2 Kings 16:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And Ahaz {H271} slept {H7901} with his fathers {H1}, and was buried {H6912} with his fathers {H1} in the city {H5892} of David {H1732}: and Hezekiah {H2396} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This pivotal verse in 2 Kings succinctly records the death and burial of King Ahaz of Judah, marking the conclusion of a reign characterized by profound apostasy and national decline. Employing a standard biblical formula for royal succession, it simultaneously announces the ascension of his son, Hezekiah, whose rule would dramatically reverse his father's policies, ushering in a period of significant spiritual reform and renewed faithfulness to the Lord, thereby signaling a crucial transition from darkness to a glimmer of hope for the kingdom of Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding statement of King Ahaz's narrative, which is meticulously detailed throughout [2 Kings 16](/2_kings/16 "2 Kings 16 - The Reign of Ahaz"). The preceding verses paint a grim picture of Ahaz's extreme idolatry, including the horrific act of sacrificing his own son in the fire ([2 Kings 16:3](/2_kings/16-3 "2 Kings 16:3 - Ahaz Sacrifices His Son")), his ill-advised alliance with the powerful Assyrian Empire against God's explicit counsel ([2 Kings 16:7-9](/2_kings/16-7-9 "2 Kings 16:7-9 - Ahaz Appeals to Assyria")), and his audacious defilement of the Jerusalem Temple by constructing a pagan altar modeled after a foreign one ([2 Kings 16:10-16](/2_kings/16-10-16 "2 Kings 16:10-16 - Ahaz's Damascus Altar")). The abrupt transition to his death and the immediate announcement of Hezekiah's succession functions as a narrative hinge, dramatically shifting the story from a period of profound spiritual decline to the potential for national revival under new, righteous leadership, a theme that is extensively explored in the subsequent chapters, particularly [2 Kings 18](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18 - The Reign of Hezekiah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Ahaz reigned over the Southern Kingdom of Judah from approximately 735-715 BC, a period of immense geopolitical instability dominated by the burgeoning might of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. During the Syro-Ephraimitic War, when Aram and Israel formed an alliance against Judah, Ahaz, despite the prophet Isaiah's divine counsel to trust in God ([Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - Isaiah's Prophecy to Ahaz")), chose instead to appeal to Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria for military assistance. This alliance transformed Judah into a vassal state, obligating it to pay tribute and, more critically, to adopt Assyrian religious practices, which Ahaz enthusiastically embraced, even introducing foreign altars and cultic objects into the sacred Temple in Jerusalem. The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a widespread ancient Near Eastern and biblical euphemism for death, signifying the deceased joining their ancestors in the afterlife. The mention of burial "in the city of David" refers to Jerusalem, the traditional burial ground for the Davidic kings, though [2 Chronicles 28:27](/2_chronicles/28-27 "2 Chronicles 28:27 - Ahaz Not Buried with Kings") adds the crucial detail that Ahaz was not buried in the *sepulchres* of the kings, indicating a subtle but significant posthumous judgment on his unrighteous reign.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes prevalent in 2 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **consequences of unrighteous leadership**, as Ahaz's death closes a chapter of severe apostasy that brought Judah to the brink of spiritual and national ruin. His reign serves as a stark warning against syncretism and disobedience to God's covenant. Secondly, the verse highlights **divine sovereignty in succession**, demonstrating God's continued control over the Davidic line and the destiny of His people, even amidst profound human failure and rebellion. The immediate transition to Hezekiah, who is explicitly described as a righteous king in [2 Kings 18:3](/2_kings/18-3 "2 Kings 18:3 - Hezekiah's Righteous Reign"), introduces the crucial theme of **hope and potential for spiritual renewal**. This dramatic shift emphasizes that God, in His faithfulness, can raise up new leaders to reverse national decline and restore faithfulness, offering a glimmer of light and a pathway to repentance after the deep darkness of Ahaz's rule.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slept (Hebrew, _shâkab'_):** From H7901, a primitive root meaning "to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)." In this context, "slept" is a common biblical euphemism for death, particularly when applied to kings and patriarchs. It signifies a peaceful passing and the cessation of earthly life. For Ahaz, it marks the formal end of his reign and life, concluding a period of intense wickedness and national decline.
* **Fathers (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** From H1, a primitive word meaning "father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application; chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal." The phrase "slept with his fathers" signifies that Ahaz joined his ancestors in death. This idiom emphasizes the continuity of lineage and the natural progression of generations, even for a king whose reign was marked by profound deviation from his righteous forebears like David.
* **Reigned (Hebrew, _mâlak'_):** From H4427, a primitive root meaning "to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne; causatively, to induct into royalty." This term denotes the formal act of assuming kingship and exercising royal authority. Its immediate use after Ahaz's death emphasizes the seamless and legitimate transfer of power to Hezekiah, ensuring the continuity of the Davidic dynasty despite the moral and spiritual chasm between the two kings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ahaz slept with his fathers,"**: This clause formally announces the death of King Ahaz, concluding his twenty-year reign over Judah. The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a standard euphemism for death in the biblical narrative, particularly for monarchs. For Ahaz, this marks the end of a period characterized by profound idolatry, political subservience to Assyria, and severe spiritual decline for the kingdom of Judah, as extensively detailed in the preceding verses of [2 Kings 16](/2_kings/16 "2 Kings 16 - The Reign of Ahaz").
* **"and was buried with his fathers in the city of David:"**: This part of the verse records Ahaz's burial in Jerusalem, which is referred to as "the city of David," the traditional burial ground for the kings of Judah. While this superficially indicates a standard royal burial, it subtly contrasts with the more detailed account in [2 Chronicles 28:27](/2_chronicles/28-27 "2 Chronicles 28:27 - Ahaz's Burial Details"), which explicitly states that he was *not* placed in the "sepulchres of the kings of Israel." This omission, though not directly stated here, implies a posthumous dishonor due to his egregious sins, even as his physical resting place remained within the royal city.
* **"and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead."**: This final clause announces the immediate and legitimate succession of Hezekiah to the throne of Judah. This is a standard formula for royal transitions found throughout the books of Kings. However, in this specific context, Hezekiah's ascension carries profound theological weight, as he is portrayed as a righteous king who would initiate sweeping religious reforms and restore the worship of Yahweh, providing a stark and hopeful contrast to his father's wickedness and ushering in a new era for Judah, as elaborated in [2 Kings 18](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18 - The Reign of Hezekiah").

