2 Kings 13:13

And Joash slept with his fathers; and Jeroboam sat upon his throne: and Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel.

And Joash {H3101} slept {H7901} with his fathers {H1}; and Jeroboam {H3379} sat {H3427} upon his throne {H3678}: and Joash {H3101} was buried {H6912} in Samaria {H8111} with the kings {H4428} of Israel {H3478}.

Yo'ash slept with his ancestors, and Yarov'am occupied his throne. Yo'ash was buried in Shomron with the kings of Isra'el.

And Jehoash rested with his fathers, and Jeroboam succeeded him on the throne. Jehoash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel.

And Joash slept with his fathers; and Jeroboam sat upon his throne: and Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel.

Commentary

2 Kings 13:13 marks a transition in the tumultuous history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, detailing the death of King Joash and the ascent of his son, Jeroboam II.

Context

This verse concludes the reign of King Joash (also known as Jehoash), who ruled Israel for sixteen years (compare 2 Kings 13:10). His time on the throne was significant for his interactions with the prophet Elisha, particularly the dying prophet's instruction to strike the ground with arrows. Joash's failure to strike more than three times famously limited Israel's subsequent victories against their Aramean oppressors (see 2 Kings 13:18-19). Despite this spiritual shortcoming, Joash did achieve some military success, even defeating Amaziah, King of Judah (recorded in 2 Kings 14:8-14). His burial in Samaria, the capital city of the Northern Kingdom, signifies his legitimate place among the kings of Israel.

Key Themes

  • Royal Succession: The phrase "Joash slept with his fathers; and Jeroboam sat upon his throne" is a standard biblical formula for the end of a king's reign and the beginning of the next, emphasizing the continuity of the monarchy despite the passing of individual rulers.
  • Mortality of Kings: Even powerful kings, like Joash who saw some military success, are subject to death. This common biblical idiom, "slept with his fathers," underscores the universal reality of mortality (e.g., 1 Kings 2:10).
  • Transition and Legacy: This verse marks the transition to Jeroboam II's reign, which would become a period of significant prosperity and territorial expansion for Israel, though often accompanied by spiritual decline (see 2 Kings 14:23). Joash's reign, with its limited victories, set the stage for his son's greater achievements.

Linguistic Insight

The idiom "slept with his fathers" (Hebrew: shakab im avotav) is a gentle way of describing death in the Old Testament, suggesting a peaceful passing and joining one's ancestors in the afterlife. It is used consistently across various kings of both Israel and Judah, highlighting a shared experience of mortality regardless of their righteousness or wickedness.

Historical Significance & Application

This short verse provides a vital pivot point in Israelite history. It reminds us that leadership transitions are a natural part of life and governance. For the ancient Israelites, the burial in Samaria, the capital, confirmed Joash's legitimate rule and acceptance among his royal predecessors. For us today, the passage serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate sovereignty of God, who appoints and removes leaders according to His divine plan. It encourages reflection on the legacy we leave and the importance of spiritual obedience, even in moments of perceived success, as seen in Joash's incomplete obedience to Elisha which had lasting consequences for his kingdom.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 11:31

    And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee:

  • 1 Kings 1:21

    Otherwise it shall come to pass, when my lord the king shall sleep with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon shall be counted offenders.

  • 2 Samuel 7:12

    And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

  • 2 Kings 14:28

    Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, and all that he did, and his might, how he warred, and how he recovered Damascus, and Hamath, [which belonged] to Judah, for Israel, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

  • 2 Kings 14:29

    And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, [even] with the kings of Israel; and Zachariah his son reigned in his stead.

  • 1 Kings 2:10

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