2 Kings 15:38

KJV

And Jotham slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jotham {H3147} slept {H7901} with his fathers {H1}, and was buried {H6912} with his fathers {H1} in the city {H5892} of David {H1732} his father {H1}: and Ahaz {H271} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yotam slept with his ancestors and was buried with his ancestors in the City of David his ancestor. Then Achaz his son took his place as king.

Berean Standard Bible

And Jotham rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the City of David his father. And his son Ahaz reigned in his place.

American Standard Version

And Jotham slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 15:38 marks the solemn conclusion of King Jotham's sixteen-year reign over Judah, recording his death and burial in the royal necropolis within the city of David. This verse, a standard formulaic statement of royal succession, simultaneously signifies the end of a generally righteous, albeit imperfect, period for the Southern Kingdom and heralds the commencement of the reign of his son, Ahaz, whose subsequent wickedness would plunge Judah into profound spiritual and political apostasy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the account of Jotham's reign, which began in [2 Kings 15:32](/2_kings/15-32 "2 Kings 15:32 - Jotham Becomes King"). Jotham is presented as a king who "did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did" ([2 Kings 15:34](/2_kings/15-34 "2 Kings 15:34 - Jotham's Righteous Reign")). However, the narrative notes a significant spiritual flaw: "Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burnt incense still in the high places" ([2 Kings 15:35](/2_kings/15-35 "2 Kings 15:35 - High Places Not Removed")). This persistent issue, common among even the "good" kings of Judah, highlights the nation's ongoing struggle with idolatry and syncretism. The verse immediately preceding our text, [2 Kings 15:37](/2_kings/15-37 "2 Kings 15:37 - Syro-Ephraimite War Begins"), ominously mentions the Lord beginning to send Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah against Judah, setting the stage for the tumultuous Syro-Ephraimite War that would define Ahaz's reign in [2 Kings chapter 16](/2_kings/16 "2 Kings 16 - The Reign of Ahaz").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common idiom in ancient Near Eastern royal annals and the biblical books of Kings and Chronicles, signifying a peaceful death and the joining of one's ancestors in the grave. The "city of David" refers to Jerusalem, specifically the royal burial grounds on the Ophel ridge, indicating Jotham's legitimate place in the Davidic dynasty and his honorable burial. This period (8th century BCE) was one of increasing geopolitical instability in the Levant, with the rising power of the Neo-Assyrian Empire casting a long shadow. While Jotham's reign saw some military success and building projects, the seeds of future conflict and Judah's eventual subjugation were being sown. The transition from Jotham, who largely upheld the Mosaic Law, to Ahaz, who would embrace foreign deities and practices, marks a critical turning point in Judah's religious and political trajectory, reflecting the ongoing tension between covenant faithfulness and apostasy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several recurring themes in the Books of Kings. Firstly, it underscores the **mortality of kings** and the **inevitability of royal succession**, even within a divinely established dynasty. Despite their power, earthly rulers are subject to the same finite existence as all humanity. Secondly, it reaffirms the **continuity of the Davidic covenant**, as the throne passes directly from father to son within the promised lineage ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David")). This continuity, even through flawed kings, was a testament to God's enduring faithfulness to His promises. Thirdly, the mention of Ahaz foreshadows a significant **spiritual downturn** for Judah. While Jotham's reign was generally positive, the introduction of Ahaz, who would lead the nation into deep idolatry and disastrous political alliances as detailed in [2 Kings chapter 16](/2_kings/16 "2 Kings 16 - The Reign of Ahaz"), highlights the profound impact of a ruler's character on the spiritual health and destiny of a nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **slept with his fathers (Hebrew, _vayyishkav im-avotayv'_):** This is a recurring formulaic idiom used throughout the Books of Kings and Chronicles to denote the death of a king. It signifies a peaceful, natural passing and the king's burial among his royal ancestors. It does not carry a specific theological meaning about the afterlife, but rather emphasizes the king's legitimate place in the dynastic succession and his honorable end within the royal lineage.
* **city of David (Hebrew, _ʿîr dāwīḏ'_):** This refers to Jerusalem, specifically the royal burial ground located within or adjacent to the ancient city walls. Burial in the "city of David" was reserved for legitimate kings of Judah who died in good standing, signifying their rightful place in the Davidic line and their honored status. It contrasts with instances where kings were not buried there due to their wickedness or ignominious deaths.
