2 Kings 14:16

KJV

And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jehoash {H3060} slept {H7901} with his fathers {H1}, and was buried {H6912} in Samaria {H8111} with the kings {H4428} of Israel {H3478}; and Jeroboam {H3379} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'ho'ash slept with his ancestors and was buried in Shomron with the kings of Isra'el. Then Yarov'am took his place as king.

Berean Standard Bible

And Jehoash rested with his fathers and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel. And his son Jeroboam reigned in his place.

American Standard Version

And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 14:16 succinctly records the conclusion of King Jehoash's sixteen-year reign over the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This pivotal verse marks his death, burial in Samaria alongside his royal predecessors, and the immediate succession of his son, Jeroboam II, to the throne. It serves as a concise summary of a significant transition point, closing one chapter of Israelite history and opening another, characterized by a new monarch and an evolving political and spiritual landscape.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the account of King Jehoash's reign, which began in [2 Kings 13:10](/2_kings/13-10 "2 Kings 13:10 - Jehoash Begins to Reign"). The preceding narrative details his mixed legacy: though he "did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD" ([2 Kings 13:11](/2_kings/13-11 "2 Kings 13:11 - Jehoash's Evil Reign")), he also experienced divine favor through the prophet Elisha, particularly in his victories against Aram (Syria), fulfilling Elisha's dying prophecy ([2 Kings 13:14-19](/2_kings/13-14 "2 Kings 13:14-19 - Elisha's Final Prophecy to Jehoash")). Immediately before 2 Kings 14:16, the text recounts Jehoash's decisive [victory over King Amaziah of Judah](/2_kings/14-8 "2 Kings 14:8 - Jehoash Defeats Amaziah"), a conflict that resulted in the capture of Jerusalem and the plundering of the temple and royal treasuries. Thus, Jehoash's reign ends on a note of military triumph, yet the verse also serves as a narrative bridge, setting the stage for the lengthy and prosperous, albeit spiritually problematic, reign of Jeroboam II, which is introduced in the very next verse ([2 Kings 14:23](/2_kings/14-23 "2 Kings 14:23 - Jeroboam II Begins to Reign")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Jehoash's reign (c. 798-782 BC) and the subsequent reign of Jeroboam II (c. 793-753 BC) occurred during a relative lull in Assyrian dominance, allowing the Northern Kingdom of Israel to experience a resurgence of power and prosperity. This verse reflects the standard practice of royal succession in ancient Near Eastern monarchies, where the transfer of power from father to son was the primary means of maintaining dynastic continuity and stability. The burial in Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom, signifies Jehoash's legitimate place among the kings of Israel, despite the frequent instability and changes in ruling dynasties that characterized this kingdom. Culturally, the phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common and widely understood euphemism for death, emphasizing the deceased's integration into the ancestral lineage and the cessation of their earthly life, a concept common across many ancient cultures.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several recurring themes within the Books of Kings. Firstly, it highlights the **Mortality of Kings**, underscoring that even powerful rulers are subject to the universal human experience of death, a stark reminder of the transience of earthly authority in contrast to God's eternal sovereignty (cf. [Psalm 146:3-4](/psalms/146-3 "Psalm 146:3-4 - Do Not Trust in Princes")). Secondly, it exemplifies the **Regnal Formula**, a standardized literary device used throughout Kings to mark the end of a king's reign, typically including details of their death, burial, and the succession of their heir. This formula provides a chronological framework for the historical narrative and reinforces the systematic recording of Israel's royal history. Thirdly, the verse signifies a crucial **Transition to a New Era**, as the passing of Jehoash and the rise of Jeroboam II ushered in a period of significant military and economic prosperity for Israel, though this material success would later be critiqued by prophets like Amos and Hosea for its accompanying spiritual decline and social injustice (e.g., [Amos 6:1-7](/amos/6-1 "Amos 6:1-7 - Woe to Those at Ease in Zion")). Finally, it subtly reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty over Human Rulers**, as God's overarching plan for Israel continues to unfold through the succession of kings, regardless of their individual faithfulness or unfaithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slept (Hebrew, _yishkav'_):** This verb, meaning "to lie down" or "to sleep," is used here as a gentle and common biblical euphemism for death. The full idiom "slept with his fathers" (יִשְׁכַּב עִם אֲבֹתָיו, _yishkav im avotayv_) appears dozens of times in the Books of Kings and Chronicles. It conveys the idea of joining one's ancestors in death, often implying burial in a family tomb or ancestral burial ground. It does not necessarily carry a specific theological statement about the afterlife, but rather signifies the peaceful cessation of earthly life and integration into the lineage of the deceased. This idiom softens the stark reality of death, presenting it as a rest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jehoash slept with his fathers":** This clause signifies the death of King Jehoash. The use of the euphemism "slept with his fathers" emphasizes his peaceful passing and his joining of the long line of deceased Israelite kings. It marks the definitive end of his personal rule and life.
* **"and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel":** This part specifies Jehoash's burial place. Samaria was the capital city of the Northern Kingdom, and being buried "with the kings of Israel" indicates a legitimate and honorable burial within the royal necropolis, affirming his status as a recognized monarch of the Northern Kingdom, despite the frequent instability and unfaithfulness of its rulers. It signifies his formal transition from living ruler to deceased ancestor within the royal lineage.
* **"and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead":** This final clause announces the royal succession. It confirms the transfer of power from Jehoash to his son, Jeroboam II, maintaining the dynastic line. This statement is crucial for the chronological progression of the narrative in the Books of Kings, establishing the beginning of the next significant reign in Israelite history.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Most prominent is the **Regnal Formula**, a standardized structural pattern used throughout the Books of Kings to systematically conclude each king's reign. This formula typically includes the king's death, burial, and the succession of his heir, providing a consistent chronological framework for the historical narrative (e.g., "slept with his fathers," "was buried," "reigned in his stead"). The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a classic example of **Euphemism**, softening the harsh reality of death by likening it to sleep. This gentle phrasing avoids direct confrontation with mortality while clearly conveying the king's demise. Additionally, the verse functions as a **Narrative Bridge**, seamlessly transitioning the reader from the account of Jehoash's reign to the introduction of Jeroboam II's rule, maintaining the flow of the historical record and preparing for the subsequent narrative developments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Kings 14:16, though a seemingly straightforward historical record, carries profound theological implications. It powerfully illustrates the **transience of all human authority and life**. Kings, despite their power, wealth, and perceived invincibility, are ultimately mortal and subject to the same end as all humanity. This perspective challenges any tendency to place ultimate trust in human leaders or institutions, redirecting focus to the eternal and unchanging reign of God. Furthermore, the verse underscores **God's unwavering sovereignty over history and human affairs**. Even amidst the often-turbulent successions and unfaithfulness of Israel's kings, God's overarching plan for His people continues to unfold. The death of one king and the rise of another are not random events but part of a divine tapestry, demonstrating that God remains on His throne, orchestrating events according to His purposes, regardless of who occupies an earthly one. This continuity, even through flawed human leadership, points to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

