2 Chronicles 27:9

KJV

And Jotham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jotham {H3147} slept {H7901} with his fathers {H1}, and they buried {H6912} him in the city {H5892} of David {H1732}: and Ahaz {H271} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yotam slept with his ancestors and they buried him in the City of David. Then Achaz his son took his place as king.

Berean Standard Bible

And Jotham rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. And his son Ahaz reigned in his place.

American Standard Version

And Jotham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 27:9 succinctly concludes the righteous reign of King Jotham of Judah, marking his death and burial in Jerusalem, the city of David. This verse simultaneously announces the succession of his son, Ahaz, to the throne, setting the stage for a dramatic and spiritually perilous shift in Judah's leadership and national trajectory, as Ahaz would prove to be one of the kingdom's most idolatrous and wicked monarchs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding summary of Jotham's sixteen-year reign, which is detailed in 2 Chronicles 27:1-8. The preceding verses laud Jotham as a king who "did that which was right in the sight of the LORD" ([2 Chronicles 27:2](/2_chronicles/27-2 "2 Chronicles 27:2 - Jotham's Righteous Reign")), particularly noting his avoidance of the transgression that befell his father, Uzziah, who presumptuously entered the temple to burn incense ([2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16-21 - Uzziah's Transgression")). Jotham's reign was characterized by strength, prosperity, and successful military campaigns, attributed directly to his steadfast walk with God ([2 Chronicles 27:6](/2_chronicles/27-6 "2 Chronicles 27:6 - Jotham's Prosperity")). The formulaic obituary—"slept with his fathers" and burial in the "city of David"—is a standard concluding statement for Israelite monarchs, signaling the continuity of the Davidic dynasty and preparing the reader for the next king's narrative, which in Ahaz's case, is a stark and immediate contrast.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common euphemism for death in ancient Near Eastern and biblical texts, signifying a peaceful end and being gathered to one's ancestors. Burial in the "city of David" (Jerusalem) was the customary resting place for the kings of Judah, emphasizing their connection to the foundational monarch, David, and the legitimacy of their rule within the Davidic covenant. Jotham's reign occurred during a period of relative stability for Judah, following the long and prosperous rule of Uzziah. However, the broader regional context was volatile, with the rising power of Assyria beginning to exert its influence, which would become a significant factor during Ahaz's reign. The spiritual health of Judah often fluctuated with the character of its king, and the transition from a righteous king like Jotham to a wicked one like Ahaz would have profound implications for the nation's relationship with Yahweh and its geopolitical fate.
* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several recurring themes within the Books of Chronicles. Firstly, **Succession and Continuity** are paramount, as the orderly transfer of power from father to son underscores the enduring nature of the Davidic covenant, which promised an eternal dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Secondly, **Mortality and Legacy** are highlighted; the death of the king, even a righteous one, reminds the reader of the finite nature of human life and leadership. This shifts focus from the individual ruler to the lasting impact of their reign—their legacy—and the spiritual inheritance passed to their successor. Jotham's positive legacy sharply contrasts with the impending negative legacy of Ahaz. Thirdly, the verse sets up a powerful **Contrast of Reigns**. The immediate mention of Ahaz, known for his profound wickedness (fully detailed in [2 Chronicles 28](/2_chronicles/28 "2 Chronicles 28 - The Reign of Ahaz")), directly after Jotham's piety, creates a dramatic juxtaposition that underscores the Chronicler's theological agenda: the direct correlation between a king's obedience (or disobedience) to God and the nation's prosperity (or suffering).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slept with his fathers (Hebrew, _shakháv im avotáv_):** This is a widely used biblical euphemism for death, particularly for kings and patriarchs. It conveys a peaceful passing and being gathered to one's ancestors, implying a natural, honored end to life, and the continuity of lineage. It does not inherently denote a specific theological state of the afterlife but rather the cessation of earthly life and integration into the ancestral line.
* **City of David (Hebrew, _ʿîr dāwîd_):** This refers to Jerusalem, specifically the ancient core of the city, often Mount Zion, where King David established his capital and where many of the kings of Judah were buried. Burial here signified legitimate rule and an honored place within the royal lineage, connecting the deceased king to the foundational covenant with David. It underscores the importance of Jerusalem as both the political and spiritual heart of Judah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jotham slept with his fathers":** This clause signifies the death of King Jotham. The use of the euphemism "slept with his fathers" emphasizes a peaceful and natural end to his reign, consistent with the Chronicler's positive portrayal of his rule. It marks the conclusion of his earthly life and leadership.
* **"and they buried him in the city of David":** This indicates Jotham's burial place, Jerusalem, the capital and spiritual center of the kingdom. Burial in the "city of David" was a privilege reserved for most legitimate kings of Judah, signifying his rightful place in the Davidic dynasty and an honorable end to his reign. It also highlights the continuity of the royal burial tradition.
* **"and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead":** This final clause announces the succession of Jotham's son, Ahaz, to the throne. This is a standard formula for royal transitions, ensuring the reader understands the continuity of the monarchy. However, given the subsequent narrative, this seemingly neutral statement carries significant dramatic irony, as Ahaz's reign would diverge sharply from his father's righteous path.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Euphemism**, seen in the phrase "slept with his fathers," which softens the stark reality of death while simultaneously connecting the king to his ancestral lineage. This is a common **Formulaic Language** found throughout the Books of Kings and Chronicles, serving as a consistent obituary marker that signals the end of one reign and the beginning of another, providing structural continuity. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Juxtaposition** by placing the righteous Jotham's peaceful end immediately before the announcement of Ahaz's succession. This subtle literary move sets up a dramatic and thematic contrast that the Chronicler will thoroughly explore in the subsequent chapter, highlighting the volatile spiritual state of the kingdom as it transitions from a king who "prepared his ways before the LORD" to one who would "walk in the ways of the kings of Israel" ([2 Chronicles 28:2](/2_chronicles/28-2 "2 Chronicles 28:2 - Ahaz's Idolatry")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple obituary verse is rich with theological significance for the Chronicler. It underscores the divine orchestration of royal succession within the Davidic covenant, even as it highlights the profound human responsibility of each king. Jotham's righteous reign, marked by prosperity and divine favor, serves as a testament to the principle that obedience to God brings blessing, a central theme in Chronicles. His peaceful passing and honorable burial affirm God's faithfulness to those who walk uprightly. However, the immediate transition to Ahaz foreshadows a period of severe spiritual decline, demonstrating that even a righteous legacy does not guarantee the piety of one's successor. This emphasizes the individual accountability of each leader before God and the ongoing need for the nation to trust in Yahweh, regardless of the king's character. The verse thus subtly points to the broader theological narrative of Judah's spiritual health, which often mirrored the spiritual disposition of its monarch.