#### Literary Devices
2 Kings 16:20 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Euphemism**, evident in the phrase "slept with his fathers," which softens the stark reality of death while simultaneously connecting the deceased to their ancestral line. This formulaic language is also a form of **Repetition** or **Formulaic Expression**, commonly used throughout the books of Kings to mark the beginning and end of each monarch's reign, thereby providing structural coherence and a sense of historical progression. However, the seemingly neutral tone of this formula is imbued with **Irony** when considering Ahaz's wicked reign; while he "slept with his fathers," the Chronicler's account ([2 Chronicles 28:27](/2_chronicles/28-27 "2 Chronicles 28:27 - Ahaz Not Buried with Kings")) subtly reveals he was denied full royal burial honors, hinting at divine judgment. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Juxtaposition** by placing the end of Ahaz's dark reign immediately before the beginning of Hezekiah's, a king renowned for his righteousness. This sharp contrast serves as a powerful form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the dramatic spiritual reversal and renewed hope that Hezekiah's rule would bring to Judah, effectively setting the stage for the narratives in [2 Kings 18](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18 - The Righteous Reign of Hezekiah").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 16:20, though concise, is pregnant with profound theological significance, primarily highlighting God's unwavering sovereignty over human history and His steadfast covenant faithfulness, even in the face of profound human unrighteousness. The seamless transition from Ahaz's apostate reign to Hezekiah's righteous rule powerfully underscores the principle that God retains ultimate control over the Davidic dynasty and the destiny of His people. Despite Ahaz's deliberate attempts to lead Judah into paganism and political subservience to foreign powers, God's plan for a righteous king to emerge from David's line remained intact. This verse serves as a potent reminder that periods of spiritual darkness and national decline are not beyond God's redemptive purposes, and that He is fully capable of raising up new leadership to bring about renewal and restoration, demonstrating His enduring commitment to His covenant promises, especially the Davidic covenant.

* [2 Kings 18:3-6](/2_kings/18-3-6 "Hezekiah's Righteousness and Trust in the Lord")
* [2 Chronicles 28:27](/2_chronicles/28-27 "Ahaz's Burial Details and Disgrace")
* [Isaiah 7:10-14](/isaiah/7-10-14 "Immanuel Prophecy to Ahaz and God's Faithfulness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The transition recorded in 2 Kings 16:20 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It serves as a stark reminder that leadership, whether in nations, communities, or churches, wields immense influence over the spiritual health and moral direction of the people. Ahaz's destructive choices plunged Judah into deep apostasy and national peril, whereas Hezekiah's righteous reign brought about a remarkable spiritual revival and national restoration. This highlights the critical importance of discerning, praying for, and supporting righteous leaders who honor God and lead with integrity, for their influence can shape generations. Furthermore, the verse powerfully underscores the enduring truth of God's unshakeable faithfulness. Even when human leaders fail spectacularly, leading their people astray, God's overarching plan and promises remain secure. He is sovereignly able to bring about change and renewal, often through unexpected transitions, turning periods of spiritual decline into opportunities for repentance, reformation, and restoration. For us, this means maintaining unwavering hope in God's ultimate control, actively participating in His redemptive work, and knowing that His purposes will ultimately prevail, and that He can use anyone, even the son of a wicked king, to bring about His good and perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do the choices of leaders, both historical and contemporary, profoundly impact the spiritual and moral well-being of a community or nation?**
* **In what specific ways does this verse encourage us about God's unwavering sovereignty, even when circumstances seem bleak or human leaders are unfaithful?**
* **What tangible role do believers play in praying for and supporting righteous leadership, and how can we actively be agents of spiritual renewal and positive change in our own spheres of influence?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Ahaz being buried "in the city of David" but not "in the sepulchres of the kings"?**

