned") and restored the rightful Davidic king to the throne. Under Jehoiada's guidance, [King Joash "did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest"](/2_chronicles/24-2 "2 Chronicles 24:2 - Joash's Righteous Reign Under Jehoiada"). This period included a significant [restoration of the temple](/2_chronicles/24-4 "2 Chronicles 24:4 - Joash's Desire to Restore the Temple") and a national spiritual revival. The verse thus marks the end of an era defined by Jehoiada's righteous influence, setting the stage for the subsequent decline of Joash's reign after the priest's death.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Burial within the City of David, specifically among the royal tombs, was an exclusive privilege reserved for the kings of Judah who were deemed righteous and honorable. It symbolized not only their status but also the nation's recognition of their faithful rule and divine favor. For Jehoiada, a high priest and not a king, to receive such an honor was truly exceptional, highlighting the immense esteem in which he was held by the people and, implicitly, by God. This honor transcended typical social and political hierarchies, underscoring the cultural value placed on integrity, courage, and faithful service to both God and the kingdom. His actions, such as preserving the Davidic line and restoring the temple, were seen as foundational to the stability and spiritual well-being of the nation, earning him a place alongside the most revered monarchs.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in Chronicles. Firstly, it emphasizes the theme of **divine recognition and reward for faithfulness**. Jehoiada's burial among the kings, an unprecedented honor, underscores that true greatness is not solely defined by birthright or position but by one's devotion and deeds "toward God, and toward his house." Secondly, it highlights the **impact of godly leadership and mentorship**. Jehoiada's unwavering guidance was instrumental in shaping [King Joash's early righteous reign](/2_chronicles/24-2 "2 Chronicles 24:2 - Joash's Righteousness Under Jehoiada") and in spearheading the [temple restoration](/2_chronicles/24-13 "2 Chronicles 24:13 - Temple Restoration Completed"), demonstrating how one individual's integrity can profoundly influence a nation's spiritual trajectory. Thirdly, the phrase "both toward God, and toward his house" articulates a holistic understanding of **faithful service**, encompassing both direct worship and obedience to God, and practical care for His people and institutions (the temple, the Davidic covenant). This dual commitment reflects the Chronicler's emphasis on a covenantal relationship that impacts all spheres of life, leading to blessings and honor, as promised in [1 Samuel 2:30](/1_samuel/2-30 "1 Samuel 2:30 - Those Who Honor Me I Will Honor").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôḇ_):** This word carries a rich semantic range beyond mere moral uprightness. It signifies that which is beneficial, pleasing, right, proper, excellent, and advantageous. In Jehoiada's context, his actions were not just morally correct but profoundly salutary and restorative for Israel. He brought about a state of flourishing, stability, and spiritual health, making things "good" in the broadest sense for the nation, its worship, and its leadership.
* **House (Hebrew, _bayiṯ_):** This term is multifaceted, referring both to the physical temple ("God's house") and to the royal dynasty ("his house," i.e., the house of David). Jehoiada's "good" was directed toward both: he meticulously restored the dilapidated temple, ensuring proper worship, and he courageously preserved the Davidic lineage by protecting Joash, thereby safeguarding the royal house and the covenant promises associated with it. This dual meaning underscores the comprehensive nature of his faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they buried him in the city of David among the kings":** This clause describes the unprecedented honor bestowed upon Jehoiada. The "city of David" refers to Jerusalem, specifically the royal burial grounds on Mount Zion. Burial among the kings was a privilege reserved for righteous monarchs, signifying national recognition of exceptional service and divine favor. For a high priest to receive this honor highlights his unique and indispensable contribution to the nation's well-being and spiritual integrity, elevating him beyond his priestly office to a status akin to the most revered kings.
* **"because he had done good in Israel":** This phrase provides the explicit reason for the extraordinary burial. The "good" (Hebrew: _ṭôḇ_) Jehoiada performed was not a single act but a lifetime of beneficial and righteous deeds that had a profound positive impact on the entire nation. This includes his courage in preserving the Davidic line, his leadership in overthrowing Athaliah, his guidance of King Joash, and his zealous efforts in restoring the temple and true worship. This clause establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship between his actions and the honor he received.
* **"both toward God, and toward his house":** This final clause specifies the two primary spheres of Jehoiada's "good" deeds, demonstrating the holistic nature of his faithfulness. "Toward God" refers to his zealous commitment to true worship, eradicating idolatry, and ensuring the proper functioning and restoration of the temple. "Toward his house" refers to his loyalty and service to the Davidic dynasty (the "house" of David), ensuring its continuity and stability, which was crucial for the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. This dual focus illustrates a life fully dedicated to divine purposes and the well-being of God's people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to underscore Jehoiada's significance. **Honorific Burial** is the central device, as the unprecedented act of burying a non-king among the kings serves as a powerful symbolic gesture of national gratitude and divine approval. This exceptional burial highlights Jehoiada's unique status and the profound impact of his life. The phrase "because he had done good" employs **Cause and Effect**, directly linking Jehoiada's righteous actions to the extraordinary honor he received, reinforcing the biblical principle that faithfulness is rewarded. Finally, the concluding phrase "both toward God, and toward his house" utilizes **Parallelism** (specifically, a type of antithetical or complementary parallelism) to comprehensively describe the two main dimensions of Jehoiada's "good" deeds, emphasizing the breadth and completeness of his service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jehoiada's burial among the kings serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of true greatness and divine recognition. It transcends the typical markers of status and lineage, affirming that God honors those who faithfully serve Him and His purposes, regardless of their official title or position. His life demonstrates that genuine leadership, marked by integrity and a commitment to righteousness, leaves a lasting legacy that is valued by both God and humanity. This extraordinary honor underscores the biblical truth that a life lived in obedience to God and for the good of His people is never in vain, and that such faithfulness often receives tangible recognition, even in this life, as a foretaste of eternal reward. It reminds us that our "good deeds" are not merely moral acts but acts of worship and service that contribute to the flourishing of God's kingdom on earth.

