2 Kings 15:7

KJV

So Azariah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Azariah {H5838} slept {H7901} with his fathers {H1}; and they buried {H6912} him with his fathers {H1} in the city {H5892} of David {H1732}: and Jotham {H3147} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

So 'Azaryah slept with his ancestors the kings of Isra'el, and they buried him with his ancestors in the City of David. Then Yotam his son took his place as king.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

And Azariah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 15:7 formally concludes the extensive and impactful 52-year reign of King Azariah (Uzziah) over Judah, succinctly recording his death, his burial among the royal ancestors in the City of David, and the peaceful, divinely orchestrated succession of his son, Jotham, to the throne. This verse functions as a concise, formulaic obituary, marking a significant transition point in the Davidic dynasty and the ongoing narrative of Judah's monarchy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding statement for Azariah's reign, which is introduced in [2 Kings 15:1](/2_kings/15-1 "2 Kings 15:1 - Azariah Becomes King of Judah") and detailed further in the subsequent verses. While 2 Kings provides a summary, the parallel account in [2 Chronicles 26](/2_chronicles/26 "2 Chronicles 26 - Uzziah's Reign, Achievements, and Sin") offers a much more expansive narrative of his accomplishments, including military victories, building projects, and agricultural development. Crucially, both accounts highlight his initial righteousness and prosperity, followed by his prideful transgression of attempting to offer incense in the Temple, a priestly duty. This act of presumption led to his being struck with leprosy ([2 Chronicles 26:16-20](/2_chronicles/26-16-20 "2 Chronicles 26:16-20 - Uzziah's Sin and Leprosy")), which necessitated his isolation. Consequently, his son Jotham had already been functioning as regent, governing the kingdom and the royal household ([2 Kings 15:5](/2_kings/15-5 "2 Kings 15:5 - Azariah's Leprosy and Jotham's Regency"); [2 Chronicles 26:21](/2_chronicles/26-21 "2 Chronicles 26:21 - Jotham's Regency")). Therefore, 2 Kings 15:7 is not merely a historical record but the official, formulaic closure to a reign that was both glorious and tragically flawed, setting the stage for the subsequent kings of Judah and Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a deeply embedded biblical idiom for death, particularly for monarchs, signifying a peaceful passing and being gathered to one's ancestral lineage. This expression often implies a natural death rather than a violent one. The burial "in the city of David" refers to the royal necropolis located within Jerusalem, a sacred and honorable resting place reserved for the kings of Judah from the Davidic line. This practice underscored the continuity and legitimacy of the Davidic dynasty, reinforcing the divine promise of an enduring royal line. Azariah's reign, spanning approximately 792–740 BC, was a period of significant stability and prosperity for the Southern Kingdom of Judah, standing in stark contrast to the often tumultuous and short-lived reigns of kings in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the same era. His leprosy, however, carried immense cultural and religious stigma, rendering him ceremonially unclean and requiring his permanent isolation from society and the Temple, which he had profaned. This divine judgment, though severe, did not invalidate his kingship but rather altered its practical exercise, leading to Jotham's regency.
* **Key Themes:** This concise verse encapsulates several profound and recurring themes prevalent throughout the historical books of the Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **continuity of the Davidic covenant**, emphasizing the orderly and divinely sustained succession of kings from father to son within Judah, a stark contrast to the frequent coups and assassinations in Israel. This continuity was vital for the fulfillment of God's promises to David concerning his enduring dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). Secondly, the verse underscores the **mortality and transience of human power**. Regardless of his remarkable longevity, military prowess, or economic achievements, Azariah, like all earthly rulers, ultimately succumbed to death, serving as a potent reminder of human finitude and the temporary nature of all worldly authority. Finally, the verse subtly points to **divine sovereignty** over human history. While appearing as a simple historical record, the fact that Jotham's succession was already established due to Azariah's divinely imposed leprosy, and the unbroken continuation of the Davidic line, implicitly affirms God's guiding hand in the unfolding narrative of His people, even through the flaws, judgments, and transitions of His chosen leaders, ensuring His ultimate purposes are achieved.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slept (Hebrew, _shâkab'_):** This verb, H7901, literally means "to lie down" or "to sleep." In the context of death, particularly for kings, it functions as a common biblical euphemism, indicating a peaceful passing or a natural cessation of earthly life. It does not convey an unconscious state of the soul after death, but rather the physical act of being laid to rest, often implying a non-violent end. Its use here reinforces the formulaic nature of royal obituaries in Kings.
* **Fathers (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** Derived from H1, this word refers to one's ancestors or predecessors. The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a formulaic expression used to denote that a king has died and been laid to rest with the previous monarchs of his dynasty. This emphasizes dynastic continuity and the king's legitimate place within the historical lineage of his royal house, signifying his inclusion among the esteemed dead of his family line.
* **City of David (Hebrew, _ʿîyr Dāvid'_):** This phrase combines H5892, "city," and H1732, "David." It refers specifically to the oldest, fortified part of Jerusalem, which King David conquered and established as his capital ([2 Samuel 5:7](/2_samuel/5-7 "2 Samuel 5:7 - David Captures Jerusalem")). It became the traditional and honorable burial place for the kings of Judah from the Davidic line, signifying their legitimacy, their connection to the covenant promises made to David, and their esteemed place within the royal lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Azariah slept with his fathers;":** This initial clause formally announces the death of King Azariah, utilizing the standard biblical idiom for royal demise. It marks the definitive end of his extraordinarily long 52-year reign, a period notable for its initial successes and later, the tragic affliction of leprosy. The euphemistic use of "slept" conveys a sense of finality and the peaceful cessation of his earthly life, despite the difficult circumstances of his later years, and positions his death within the established pattern of royal transitions.
* **"and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David:":** This part of the verse details Azariah's burial, emphasizing his placement among his royal predecessors in the designated burial ground for Judah's kings within Jerusalem. While the account in [2 Chronicles 26:23](/2_chronicles/26-23 "2 Chronicles 26:23 - Uzziah Buried in a Field of the Kings") notes a slight distinction in his burial plot due to his leprosy ("in the field of the burial which belonged to the kings, for they said, 'He is a leper'"), the core message here in 2 Kings is his inclusion within the royal lineage's resting place, affirming his status as a legitimate king of Judah, despite his affliction.
* **"and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.":** This final clause records the official and seamless transition of power to Azariah's son, Jotham. Given that Jotham had already been serving as regent for many years due to his father's leprosy ([2 Kings 15:5](/2_kings/15-5 "2 Kings 15:5 - Azariah's Leprosy and Jotham's Regency")), this statement confirms the full commencement of his independent reign, ensuring the continuity of the Davidic dynasty without interruption and maintaining stability in the kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device evident in 2 Kings 15:7 is **Formulaic Language**, specifically the **Royal Obituary Formula**. This verse adheres precisely to a repetitive pattern found throughout the books of Kings for recording the conclusion of a monarch's reign: "X slept with his fathers; and they buried him in the city of David: and Y his son reigned in his stead." This formula provides a consistent, concise, and authoritative way to mark the passage of time, emphasize dynastic continuity, and underscore the orderly progression of history within the Davidic line. Another device is **Euphemism**, particularly in the phrase "slept with his fathers," which softens the stark reality of death while simultaneously conveying the idea of a peaceful end and being gathered to one's ancestors. This euphemism maintains a sense of dignity even for a king whose final years were marked by divine judgment. Furthermore, when considering the broader narrative of Azariah/Uzziah, there is an element of **Irony**. Despite his extraordinary power, long reign, and the honor of being buried in the City of David, his final years were overshadowed by isolation due to divinely-sent leprosy, a direct consequence of his pride and transgression. This contrasts his earthly glory and the traditional royal burial with the personal tragedy and spiritual downfall that defined the latter part of his life, yet the formulaic language preserves his royal status even in death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly straightforward historical record of a king's death and succession carries profound theological weight, underscoring the unwavering faithfulness of God to His covenant with David. It demonstrates God's commitment to ensuring a continuous line of kings, even amidst the sin, mortality, and personal failings of individual rulers. The cyclical nature of human leadership, where each king ultimately faces death and is succeeded, serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate, enduring sovereignty of God over all human affairs. Even when a king like Azariah falls short or faces divine judgment, God's larger redemptive plan for His people and the Davidic line persists, pointing towards a future, perfect King. This verse, therefore, is not merely a historical note but a testament to divine constancy and faithfulness in the face of human impermanence and imperfection.

* [1 Kings 2:10](/1_kings/2-10 "1 Kings 2:10 - David's Death and Burial")
* [Psalm 146:3-4](/psalm/146-3-4 "Psalm 146:3-4 - Do Not Trust in Princes")
* [Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Word of God Stands Forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief account of Azariah's death and Jotham's succession in 2 Kings 15:7 offers timeless lessons for all believers, confronting us with the undeniable reality of human mortality. It reminds us that no amount of power, prestige, or longevity can exempt us from the universal decree of death. This truth should not evoke fear, but rather a profound sense of urgency and purpose, prompting us to live wisely, steward our time and talents faithfully, and prioritize what truly matters in light of eternity. Furthermore, the seamless transition of leadership, despite Azariah's personal failings and divine judgment, speaks to the enduring nature of God's overarching plan. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereign hand, knowing that He works through human leaders, even imperfect ones, to accomplish His purposes. It also challenges us to consider the legacy we are building, not just for our immediate successors, but for the generations to come, recognizing that our lives contribute to a larger narrative directed by God. Our ultimate hope is not in the longevity of earthly rulers or institutions, but in the eternal reign of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the brevity of life, even for powerful rulers, shape our perspective on what truly matters and how we prioritize our time and resources?**
* **What kind of spiritual legacy are we actively building for those who will follow us, whether in our families, churches, or communities, in light of our own mortality?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over leadership transitions encourage us when faced with changes or uncertainties in authority, whether in secular or spiritual spheres?**