* [Psalm 146:3-4](/psalms/146-3 "Psalm 146:3-4 - Do Not Trust in Princes")
* [Ecclesiastes 1:4](/ecclesiastes/1-4 "Ecclesiastes 1:4 - Generations Come and Go")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The concise record of Jehoash's passing and Jeroboam II's succession in 2 Kings 14:16 serves as a potent reminder of life's fundamental truths. It compels us to consider the brevity of our own lives and the temporary nature of any earthly power, influence, or possession we might acquire. Just as Jehoash's reign, despite its military successes, ultimately concluded, so too will every human endeavor and every life come to an end. This truth should cultivate a spirit of humility and encourage us to invest our lives in that which is eternal, rather than in fleeting worldly achievements. It challenges us to reflect on the legacy we are building—not merely in terms of material gain or temporal power, but in terms of faithfulness to God, service to others, and the impact of our character. The continuity of God's plan through successive generations of flawed leaders should inspire confidence in His enduring faithfulness, prompting us to trust in His sovereign hand even when circumstances seem uncertain or human leadership falls short.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the mortality of kings, as depicted in this verse, challenge our own tendencies to place ultimate trust in human leaders or institutions?**
* **What kind of legacy am I building with my life, and how does it align with God's eternal purposes rather than temporary earthly achievements?**
* **In what ways does the continuity of God's plan, even through the succession of flawed rulers, provide comfort and assurance in our own lives?**

