2 Kings 13:9

KJV

And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria: and Joash his son reigned in his stead.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jehoahaz {H3059} slept {H7901} with his fathers {H1}; and they buried {H6912} him in Samaria {H8111}: and Joash {H3101} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'ho'achaz slept with his ancestors, and they buried him in Shomron. Then Yo'ash his son took his place as king.

Berean Standard Bible

And Jehoahaz rested with his fathers and was buried in Samaria. And his son Jehoash reigned in his place.

American Standard Version

And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria: and Joash his son reigned in his stead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[2 Kings 13:9](/2_kings/13-9 "2 Kings 13:9 - The Death of Jehoahaz and Ascension of Joash") marks a pivotal moment in the tumultuous history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, recording the death of King Jehoahaz and the subsequent ascension of his son, Joash, to the throne. This concise verse signifies not only a dynastic transition but also the continuation of a challenging period for Israel under divine judgment, yet simultaneously hints at the dawning of a new chapter where God's promised, albeit partial, deliverance would begin to manifest through the next generation of leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the narrative of Jehoahaz's reign, which began in [2 Kings 13:1](/2_kings/13-1 "2 Kings 13:1 - Jehoahaz Reigns Over Israel"). The preceding verses detail Jehoahaz's seventeen-year rule, characterized by intense oppression from Aram (Syria) under King Hazael. The Deuteronomistic historian consistently attributes Israel's suffering to their persistent idolatry, specifically "the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin" (cf. [2 Kings 13:2](/2_kings/13-2 "2 Kings 13:2 - Jehoahaz's Evil Reign")). Despite this, [2 Kings 13:4](/2_kings/13-4 "2 Kings 13:4 - Jehoahaz Prays to the Lord") records Jehoahaz's humbling prayer to the Lord, to which God responded by providing a "savior" (likely referring to the subsequent deliverance under Joash and Jeroboam II, or perhaps Elisha's prophetic ministry). Thus, this verse serves as a standard concluding formula for a king's reign, transitioning the narrative to the new monarch, Joash, under whom the promised deliverance would begin to unfold more concretely, particularly through the final prophetic acts of Elisha.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jehoahaz reigned over Israel during a period of significant geopolitical instability and military weakness for the Northern Kingdom. Aram-Damascus, under Hazael, was the dominant regional power, severely oppressing Israel and reducing its military strength to a mere fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen, as detailed in [2 Kings 13:7](/2_kings/13-7 "2 Kings 13:7 - Israel's Reduced Army"). This oppression was a direct fulfillment of the covenant curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") for Israel's unfaithfulness. The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common biblical idiom for a king's death, signifying not only the end of his life but also his joining the lineage of his royal ancestors, a concept found across ancient Near Eastern cultures. The burial in Samaria, the capital city of the Northern Kingdom since the time of Omri (cf. [1 Kings 16:24](/1_kings/16-24 "1 Kings 16:24 - Omri Founds Samaria")), confirms his status as a legitimate monarch of Israel, despite the kingdom's precarious state.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Kings. Firstly, it highlights the **cyclical nature of kingship and the Deuteronomistic theology of retribution**, where the spiritual state of the king and the nation directly correlates with their prosperity or suffering. Jehoahaz's reign exemplifies the consequences of Israel's persistent sin, even as his prayer illustrates a brief moment of humility. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **divine sovereignty over human history and succession**. Despite the human drama of death and dynastic change, God remains in control, raising up and bringing down kings according to His purposes, even using foreign powers as instruments of His judgment or deliverance. Lastly, it emphasizes **continuity and the dynastic principle** within the monarchy, as the throne passes from father to son, maintaining the established order even amidst national decline, setting the stage for God's continued work through the next generation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slept with his fathers (Hebrew, _yishkav im avotav_):** This is a widely used euphemism in the books of Kings and Chronicles for the death of a king, found for both Israelite and Judean monarchs (e.g., [1 Kings 2:10](/1_kings/2-10 "1 Kings 2:10 - David Sleeps with His Fathers")). It is more than just a polite way to say "died"; it carries the connotation of joining one's ancestors in the grave or the realm of the dead, emphasizing the continuity of the royal lineage and the natural, expected end of a king's life. It underscores the transient nature of earthly power and the inevitability of death for all, including those in high office.
* **Samaria (Hebrew, _Shomron_):** The capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, founded by Omri (cf. [1 Kings 16:24](/1_kings/16-24 "1 Kings 16:24 - Omri Founds Samaria")). Its mention as Jehoahaz's burial place signifies his legitimate status as a king of Israel and the central importance of Samaria as the administrative and religious (albeit idolatrous) hub of the Northern Kingdom. Burial in the capital was a customary honor for Israelite kings, indicating their established position within the royal line.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers":** This clause formally announces the death of King Jehoahaz, concluding his seventeen-year reign. The use of the euphemism "slept with his fathers" is a standard formulaic expression in the Deuteronomistic history, marking the end of one king's rule and preparing the reader for the next. It highlights the mortality of even powerful rulers and the transient nature of earthly authority.
* **"and they buried him in Samaria":** This phrase specifies the location of Jehoahaz's burial. Samaria, as the capital of the Northern Kingdom, was the customary burial site for Israelite kings. This detail confirms his royal status and marks the physical end of his presence and rule in the kingdom, signifying the completion of his life's narrative within the historical record.
* **"and Joash his son reigned in his stead":** This final clause announces the succession, identifying Joash, Jehoahaz's son, as the new king. It establishes the continuity of the dynastic line, a crucial element in ancient monarchies. This transition is significant as Joash's reign would see a partial reversal of Israel's fortunes against Aram, fulfilling, in part, the "savior" God promised in response to Jehoahaz's prayer (cf. [2 Kings 13:5](/2_kings/13-5 "2 Kings 13:5 - God Sends a Deliverer")).