* **reigned in his stead (Hebrew, _yimloḵ taḥtāyw'_):** This phrase is the standard succession formula, indicating the immediate and legitimate transfer of royal authority from the deceased king to his designated heir. It emphasizes the orderly and continuous nature of the Davidic monarchy, even as individual reigns come to an end.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jotham slept with his fathers":** This clause succinctly marks the end of King Jotham's life and reign. The idiom "slept with his fathers" is a common biblical euphemism for death, particularly for kings, implying a peaceful and natural end, and signifying that he joined the long line of his deceased royal ancestors.
* **"and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father":** This part specifies Jotham's burial location. His interment "with his fathers" in the "city of David" (Jerusalem) confirms his legitimate succession and honorable status as a king of Judah. This detail reinforces his connection to the Davidic dynasty and the continuity of the royal line.
* **"and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead":** This final clause announces the immediate and legitimate transfer of power to Jotham's son, Ahaz. It signifies the orderly continuation of the monarchy, despite the death of the previous king, and sets the stage for the narrative of Ahaz's reign, which would prove to be a period of significant spiritual decline for Judah.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices typical of the historical narratives in Kings. **Formulaic Language** is prominent, with the repetitive phrases "slept with his fathers" and "reigned in his stead" serving as standardized markers for the end of one reign and the beginning of another. This formulaic structure provides a consistent rhythm to the historical accounts and underscores the cyclical nature of royal succession. There is also an implicit **Juxtaposition** between the generally righteous reign of Jotham (as described in the preceding verses) and the impending wickedness of his son Ahaz, whose introduction here subtly hints at a darker period for Judah. This serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, preparing the reader for the spiritual and political challenges that will unfold in the subsequent chapters, particularly in [2 Kings chapter 16](/2_kings/16 "2 Kings 16 - The Reign of Ahaz").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple historical record carries profound theological weight. It highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, specifically the Davidic covenant, which guaranteed an enduring dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David")). Even as individual kings, like Jotham, pass away, and even as the nation faces the prospect of wicked leadership under Ahaz, God's overarching plan for the Davidic line remains intact. The mortality of Jotham underscores the limitations of human kingship and the need for an eternal, perfect King. The transition also illustrates the principle of generational impact, where the actions and character of one leader can profoundly influence the spiritual trajectory of a nation for good or ill, emphasizing the weighty responsibility of those in authority.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David")
* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3 "Psalm 89:3-4 - God's Oath to David")
* [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Prophecy of Immanuel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief account of Jotham's passing and Ahaz's ascension serves as a powerful reminder of life's transient nature and the enduring impact of our legacy. Jotham, though imperfect, is remembered as one who "did right in the sight of the LORD," leaving behind a relatively positive spiritual and political inheritance. Yet, his death underscores the universal truth of mortality: no position, power, or piety exempts one from the ultimate human experience. This prompts us to consider what kind of legacy we are building, not just for our immediate families but for our communities and the generations to come. Furthermore, the stark contrast between Jotham's reign and the impending wickedness of Ahaz highlights the profound influence of leadership. Whether in a family, a church, or a nation, the character and choices of those in authority have far-reaching consequences, shaping the spiritual and moral landscape. This calls us to pray for our leaders, to hold them accountable to righteous standards, and to recognize our own spheres of influence, however small, as opportunities to live faithfully and leave a positive spiritual imprint. Finally, amidst the ebb and flow of human leadership, this verse quietly testifies to God's unwavering sovereignty and faithfulness, assuring us that His purposes will prevail regardless of human failings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inevitability of death, as seen in Jotham's passing, shape our perspective on life and the pursuit of a lasting legacy?**
* **What lessons can we draw from the contrast between Jotham's generally righteous reign and the impending wickedness of Ahaz regarding the impact of leadership on a community or family?**
* **In what ways does God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even amidst the unfaithfulness of human rulers, encourage us in our own walk of faith and trust in His plan?**

### FAQ
**What does "slept with his fathers" mean?**

Answer: "Slept with his fathers" is a common biblical idiom used in the Books of Kings and Chronicles to describe the death of a king. It signifies a peaceful, natural passing, indicating that the king joined his ancestors in the grave. It does not necessarily imply a specific theological state or belief about the afterlife, but rather emphasizes the king's legitimate place in the dynastic succession and his honorable end. It's a formulaic way to mark the conclusion of a reign.