### FAQ
**What does the phrase "slept with his fathers" signify in the Bible?**

Answer: The phrase "slept with his fathers" (or "slept with his ancestors") is a common biblical euphemism for death. It is found extensively throughout the Books of Kings and Chronicles. It signifies that the deceased has passed away and joined their forefathers in the realm of the dead or in the grave. It implies a peaceful end to life and emphasizes the continuity of lineage and the integration of the individual into the ancestral line. While it doesn't necessarily convey a detailed theological understanding of the afterlife, it consistently marks the end of a person's earthly existence and their transition from the living to the deceased.

**Was King Jehoash (Joash) a good king in the sight of the Lord?**

Answer: According to the biblical narrative, King Jehoash of Israel was not considered a "good" king in the sight of the Lord. The text explicitly states in [2 Kings 13:11](/2_kings/13-11 "2 Kings 13:11 - Jehoash's Evil Reign") that "he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD; he departed not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel sin: but he walked therein." This indicates that he continued the idolatrous practices introduced by Jeroboam I, particularly the worship of golden calves at Bethel and Dan. Despite his spiritual failings, Jehoash did experience divine favor in certain military campaigns, notably his victories against Aram, which were granted in response to his partial humility and the prophecies of Elisha ([2 Kings 13:14-19](/2_kings/13-14 "2 Kings 13:14-19 - Elisha's Final Prophecy to Jehoash")). His reign, therefore, presents a complex picture of a king who was unfaithful to the covenant yet still, at times, a recipient of God's mercy for Israel's sake.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The transient reign of King Jehoash, culminating in his death and the succession of his son, serves as a poignant backdrop against which the eternal and perfect reign of Jesus Christ shines forth. Earthly kings, even those granted temporary victories, are ultimately subject to mortality, their power fleeting and their legacies often mixed with spiritual compromise. The "regnal formula" of death, burial, and succession found in [2 Kings 14:16](/2_kings/14-16 "2 Kings 14:16 - Death of Jehoash and Succession of Jeroboam II") underscores the limitations of human kingship. In stark contrast, Jesus is the King whose reign knows no end, whose kingdom is eternal ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Have No End")). Unlike Jehoash, who "slept with his fathers" in death, Christ conquered death itself, rising victorious from the grave ([Romans 6:9](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9 - Christ's Resurrection from the Dead")). He is not merely buried with his ancestors but sits at the right hand of God, exercising all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"); [Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ Seated at God's Right Hand")). The succession in 2 Kings 14:16 points to the ongoing need for a king, a longing ultimately fulfilled not by another fallible human ruler, but by the divine Son of God, who perfectly embodies righteousness, justice, and eternal dominion ([Hebrews 1:8](/hebrews/1-8 "Hebrews 1:8 - God's Son Reigns Forever")). His is the kingdom that will never be destroyed, standing in ultimate fulfillment of all earthly kingships and their inherent limitations ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God'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

Hosea 1:1

¶ The word of the LORD that came unto Hosea, the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel.

2 Kings 13:9

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

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.

Amos 1:1

¶ The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.

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.

Amos 7:10

¶ Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, Amos hath conspired against thee in the midst of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his words.