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Euphemism**, specifically in the phrase "slept with his fathers," which serves as a gentle and respectful way to refer to death, particularly for a king. This avoids the starkness of "died" and emphasizes a peaceful passing and joining one's ancestors. Closely related is **Formulaic Language**, as this exact phrasing, along with the mention of burial and succession, is a recurring "obituary formula" used throughout the books of Kings to mark the end of each king's reign. This formula provides structural consistency and rhythm to the historical narrative. Furthermore, the verse functions as a crucial **Narrative Transition**, smoothly moving the story from the reign of Jehoahaz to that of Joash, thereby maintaining the chronological flow of the Deuteronomistic history and setting the stage for the events of the subsequent chapters.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Kings 13:9](/2_kings/13-9 "2 Kings 13:9 - The Death of Jehoahaz and Ascension of Joash") encapsulates profound theological truths about the nature of earthly power and divine sovereignty. It reminds us that all human authority is temporal and subject to the ultimate authority of God. Even kings, who wield immense power, are mortal and their reigns are finite. This constant cycle of death and succession underscores the transience of human life and achievement, contrasting sharply with the eternal and unchanging nature of God's dominion. Despite Israel's persistent unfaithfulness and the judgment they faced, God's covenant purposes continued to unfold through successive generations of leaders, demonstrating His enduring patience and commitment to His people, even when they faltered.

* [Psalm 146:3-4](/psalm/146-3 "Psalm 146:3-4 - Do Not Put Your Trust in Princes")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed to Die Once")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief account of Jehoahaz's death and Joash's succession in [2 Kings 13:9](/2_kings/13-9 "2 Kings 13:9 - The Death of Jehoahaz and Ascension of Joash") serves as a poignant reminder of the universal truth of mortality and the transient nature of all earthly power and positions. Whether we are leaders or followers, rich or poor, our time on earth is finite, and our influence, however great, will eventually pass to others. This verse calls us to reflect on the legacy we are building, not in terms of worldly achievements that fade, but in terms of our faithfulness to God and the spiritual impact we have on those around us. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that true security and lasting hope are found not in human institutions or leaders, but in the unchanging sovereignty of God, who orchestrates all of history. Our ultimate trust must be placed in Him, the King who never dies and whose kingdom knows no end.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of death and the transience of earthly power, as seen in this verse, shape my perspective on personal ambition and worldly success?**
* **In what ways do I tend to place my hope or trust in human leaders or systems, rather than solely in God's sovereign plan?**
* **What kind of spiritual legacy am I building for the next generation, considering that my time and influence are finite?**
* **How can the knowledge of God's enduring sovereignty, even amidst human failure and succession, bring me comfort and assurance in uncertain times?**