**Why is the "city of David" significant for burial?**

Answer: The "city of David" refers to Jerusalem, specifically the royal burial grounds located within or adjacent to the ancient city walls. Being buried "with his fathers in the city of David" was a privilege reserved for the legitimate kings of Judah who died in good standing. It signified their rightful place in the Davidic dynasty and their honored status, reinforcing the continuity of the royal line established by King David. It contrasts with instances where kings were not buried there due to their wickedness or ignominious deaths, such as Ahaz's son Manasseh, who was buried in the garden of his own house ([2 Kings 21:18](/2_kings/21-18 "2 Kings 21:18 - Manasseh's Burial")).

**How does Jotham's reign compare to Ahaz's, and what are the implications?**

Answer: Jotham's reign, as described in [2 Kings 15:32-38](/2_kings/15-32 "2 Kings 15:32-38 - Jotham's Reign"), is generally portrayed as righteous; he "did that which was right in the sight of the LORD" ([2 Kings 15:34](/2_kings/15-34 "2 Kings 15:34 - Jotham's Righteous Reign")), though he failed to remove the high places. In contrast, his son Ahaz, introduced in [2 Kings 15:38](/2_kings/15-38 "2 Kings 15:38 - Jotham Dies, Ahaz Reigns") and detailed in [2 Kings chapter 16](/2_kings/16 "2 Kings 16 - The Reign of Ahaz"), was one of Judah's most wicked kings. Ahaz actively promoted idolatry, even sacrificing his own son ([2 Kings 16:3](/2_kings/16-3 "2 Kings 16:3 - Ahaz Sacrifices His Son")), and sought alliances with Assyria rather than trusting God. The transition from Jotham to Ahaz signifies a profound spiritual downturn for Judah, highlighting how the character of a leader can dramatically impact the spiritual and political destiny of a nation, leading it either towards or away from God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly mundane record of Jotham's death and Ahaz's succession in [2 Kings 15:38](/2_kings/15-38 "2 Kings 15:38 - Jotham Dies, Ahaz Reigns") subtly points to the ultimate need for a perfect, eternal King, found only in Jesus Christ. The repeated phrase "slept with his fathers" underscores the inescapable mortality of every human king, even the righteous ones like Jotham. This constant cycle of death and succession, while affirming God's faithfulness to the Davidic covenant, also highlights the inherent limitations and imperfections of earthly rule. Each king, no matter how good, eventually dies, leaving his people vulnerable to the character of his successor. This continuous need for a new king ultimately foreshadows the one King who would never die and whose kingdom would have no end. Jesus, the true Son of David ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")), fulfills the covenant promise of an enduring throne ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David")). Unlike Jotham, who "slept with his fathers," Jesus conquered death itself, rising victorious from the grave ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus From the Dead")). His kingdom is not passed down through fallible human succession but is an eternal and incorruptible reign ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Jesus")). He is the King who perfectly reigns, whose rule is righteous, and who lives forever to intercede for His people, ensuring a kingdom that will never know the end of its King ([Hebrews 7:24-25](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24-25 - Jesus' Eternal Priesthood")).

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

1 Kings 14:20

And the days which Jeroboam reigned [were] two and twenty years: and he slept with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his stead.

Matthew 1:9

And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;

1 Kings 14:31

And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And his mother's name [was] Naamah an Ammonitess. And Abijam his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles 28:1

¶ Ahaz [was] twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father:

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.

1 Kings 1:2

Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat.

1 Chronicles 3:13

Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son,