2 Kings 14:20

KJV

And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they brought {H5375} him on horses {H5483}: and he was buried {H6912} at Jerusalem {H3389} with his fathers {H1} in the city {H5892} of David {H1732}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They brought his body back on horses, and he was buried in Yerushalayim with his ancestors in the City of David.

Berean Standard Bible

They carried him back on horses and buried him in Jerusalem with his fathers in the City of David.

American Standard Version

And they brought him upon horses; and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 14:20 records the solemn conclusion to the tumultuous reign of King Amaziah of Judah, detailing his posthumous journey from Lachish, where he was assassinated, back to Jerusalem. The verse specifically notes that he was brought "on horses" and subsequently "buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David," thereby affirming his royal status and legitimate place within the Davidic lineage, despite the ignominious circumstances of his death and his preceding spiritual failures. This act of proper royal interment underscores the enduring protocols of the Judahite monarchy and the significance of Jerusalem as the spiritual and political heart of the kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate conclusion to the narrative of King Amaziah's reign in 2 Kings 14, specifically following the account of his assassination. [2 Kings 14:19](/2_kings/14-19 "2 Kings 14:19 - Amaziah's Assassination") describes how a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem forced him to flee to Lachish, where he was ultimately killed. The preceding verses (2 Kings 14:1-14) detail Amaziah's rule, including his initial obedience to the Lord in punishing his father's murderers, his significant victory over Edom, and his subsequent prideful challenge to King Joash of Israel, which resulted in Judah's humiliating defeat and the plundering of Jerusalem. The narrative in 2 Kings consistently concludes each king's account with a summary of their death and burial, often noting their resting place, thus 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's succession in [2 Kings 14:21](/2_kings/14-21 "2 Kings 14:21 - Azariah Succeeds Amaziah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The assassination of King Amaziah in Lachish and his subsequent transport to Jerusalem for burial reflect several historical and cultural realities of ancient Judah. Lachish was a strategically important, heavily fortified city in the Shephelah, often serving as a refuge or a point of defense. Amaziah's flight there indicates the severity of the conspiracy against him in Jerusalem. The phrase "brought him on horses" is significant; it denotes a respectful, royal procession, not a common or dishonorable transport. Horses were valuable and associated with status and military power, indicating that despite his assassination, his loyalists or the new 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](/2_samuel/5-7 "2 Samuel 5:7 - David Captures Zion")). 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, were denied burial there (e.g., [2 Chronicles 21:20](/2_chronicles/21-20 "2 Chronicles 21:20 - Jehoram's Dishonorable Burial")).
* **Key Themes:** The verse, though brief, 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](/2_chronicles/25-14 "2 Chronicles 25:14 - Amaziah's Idolatry")) and his arrogant challenge to Israel. 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. 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
* **Horses (Hebrew, _sûs_):** In ancient Near Eastern contexts, horses were 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. It implies 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.
* **Buried (Hebrew, _qābar_):** This verb simply means "to bury" or "to inter." However, in the context of royal burials, it carries significant weight. The act of burial itself was crucial for the deceased's rest and honor in the afterlife. For a king, a proper burial in the designated royal necropolis was a mark of legitimacy and continuity, contrasting sharply with being left unburied or buried in an unmarked grave, which was considered a great disgrace.
* **City of David (Hebrew, _ʿîr Dāwīd_):** 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 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 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.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they brought him on horses":** This phrase describes the mode of transport for Amaziah's body from Lachish, where he was assassinated, back to Jerusalem. The identity of "they" is not specified but likely refers to loyal officials, family members, or those responsible for maintaining royal protocol. The use of "horses" signifies a formal, dignified, and perhaps swift, royal procession, emphasizing the importance of the deceased and the solemnity of the occasion.
* **"and he was buried at Jerusalem":** This indicates the final destination for Amaziah's interment. Jerusalem was the capital city and the traditional seat of the Davidic monarchy. The act of burial in the capital underscored his status as king of Judah, despite his ignominious death.
* **"with his fathers in the city of David":** This specifies the exact location within Jerusalem where Amaziah was laid to rest. "With his fathers" refers to the lineage of Davidic kings who preceded him and were buried in the royal necropolis. The "city of David" was the sacred and traditional burial site for many of Judah's kings, signifying his legitimate place in the royal line and affording him the honor of a proper royal interment alongside his ancestors.