* [1 Kings 2:10](/1_kings/2-10 "1 Kings 2:10 - David's Death and Burial")
* [Psalm 90:12](/psalms/90-12 "Psalm 90:12 - Moses' Prayer for Wisdom")
* [2 Chronicles 28:1-4](/2_chronicles/28-1 "2 Chronicles 28:1-4 - The Wicked Reign of Ahaz")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief account of Jotham's death and Ahaz's ascension offers profound lessons for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us of the universal reality of mortality; like Jotham, all human lives, regardless of influence or status, are finite. This truth should prompt us to live with an eternal perspective, diligently stewarding the time and opportunities God has given us, ensuring our legacy is one of faithfulness and righteousness, not merely worldly achievement. Secondly, the stark contrast between Jotham's righteous reign and Ahaz's impending wickedness highlights the immense influence of leadership. Whether in our families, churches, workplaces, or communities, our actions and decisions as leaders (or even as individuals) have far-reaching spiritual and moral consequences. We are called to lead with integrity, seeking God's will and prioritizing His honor above all else. Finally, the unpredictability of succession—a good leader followed by a bad one—underscores the sovereignty of God even amidst human choices. It encourages us to pray for those in authority, recognizing that God's purposes unfold through all circumstances, and to place our ultimate trust not in human leaders, but in the unchanging character and unfailing plan of the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the brevity of Jotham's reign, despite its righteousness, challenge my own perspective on time and legacy?**
* **In what areas of my life am I called to lead, and how can I ensure my leadership reflects a commitment to righteousness and God's will?**
* **Considering the transition from Jotham to Ahaz, how does this verse encourage me to place my ultimate hope and trust in God alone, rather than in human leaders or institutions?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the phrase "slept with his fathers"?**

Answer: The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common biblical euphemism for death, particularly for kings and patriarchs in the Old Testament. It signifies a peaceful and natural passing, implying that the deceased was gathered to their ancestors in the grave. This idiom emphasizes continuity within the family line and the natural cycle of life and death. It does not necessarily convey a specific theological statement about the state of the soul after death, but rather marks the end of an earthly life and the transition of leadership. It is used for many notable figures, from [King David](/1_kings/2-10 "1 Kings 2:10 - David's Death") to Solomon and beyond, often preceding the announcement of their successor.

**Why is it important that Jotham was buried in the "city of David"?**

Answer: Being buried in the "city of David" (Jerusalem) was a significant honor and a mark of legitimate kingship for the rulers of Judah. This practice connected the deceased king directly to the foundational monarch, David, and underscored their rightful place within the Davidic dynasty. It symbolized their proper succession and their esteemed status within the royal line. While some kings, particularly wicked ones, were denied burial in the royal tombs, Jotham's burial here affirms his righteous reign and his honorable standing among the kings of Judah, in stark contrast to the dishonorable end that would befall some of his successors, like Ahaz's grandson, Joash ([2 Chronicles 24:25](/2_chronicles/24-25 "2 Chronicles 24:25 - Joash's Burial")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 27:9 marks the end of a righteous king's reign and the beginning of a wicked one, it subtly points forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. The succession of kings in the Davidic line, though often marked by human failure and spiritual decline, was providentially preserved by God to bring forth the Messiah. Jotham, a king who "did that which was right," foreshadows the perfect righteousness of Christ, who alone lived a life of complete obedience to God ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). Unlike earthly kings who "slept with their fathers" and whose reigns were finite, Jesus, the Son of David, conquered death itself, rising from the grave to reign eternally ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus, the Living One")). The "city of David," where Jotham was buried, is the very city from which the true King, Jesus, would emerge, not merely to be buried, but to offer salvation and establish an everlasting kingdom that will never pass away ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")). Thus, this verse, in its depiction of human succession and mortality, ultimately magnifies the unique and eternal reign of Christ, the perfect King who fulfills all the promises made to David.

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 Kings 15:38

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