Answer: The phrase "in the city of David" refers to Jerusalem, the capital and traditional burial place for Davidic kings. However, [2 Chronicles 28:27](/2_chronicles/28-27 "2 Chronicles 28:27 - Ahaz Not Buried with Kings") clarifies that Ahaz was "not brought into the sepulchres of the kings of Israel." This distinction is highly significant and carries a strong theological implication. The "sepulchres of the kings" were the most honorable and revered burial sites, typically reserved for kings who largely walked in the ways of the Lord and upheld the Mosaic covenant. Ahaz, due to his extreme idolatry, child sacrifice, and deliberate defilement of the Temple, was deemed unworthy of this highest royal honor. His burial within Jerusalem but outside the main royal tombs served as a posthumous mark of divine disapproval and a subtle, yet powerful, judgment on his unrighteous reign, even as his lineage to David was acknowledged.

**How did Hezekiah's reign dramatically differ from his father Ahaz's?**

Answer: Hezekiah's reign represented a dramatic and intentional reversal of his father Ahaz's apostate policies. While Ahaz actively promoted idolatry, stripped the Temple of its sacred vessels, and became a subservient vassal to Assyria, Hezekiah "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done" ([2 Kings 18:3](/2_kings/18-3 "2 Kings 18:3 - Hezekiah's Righteousness")). Hezekiah immediately initiated sweeping religious reforms, including destroying pagan altars and idols throughout the land, breaking the bronze serpent Nehushtan (which had become an object of worship) ([2 Kings 18:4](/2_kings/18-4 "2 Kings 18:4 - Hezekiah Destroys Idols")), cleansing and reopening the Temple for proper worship, and restoring the celebration of the Passover ([2 Chronicles 29-30](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29-30 - Hezekiah's Reforms")). Furthermore, he rebelled against Assyria, demonstrating a profound trust in the Lord for deliverance ([2 Kings 18:7](/2_kings/18-7 "2 Kings 18:7 - Hezekiah Rebels Against Assyria")). His reign marked a period of significant spiritual revival, national purification, and restoration for Judah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The transition from the wicked King Ahaz to the righteous King Hezekiah, as recorded in [2 Kings 16:20](/2_kings/16-20 "2 Kings 16:20 - Ahaz Dies, Hezekiah Reigns"), profoundly foreshadows the ultimate hope and perfect reign found in Jesus Christ. Ahaz's reign represents the depths of human sin, the failure of earthly kings to uphold God's covenant, and the resulting spiritual darkness and national decline. Yet, even in this bleak context, God's unwavering faithfulness to His promise of a perpetual Davidic dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")) is powerfully evident in the seamless succession of Hezekiah. This continuity, despite the unworthiness of some kings, points forward to the coming of the true and perfect King from David's line: Jesus Christ. Unlike Ahaz, whose reign brought judgment and defilement, or even Hezekiah, whose reforms were temporary and imperfect, Jesus is the perfectly righteous King who brings eternal spiritual renewal and perfect restoration. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the one who truly cleanses the temple of our hearts and bodies, for He is the true temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple and Speaks of His Body")). His kingdom is not of this world, yet it is eternal, a reign of grace and truth that knows no end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). His death and resurrection mark the ultimate transition, not merely from one human reign to another, but from the dominion of sin and death to the glorious reign of grace and life for all who believe in Him ([Romans 5:21](/romans/5-21 "Romans 5:21 - Reign of Grace Through Righteousness")).

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

Isaiah 1:1

¶ The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

Matthew 1:9

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

1 Chronicles 3:13

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

Micah 1:1

¶ The word of the LORD that came to Micah the Morasthite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.

2 Kings 21:18

And Manasseh slept with his fathers, and was buried in the garden of his own house, in the garden of Uzza: and Amon his son reigned in his stead.

2 Kings 18:1

¶ Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, [that] Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign.

2 Chronicles 28:27

And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, [even] in Jerusalem: but they brought him not into the sepulchres of the kings of Israel: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.