#### Literary Devices
The brevity of 2 Kings 14:20, concluding the account of Amaziah's reign, employs several literary devices to convey profound meaning. There is a subtle **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 of a royal burial. This contrasts his inglorious end with the honor of his final resting place. The mention of "horses" and "City of David" serves as powerful **symbolism**. "Horses" symbolize royal status and dignified transport, 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. The verse also functions as a **summary statement**, providing a concise and definitive closure to Amaziah's narrative, typical of the Deuteronomistic historian's style in concluding the accounts of kings. This concise narrative, while sparse on detail, is rich in implications, highlighting the importance of proper protocol even in times of political upheaval.

### 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 power. Amaziah's initial obedience gave way to idolatry and arrogance, ultimately leading to his downfall. 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. 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 plan for His people.

* [2 Chronicles 25:14](/2_chronicles/25-14 "2 Chronicles 25:14 - Amaziah's Idolatry")
* [1 Kings 2:10](/1_kings/2-10 "1 Kings 2:10 - David's Burial in the City of David")
* [2 Chronicles 21:20](/2_chronicles/21-20 "2 Chronicles 21:20 - Jehoram's Dishonorable Burial")

### 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 rather than their personal merit. For us, Amaziah's story serves as a powerful cautionary tale: success (like his victory over Edom) can be a greater test than adversity, tempting us to self-reliance 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Amaziah's story challenge our understanding of success and failure, especially for those in leadership positions?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to compromise our faith after experiencing significant success, as Amaziah did after defeating Edom?**
* **What significance does the act of proper burial hold, even for a king who died in disgrace, and what does it tell us about human dignity and the enduring nature of societal structures?**

### FAQ
**Why was Amaziah assassinated in Lachish, and not in Jerusalem?**

Answer: Amaziah was assassinated in Lachish because he fled there to escape a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem. The biblical text in [2 Kings 14:19](/2_kings/14-19 "2 Kings 14:19 - Amaziah's Assassination") 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 the 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](/2_kings/14-13 "2 Kings 14:13 - Joash Breaks Down Jerusalem's Wall")). His earlier turn to idolatry after defeating Edom ([2 Chronicles 25:14](/2_chronicles/25-14 "2 Chronicles 25:14 - Amaziah's Idolatry")) 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"?**

Answer: 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:
1. **Legitimacy:** It affirmed Amaziah's rightful place within the Davidic dynasty, despite the circumstances of his death.
2. **Honor:** It was the most prestigious burial site available to a king, distinguishing him from commoners or those who, due to their extreme wickedness (like King Jehoram in [2 Chronicles 21:20](/2_chronicles/21-20 "2 Chronicles 21:20 - Jehoram's Dishonorable Burial")), were denied burial in the royal tombs.
3. **Continuity:** It underscored the unbroken line of the Davidic monarchy, even when individual kings failed or met violent ends. It was a testament to God's enduring covenant with David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12 - God's Covenant with David")).

### 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. 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](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23 - The Genealogy of Jesus")). Unlike Amaziah, whose death was a consequence of his own sin and the plotting of men, Christ's death was a substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of humanity ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - He Was Pierced for Our Transgressions"), [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")). While Amaziah was buried in the "City of David," a symbol of earthly kingship, Jesus was laid in a new tomb, signifying a new covenant and a new beginning ([Matthew 27:57-60](/matthew/27-57 "Matthew 27:57 - Jesus Buried in a New Tomb")). Crucially, unlike Amaziah, Christ did not remain in the tomb; His resurrection ([Luke 24:1-7](/luke/24-1 "Luke 24:1 - The Resurrection of Jesus")) conquered death and established His eternal, unshakeable reign, a kingdom that will never end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). 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 people into the New Jerusalem, where they will reign with Him forever ([Revelation 21:2-4](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem"), [Revelation 22:5](/revelation/22-5 "Revelation 22:5 - God's Presence in the New Jerusalem")).

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 9:28

And his servants carried him in a chariot to Jerusalem, and buried him in his sepulchre with his fathers in the city of David.

2 Chronicles 26:23

So Uzziah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the field of the burial which [belonged] to the kings; for they said, He [is] a leper: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.

2 Kings 8:24

And Joram slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles 33:20

So Manasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house: and Amon his son reigned in his stead.

1 Kings 2:10

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

2 Kings 12:21

For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles 21:20

Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years, and departed without being desired. Howbeit they buried him in the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings.