2 Kings 20:21

And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.

And Hezekiah {H2396} slept {H7901} with his fathers {H1}: and Manasseh {H4519} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Then Hizkiyahu slept with his ancestors, and M'nasheh his son took his place as king.

And Hezekiah rested with his fathers, and his son Manasseh reigned in his place.

And Hezekiah slept with his fathers; and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.

Commentary

2 Kings 20:21 marks the concluding verse of King Hezekiah's reign in the biblical narrative, serving as a transition point to the era of his son, Manasseh. This concise statement encapsulates the end of a significant period in Judah's history and sets the stage for what is to come.

Context

This verse concludes the narrative of King Hezekiah's reign in 2 Kings, marking his death and the peaceful succession of his son, Manasseh. Hezekiah was largely considered one of Judah's most righteous kings, known for his spiritual reforms, his unwavering trust in God during the formidable Assyrian siege under Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:35-36), and his miraculous recovery from a deadly illness after his fervent prayer (2 Kings 20:1-11).

The immediate preceding verses (2 Kings 20:12-19) detail Hezekiah's prideful display of his kingdom's treasures to envoys from Babylon, an act for which he was rebuked by the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah foretold that because of this, all his treasures and descendants would be carried away to Babylon, setting a prophetic stage for the future Babylonian exile. Thus, this final verse serves not only as a record of Hezekiah's death but also as a somber transition to the next chapter of Judah's history, hinting at the profound spiritual and political changes to come under Manasseh.

Key Themes

  • Succession and Legacy: The verse powerfully highlights the inevitable transition of power from one generation to the next. Hezekiah's reign, though largely positive and marked by significant spiritual revival, ultimately concludes, and the kingdom passes to his son. This emphasizes the temporal nature of earthly leadership and the enduring principle of succession in monarchies.
  • The End of an Era: For the Kingdom of Judah, Hezekiah's death marked the close of a period characterized by national reform, strong leadership, and miraculous divine intervention. It was a time of relative spiritual flourishing compared to many other reigns.
  • Anticipation of Manasseh's Reign: While the verse itself is purely factual, for the reader, the mention of Manasseh immediately brings to mind his notoriously wicked and idolatrous reign, which stood in stark contrast to his father's godly rule. This sets up the dramatic spiritual decline that would plunge Judah into deep sin and ultimately contribute to its downfall.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "slept with his fathers" (Hebrew: ื™ึดืฉึฐืื›ึทึผื‘ ืึถืชึพืึฒื‘ึนืชึธื™ื•, yishkav et-avotayv) is a common biblical idiom used to describe the death of kings and patriarchs throughout the Old Testament. It signifies a peaceful passing and being gathered to one's ancestors, often implying burial in a family tomb or resting place. This idiom focuses on the physical act of dying and burial, rather than the state of the soul after death. It emphasizes continuity and the joining of one's lineage in the grave.

Reflection and Application

This concise verse, despite its brevity, offers profound insights for contemporary reflection:

  • The Transience of Life and Leadership: It reminds us that all earthly reigns and lives come to an end. No matter how influential or impactful a leader's time may be, it is ultimately finite. This encourages a focus on what truly lasts: one's spiritual legacy and faithfulness to God.
  • The Challenge of Succession: The stark contrast between Hezekiah and Manasseh serves as a powerful reminder that even a righteous parent cannot guarantee the spiritual path of their children. It underscores the importance of not only leading well but also raising the next generation in the fear of the Lord, while acknowledging each individual's personal responsibility for their choices.
  • Long-Term Impact: This transition highlights how the decisions and character of leaders can have far-reaching effects, shaping the spiritual and social landscape for generations. Hezekiah's reforms were significant, but Manasseh's wickedness undid much of that good, demonstrating the constant spiritual battle within a nation.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 32:33

    And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the chiefest of the sepulchres of the sons of David: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honour at his death. And Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.

  • 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 21:1

    ยถ Manasseh [was] twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Hephzibah.

  • 1 Kings 2:10

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

  • 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 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.

  • 1 Kings 11:43

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