TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Kings 15 verses 1–7
This is a short account of the reign of Azariah. 1. Most of it is general, and the same that has been given of others; he began young and reigned long (Kg2 15:2), did, for the most part, that which was right, Kg2 15:3 (it was happy for the kingdom that a good reign was a long one), only he had not zeal and courage enough to take away the high places, Kg2 15:4. 2. That which is peculiar, Kg2 15:5 (that God smote him with a leprosy) is more largely related, with the occasion of it, Ch2 26:16, etc., where we have also a fuller account of the glories of the former part of his reign, as well as of the disgraces of the latter part of it. He did that which was right, as Amaziah had done; like him, he began well, but failed before he finished. Here we are told, (1.) That he was a leper. The greatest of men are not only subject to the common calamities, but also to the common infirmities, of human nature; and, if they be guilty of any heinous sin, they lie as open as the meanest to the most grievous strokes of divine vengeance. (2.) God smote him with this leprosy, to chastise him for his presumptuous invasion of the priests' office. If great men be proud men, some way or other God will humble them, and make them know he is both above them and against them, for he resisteth the proud. (3.) That he was a leper to the day of his death. Though we have reason to think he repented and the sin was pardoned, yet, for warning to others, he was continued under this mark of God's displeasure as long as he lived, and perhaps it was for the good of his soul that he was so. (4.) That he dwelt in a separate house, as being made ceremonially unclean by the law, to the discipline of which, though a king, he must submit. He that presumptuously intruded into God's temple, and pretended to be a priest, was justly shut out from his own palace, and shut up as a prisoner or recluse, ever after. We suppose that his separate house was made as convenient and agreeable as might be. Some translate it a free house, where he had liberty to take his pleasure. However, it was a great mortification to one that had been so much a man of honour, and a man of business, as he had been, to be cut off from society and dwell always in a separate house: it would almost make life itself a burden, even to kings, though they have never any to converse with but their inferiors; the most contemplative men would soon be weary of it. (5.) That his son was his viceroy in the affairs both of his court (for he was over the house) and of his kingdom (for he was judging the people of the land); and it was both a comfort to him and a blessing to his kingdom that he had such a son to fill up his room.
In the book of Chronicles [it is written]: Uzziah “did what was right in the sight of the Lord, just as his father David, and God made him prosper.” “He built” fortresses “and palaces and high towers which were reinforced with iron bolts.” “But when he had become strong, he grew proud; he became an infidel to the Lord his God and entered the temple of the Lord to make the censer-bearers of perfumes smoke. But the priest Azariah went in after him and said to him, ‘It is not for you, king, [to make offerings].’ And the king was angered with the priests and ordered them to be driven out of the sanctuary. But at the same time a leprous disease broke out of the holy place on his forehead.” And when he died, “they did not bury him in the burial field that belonged to the kings, for they said, ‘He is leprous.’ ”He was struck with leprosy because, besides kingship, he dared arrogate priesthood, without remembering what had happened to the people of Dathan and Korah and what had happened to Jeroboam. That is why he received a punishment on a part of his body that was conspicuous. And since no prophet had reproached him, except for the priest Azariah, the gift of prophecy was withheld from [all prophets] until the death of Uzziah. And the bronze bull which they worshiped bellowed and produced a tremendous noise, while blood, ravaging and plagues reigned among the people. And the prophet Zechariah referred to these events when he said, “And you shall flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of King Uzziah of Judah.”
Continue studying 2 Kings 15:7 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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). 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). 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). 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, 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 that will never pass away (Daniel 7:14). 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. 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). 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.