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Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Kings 14:15–22.
Here are three kings brought to their graves in these few verses: - 1. Joash king of Israel, Kg2 14:15, Kg2 14:16. We attended his funeral once before, Kg2 13:12, Kg2 13:13. But, because the historian had occasion to give a further account of his life and actions, he again mentions his death and burial. 2. Amaziah king of Judah. Fifteen years he survived his conqueror the king of Israel, Kg2 14:17. A man may live a great while after he has been shamed, may be thoroughly mortified (as Amaziah no doubt was) and yet not dead. His acts are said to be found written in his annals (Kg2 14:18), but not his might; for his cruelty when he was a conqueror over the Edomites, and his insolence when he challenged the king of Israel, showed him void of true courage. He was slain by his own subjects, who hated him for his maladministration (Kg2 14:19) and made Jerusalem too hot for him, the ignominious breach made in their walls being occasioned by his folly and presumption. He fled to Lachish. How long he continued concealed or sheltered there we are not told, but, at last, he was there murdered, Kg2 14:19. No further did the rage of the rebels extend, for they brought him in a chariot to Jerusalem, and buried him there among his ancestors. 3. Azariah succeeded Amaziah, but not till twelve years after his father's death, for Amaziah died in the fifteenth year of Jeroboam (as appears by comparing Kg2 14:23 with Kg2 14:2), but Azariah did not begin his reign till the twenty-seventh of Jeroboam (ch. 15:1), for he was but four years old at the death of his father, so that, for twelve years, till he came to be sixteen, the government was in the hands of protectors. He reigned very long (ch. 15:2) and yet the account of his reign is here industriously huddled up, and broken off abruptly (v. 22): He built Elath (which had belonged to the Edomites, but, it is probable, was recovered by his father, v. 7), after that the king slept with his fathers, as if that had been all he did that was worth mentioning, or rather it is meant of king Amaziah: he built it soon after Amaziah died.
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Summary
Second Kings 14:20 meticulously records the final, solemn act following the tumultuous reign and assassination of King Amaziah of Judah, detailing his posthumous journey from Lachish back to Jerusalem. The verse specifically notes that he was transported "on horses" and subsequently "buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David." This dignified interment, despite the ignominious circumstances of his death and his preceding spiritual failures, underscores the enduring protocols of the Judahite monarchy, the significance of Jerusalem as the kingdom's spiritual and political heart, and the unwavering importance of royal lineage within the Davidic covenant.
Context
Literary Context
This verse serves as the immediate and concise conclusion to the narrative of King Amaziah's reign within 2 Kings 14. It directly follows the account of his assassination in 2 Kings 14:19, which describes a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem, forcing his flight to Lachish where he was ultimately killed. The preceding verses (2 Kings 14:1-14) detail Amaziah's rule, including his initial adherence to the Lord in punishing his father's murderers, his significant military victory over Edom, and his subsequent prideful and ill-advised challenge to King Joash of Israel, which resulted in Judah's humiliating defeat and the plundering of Jerusalem. The Deuteronomistic historian, who compiled 1 and 2 Kings, consistently concludes each king's account with a summary of their death and burial, often noting their resting place, thereby maintaining a chronological and genealogical record of the Davidic line. This verse, therefore, fits perfectly into the established literary pattern of the book, bridging Amaziah's reign with the subsequent mention of his son Azariah's (Uzziah's) succession in 2 Kings 14:21.
Historical & Cultural Context
The assassination of King Amaziah in Lachish and his subsequent transport to Jerusalem for burial reflect several critical historical and cultural realities of ancient Judah. Lachish was a strategically vital, heavily fortified city in the Shephelah, often serving as a key defensive stronghold or a place of refuge. Amaziah's flight there indicates the profound depth and danger of the conspiracy against him in Jerusalem. The phrase "brought him on horses" is particularly significant; it denotes a respectful, royal procession, not a common or dishonorable transport. Horses were valuable, associated with status, wealth, and military power, indicating that despite his assassination, his loyalists or the newly established regime afforded him a proper, dignified return befitting a king. Burial "with his fathers in the city of David" refers to the traditional necropolis for the kings of Judah, located within the ancient Jebusite stronghold that King David had captured and made his capital (2 Samuel 5:7). This specific burial site was reserved for legitimate Davidic monarchs, signifying their rightful place in the royal lineage and distinguishing them from those who, due to severe wickedness or popular disapproval, were denied burial there (e.g., 2 Chronicles 21:20).