### 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. It signifies not only the physical passing of a monarch but also his joining the lineage of his royal ancestors in the grave. This idiom emphasizes the continuity of the dynastic line and the natural, expected end of a king's life. It is a standard formula used throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles to mark the conclusion of a king's reign, highlighting the transient nature of human authority and the inevitability of death for all, regardless of their status. For example, it is used for King David in [1 Kings 2:10](/1_kings/2-10 "1 Kings 2:10 - David Sleeps with His Fathers").

**Why was Jehoahaz buried in Samaria?**

Answer: Jehoahaz was buried in Samaria because it was the capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Since its founding by Omri (cf. [1 Kings 16:24](/1_kings/16-24 "1 Kings 16:24 - Omri Founds Samaria")), Samaria served as the primary administrative and royal center for the kings of Israel. Burial in the capital was a customary honor for legitimate monarchs, signifying their established place within the royal line and the kingdom. It confirms Jehoahaz's status as a recognized king of Israel, despite the kingdom's weakened state under his rule.

**What was the overall state of Israel during Jehoahaz's reign?**

Answer: Jehoahaz's reign was a period of severe national distress and humiliation for the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The biblical narrative, particularly [2 Kings 13:1-8](/2_kings/13-1 "2 Kings 13:1 - Jehoahaz Reigns Over Israel"), describes Israel being under intense oppression from Aram (Syria) under King Hazael. This suffering was presented as a direct consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness to God, specifically their adherence to "the sins of Jeroboam" (cf. [2 Kings 13:2](/2_kings/13-2 "2 Kings 13:2 - Jehoahaz's Evil Reign")). God had reduced Israel's military strength significantly (cf. [2 Kings 13:7](/2_kings/13-7 "2 Kings 13:7 - Israel's Reduced Army")), leaving them vulnerable. Although Jehoahaz humbled himself and cried out to the Lord (cf. [2 Kings 13:4](/2_kings/13-4 "2 Kings 13:4 - Jehoahaz Prays to the Lord")), the full deliverance would largely begin to materialize during the reign of his son, Joash.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The cyclical pattern of earthly kings in the Old Testament, with their inevitable deaths, burials, and successions, as exemplified by [2 Kings 13:9](/2_kings/13-9 "2 Kings 13:9 - The Death of Jehoahaz and Ascension of Joash"), powerfully foreshadows the need for a King whose reign would be eternal and perfect. The kings of Israel and Judah, including Jehoahaz, were temporary figures, often flawed and leading their people astray, reflecting the transient nature of all human authority. This constant turnover of earthly rulers, each with their limited impact, points to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who fulfills the promise of an everlasting kingdom (cf. [2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - God's Covenant with David")). Unlike Jehoahaz, who "slept with his fathers," Jesus conquered death, rising from the grave to reign eternally at the right hand of God (cf. [Romans 6:9](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9 - Christ's Resurrection")). His kingdom is not of this world (cf. [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")), nor is it limited by geographical boundaries like Samaria, but extends over all creation. He is the true "savior" that Israel desperately needed, not merely delivering from physical oppressors like Aram, but from sin and death itself (cf. [Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People from Their Sins")). Thus, the passing of Jehoahaz and the rise of Joash, a temporary deliverer, ultimately directs our gaze to Christ, the King of kings, whose reign has no end and whose perfect rule brings eternal salvation and true spiritual flourishing (cf. [Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Christ's Eternal Kingdom")).

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 10:35

And Jehu slept with his fathers: and they buried him in Samaria. And Jehoahaz his son reigned in his stead.

1 Kings 14:13

And all Israel shall mourn for him, and bury him: for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found [some] good thing toward the LORD God of Israel in the house of Jeroboam.

2 Kings 13:10

¶ In the thirty and seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, [and reigned] sixteen years.

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.

2 Kings 14:8

¶ Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face.