* [1 Samuel 2:30](/1_samuel/2-30 "1 Samuel 2:30 - Those Who Honor Me I Will Honor")
* [Proverbs 22:4](/proverbs/22-4 "Proverbs 22:4 - The Reward of Humility and the Fear of the Lord")
* [Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jehoiada's life and the honor he received offer profound lessons for contemporary believers. His story challenges us to consider what truly constitutes a life well-lived in God's eyes. It's not about accumulating power or prestige, but about faithful stewardship of the opportunities God gives us, whether in positions of overt leadership or behind-the-scenes influence. Jehoiada's commitment "both toward God, and toward his house" calls us to a holistic faith that impacts every sphere: our personal devotion, our engagement with the church (God's "house" today), and our contributions to society. We are encouraged to be courageous in standing for truth, diligent in restoring what is broken, and committed to mentoring the next generation in righteousness. His legacy reminds us that a life of integrity and selfless service, even if seemingly unnoticed by the world, is profoundly valued by God and can leave an indelible mark for good, inspiring future generations to pursue similar faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Jehoiada's exceptional burial teach us about God's values versus the world's values regarding greatness and honor?**
* **In what specific ways can I, like Jehoiada, demonstrate "good" both "toward God" (in my personal worship and obedience) and "toward His house" (the church and my community)?**
* **Who are the "Joashes" in my life—those I have an opportunity to mentor, guide, or influence toward righteousness? How can I be more intentional in that role?**
* **How does the promise of being honored for doing good, even if not in a grand public way, encourage my perseverance in quiet acts of faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jehoiada buried among the kings when he was not a king?**

Answer: Jehoiada's burial among the kings was an extraordinary and unprecedented honor, signaling the immense respect and gratitude the nation held for him. Typically, this privilege was reserved for righteous kings of Judah. However, Jehoiada's actions were so pivotal and beneficial to the kingdom that he was deemed worthy of this unique distinction. He not only preserved the Davidic royal line by saving the infant [Joash from Athaliah's purge](/2_chronicles/22-11 "2 Chronicles 22:11 - Joash's Rescue"), but he also orchestrated the [restoration of the legitimate monarchy](/2_chronicles/23 "2 Chronicles 23 - Jehoiada's Coup and Joash's Coronation") and led a significant spiritual revival, including the [repair of the temple](/2_chronicles/24-13 "2 Chronicles 24:13 - Temple Restoration"). His faithfulness and courageous service were considered so vital to the very existence and spiritual health of Judah that he was honored as if he were a king, underscoring that true greatness in God's eyes is measured by faithfulness and impact, not merely by title or lineage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jehoiada's extraordinary honor, granted for his faithful service "toward God, and toward his house," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect service of Jesus Christ. While Jehoiada preserved a temporal earthly king and restored a physical temple, Christ, as the eternal High Priest and King, secured an eternal kingdom and built a spiritual temple. Jesus is the true [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus"), whose lineage Jehoiada helped preserve, and through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, He established a new covenant, making possible the reconciliation of humanity to God. His "good" was not merely the restoration of a building but the redemption of humanity, building His "house" – the Church – not with stones, but with living stones, believers who are [built into a spiritual house](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House"). Unlike Jehoiada, whose influence waned after his death, Christ's reign is eternal, and His "good" continues to transform lives and build His kingdom until He returns. The honor bestowed upon Jehoiada points to the infinitely greater honor and glory that belong to Christ, who, [though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility and Incarnation"), ultimately being [exalted to the highest place](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation") because of His perfect obedience and ultimate sacrifice for God and His "house," the redeemed people of God.

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

Hebrews 6:10

For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

2 Chronicles 31:20

And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought [that which was] good and right and truth before the LORD his God.

1 Kings 2:10

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

Nehemiah 13:14

Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.

2 Chronicles 23:1

¶ And in the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, into covenant with him.

2 Chronicles 23:21

And all the people of the land rejoiced: and the city was quiet, after that they had slain Athaliah with the sword.

1 Samuel 2:30

Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed [that] thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.