Key Themes
Though brief, 2 Kings 14:20 contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it subtly reinforces the theme of consequences for unfaithfulness and pride. While not explicitly stated in this verse, the preceding narrative clearly links Amaziah's violent end to his idolatry after his victory over Edom (2 Chronicles 25:14). Secondly, the verse highlights the continuity of the Davidic monarchy. Despite the regicide and political instability, the orderly return and proper burial of the king's body underscore the enduring structure and legitimacy of the kingdom of Judah and the Davidic covenant. The act of burial in the "City of David" reaffirms his place in the unbroken line of kings, emphasizing divine faithfulness to the covenant despite human failure. Finally, it touches upon the theme of royal burial rites and honor. Even a king who died under a cloud of conspiracy and unfaithfulness was granted the dignity of a royal burial, emphasizing the importance of proper protocol and the respect afforded to the office, if not always the person, of the king.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
In the ancient Near East, horses were not merely beasts of burden but potent symbols of prestige, power, and wealth. Their use in transporting Amaziah's body from Lachish to Jerusalem indicates a formal, dignified, and royal procession, distinguishing it from a common or dishonorable transport. This suggests that despite the conspiracy and assassination, a measure of respect was still afforded to the deceased king, or that his loyalists ensured he received a proper royal escort for his final journey, befitting his status as a monarch.
This primitive root simply means "to inter." However, in the context of royal burials, it carries profound cultural and theological weight. The act of burial itself was crucial for the deceased's rest and honor in the afterlife, believed to ensure their proper transition. For a king, a proper burial in the designated royal necropolis was a vital mark of legitimacy and continuity, contrasting sharply with being left unburied or buried in an unmarked grave, which was considered a great disgrace and a sign of divine judgment or utter contempt.
This specific designation refers to the ancient fortified city of Jerusalem, particularly the oldest part, which King David captured from the Jebusites and made his capital. It became the traditional and most prestigious burial ground for many of the kings of Judah. Being buried "in the City of David" was a significant marker of a king's legitimate reign and his rightful place within the Davidic dynasty, even if his reign was flawed or ended tragically. It signified an honorable resting place, distinct from other burial grounds, and affirmed his connection to the foundational king of Judah.
Verse Breakdown
"And they brought him on horses"
This phrase describes the dignified mode of transport for Amaziah's body from Lachish, where he was assassinated, back to Jerusalem. The unspecified "they" likely refers to loyal officials, family members, or those responsible for maintaining royal protocol and ensuring a proper transfer of the deceased monarch. The deliberate use of "horses" emphasizes the formal, solemn, and royal nature of the procession, highlighting the importance of the deceased and the gravity of the occasion.
"and he was buried at Jerusalem"
This clause indicates the final destination for Amaziah's interment. Jerusalem was not only the capital city but also the traditional seat of the Davidic monarchy, the spiritual and political heart of Judah. The act of burial in the capital city underscored his status as the legitimate king of Judah, despite the ignominious circumstances of his death, affirming his connection to the throne.
"with his fathers in the city of David"
This specifies the exact, most sacred location within Jerusalem where Amaziah was laid to rest. "With his fathers" refers to the lineage of Davidic kings who preceded him and were interred in the royal necropolis. The "city of David" was the hallowed and traditional burial site for many of Judah's kings, signifying his legitimate place in the unbroken royal line and affording him the highest honor of a proper royal interment alongside his esteemed ancestors, despite his personal failings.