### FAQ
**Who was Azariah/Uzziah, and why was his reign significant?**

Answer: Azariah, more commonly known as Uzziah, was a king of Judah who reigned for an exceptionally long period of 52 years (c. 792–740 BC), making him one of the longest-reigning monarchs in Judah's history. His reign was initially marked by great success, military victories, extensive building projects, and economic prosperity for Judah ([2 Chronicles 26:1-15](/2_chronicles/26-1-15 "2 Chronicles 26:1-15 - Uzziah's Achievements")). However, his later years were tragically marred by pride and presumption when he attempted to offer incense in the Temple, a sacred duty reserved exclusively for the priests. For this grave sin, God struck him with leprosy, which led to his isolation until his death, with his son Jotham serving as regent ([2 Kings 15:5](/2_kings/15-5 "2 Kings 15:5 - Azariah's Leprosy and Jotham's Regency")). His reign is significant because it represents a period of strength and flourishing for Judah, yet also serves as a profound cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and disobedience, even for those greatly blessed and used by God.

**What does "slept with his fathers" mean in the Bible?**

Answer: The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common biblical idiom or euphemism used throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Kings and Chronicles, to indicate that a king has died. It does not imply a literal sleep of the soul or an unconscious state after death. Rather, it signifies a peaceful passing and being gathered to one's ancestors or predecessors in the grave. This formulaic expression emphasizes the continuity of the royal lineage and the king's place within the dynastic succession, highlighting that he has joined the deceased monarchs of his house. It is a respectful and common way of recording the end of a reign and the beginning of the next, often used for kings who died a natural death rather than violently.

**Why is the "city of David" important for royal burials?**

Answer: The "city of David" refers to the oldest and most fortified part of Jerusalem, the Jebusite city that King David conquered and established as his capital ([2 Samuel 5:7](/2_samuel/5-7 "2 Samuel 5:7 - David Captures Jerusalem")). It became the spiritual and political heart of the Kingdom of Judah. For the kings of Judah from the Davidic line, being buried "in the city of David" signified a place of immense honor and legitimacy. It was the traditional royal necropolis, connecting each deceased king to the covenant promises made to David and reinforcing the continuity and divine sanction of the Davidic dynasty. While Azariah (Uzziah) was buried in a slightly separate plot within the royal burial grounds due to his leprosy, the phrase still indicates his inclusion within the honored resting place of the kings of Judah, affirming his legitimate status as a descendant of David and his place in the royal lineage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly mundane record of Azariah's death and Jotham's succession in 2 Kings 15:7 is, in a profound sense, a subtle yet significant thread in the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan, ultimately finding its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The very continuity of the Davidic line, even through flawed kings like Azariah who faced divine judgment, points forward to the promised Son of David whose reign would be eternal and perfect. Unlike Azariah, whose reign ended in isolation and death, Jesus, the true [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), conquered death itself. His "sleep" in the tomb was not a final end but a temporary state before His glorious resurrection, ensuring that His kingdom is an [everlasting kingdom](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Reign and Davidic Throne") that will never pass away ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man's Everlasting Dominion")). The succession from Azariah to Jotham highlights the transient nature of earthly power and the necessity of human succession; however, Christ's reign requires no successor, for [He holds His priesthood permanently, because He continues forever](/hebrews/7-23-25 "Hebrews 7:23-25 - Jesus' Eternal Priesthood"). His burial was not in a royal tomb to signify earthly lineage, but a grave from which He rose, demonstrating His ultimate victory over sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him ([John 14:19](/john/14-19 "John 14:19 - Because I Live, You Also Will Live")). Thus, 2 Kings 15:7, by recording the end of an earthly reign, ultimately magnifies the eternal, perfect, and triumphant reign of our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns forevermore.

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 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.

Isaiah 6:1

¶ In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.