Literary Devices
The brevity of 2 Kings 14:20, serving as the concluding statement to Amaziah's reign, employs several subtle yet profound literary devices. There is a palpable irony in the verse: a king whose reign ended in conspiracy and assassination, largely due to his own pride and unfaithfulness, is nevertheless afforded the dignity and honor of a royal burial. This contrasts his inglorious end with the protocol of his final resting place. The mention of "horses" and "City of David" serves as powerful symbolism. "Horses" symbolize royal status, dignified transport, and perhaps even a final assertion of authority, even in death, while the "City of David" symbolizes the enduring legitimacy of the Davidic covenant and the continuity of the monarchy, despite the regicide and the individual king's failures. The verse also functions as a summary statement, providing a concise and definitive closure to Amaziah's narrative, a characteristic stylistic feature of the Deuteronomistic historian in concluding the accounts of kings. This concise narrative, while sparse on detail, is rich in implications, highlighting the importance of proper protocol and divine order even amidst political upheaval and human imperfection.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The account of Amaziah's death and burial, as summarized in 2 Kings 14:20, offers profound theological and thematic insights. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of spiritual compromise and pride, even for those in positions of immense power. Amaziah's initial obedience to the Lord gave way to idolatry and arrogance, ultimately leading to his downfall and violent end. Yet, the divine covenant with David, promising an enduring dynasty, is subtly affirmed through the very act of his proper royal burial in the "City of David." This demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises, even when human instruments fail or prove unfaithful. The dignity afforded to Amaziah in death, despite his flaws, also speaks to the sanctity of life and the importance of proper human dignity, even for those who have erred. The meticulous recording of royal burials throughout 2 Kings underscores the historical and theological significance of lineage and continuity in God's overarching plan for His people and the unfolding of redemptive history.
Reflection and Application
The quiet dignity of Amaziah's burial, even after a life marked by significant spiritual failure and a violent end, offers a poignant reflection on the human condition and the nature of leadership. It reminds us that even those who fall short of their calling or succumb to pride and unfaithfulness may still be afforded a measure of grace or respect in their passing, often due to their office or the enduring structures of society rather than their personal merit. For us, Amaziah's story serves as a powerful cautionary tale: success (like his victory over Edom) can often be a greater test than adversity, tempting us to self-reliance, idolatry, and spiritual drift. It challenges us to consider our own "end" – not just physical death, but the legacy of our choices and the spiritual trajectory of our lives. Will our lives, despite their imperfections, ultimately point towards faithfulness to God, or will they be marked by compromise that leads to a tragic conclusion? The proper burial of a flawed king underscores that even in human failure, there is a divine order and a recognition of the inherent dignity of human life, prompting us to live lives worthy of the calling we have received, striving for integrity and humility in all circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Amaziah assassinated in Lachish, and not in Jerusalem?
Amaziah was assassinated in Lachish because he fled there to escape a conspiracy against him that had formed in Jerusalem. The biblical text in 2 Kings 14:19 explicitly states, "Now they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem: and he fled to Lachish; but they sent after him to Lachish, and slew him there." This conspiracy likely arose from deep dissatisfaction among his people and officials following his disastrous war against Israel, which resulted in Jerusalem's walls being breached and the temple treasury plundered (2 Kings 14:13-14). His earlier turn to idolatry after defeating Edom (2 Chronicles 25:14) would have further alienated many, leading to the political unrest that culminated in his flight and assassination.
What is the significance of being buried "with his fathers in the city of David"?
Being buried "with his fathers in the city of David" was a highly significant mark of honor and legitimacy for a king of Judah. The "City of David" refers to the ancient part of Jerusalem, specifically the royal necropolis where many of the Davidic kings were interred. This burial location signified several key things:
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The account of King Amaziah's life and death, culminating in his burial in the City of David, points forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, in profound ways. Amaziah, despite his royal lineage and initial successes, ultimately failed due to pride and unfaithfulness, leading to his violent death and a burial that, while honorable, marked the end of his earthly reign. This earthly king's story highlights the inherent limitations and failures of human monarchy and the Davidic line. In stark contrast, Jesus is the true and perfect Son of David, whose lineage is meticulously traced through the royal line in the Gospels (Matthew 1:1, Luke 3:23-38). Unlike Amaziah, whose death was a consequence of his own sin and the plotting of men, Christ's death was a willing, substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of humanity, fulfilling divine prophecy (Isaiah 53:5-6, 1 Peter 2:24). While Amaziah was buried in the "City of David," a symbol of earthly kingship and its transient nature, Jesus was laid in a new tomb, signifying a new covenant and a new beginning (Matthew 27:57-60). Crucially, unlike Amaziah, Christ did not remain in the tomb; His glorious resurrection (Luke 24:1-7) conquered death and established His eternal, unshakeable reign, a kingdom that will never end (Luke 1:32-33). Thus, Amaziah's story, with its blend of royal dignity and human failure, serves as a shadow, pointing to the perfect King whose reign is eternal, whose sacrifice brings true life, and who will ultimately bring His redeemed people into the New Jerusalem, where they will reign with Him forever (Revelation 21:2-4, Revelation 22:5).