2 Kings 20:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This concise verse formally marks the conclusion of King Hezekiah's significant reign over Judah and announces the accession of his son, Manasseh. It serves as a pivotal transition point in the biblical narrative, signaling the end of an era characterized by spiritual reform and divine intervention under Hezekiah, and ominously foreshadowing the dramatic spiritual decline and national apostasy that would define Manasseh's notoriously wicked rule.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [2 Kings 20:21](/2_kings/20-21 "2 Kings 20:21 - The End of Hezekiah's Reign") brings to a close the detailed account of Hezekiah's reign, which began in [2 Kings 18](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18 - Hezekiah's Reign Begins"). The preceding chapters highlight several key events: Hezekiah's extensive religious reforms, purging idolatry from Judah; his unwavering trust in Yahweh during the Assyrian siege by Sennacherib, culminating in God's miraculous deliverance ([2 Kings 19:35-36](/2_kings/19-35-36 "2 Kings 19:35-36 - God's Deliverance from Sennacherib")); and his miraculous recovery from a terminal illness after fervent prayer, during which his life was extended by fifteen years ([2 Kings 20:1-11](/2_kings/20-1-11 "2 Kings 20:1-11 - Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery")). Immediately before this concluding verse, Hezekiah, in a moment of pride and perhaps misplaced trust, displayed all his kingdom's treasures to Babylonian envoys ([2 Kings 20:12-19](/2_kings/20-12-19 "2 Kings 20:12-19 - Hezekiah Shows His Treasures to Babylon")), prompting a severe prophecy from Isaiah that all his descendants and treasures would eventually be carried away to Babylon. Thus, [2 Kings 20:21](/2_kings/20-21 "2 Kings 20:21 - The End of Hezekiah's Reign") acts as a formal regnal summary, closing Hezekiah's chapter while simultaneously setting the stage for the tumultuous and tragic reign of Manasseh, whose actions would accelerate Judah's path toward that very Babylonian exile.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hezekiah reigned in Judah during the late 8th and early 7th centuries BCE, a period dominated by the formidable Assyrian Empire. His reign saw Judah navigate immense geopolitical pressures, culminating in the near-destruction of Jerusalem by Sennacherib, from which Judah was miraculously delivered. Culturally, the phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common biblical idiom for the death and burial of kings, signifying a peaceful passing and being laid to rest in the ancestral tomb, often within the City of David. This idiom underscores the dynastic continuity central to ancient Near Eastern monarchies and, specifically for Judah, the continuity of the Davidic line. The mention of Manasseh's succession immediately brings to mind the historical reality of his reign, which, as recorded in [2 Kings 21](/2_kings/21 "2 Kings 21 - Manasseh's Wicked Reign") and [2 Chronicles 33](/2_chronicles/33 "2 Chronicles 33 - Manasseh's Reign and Repentance"), was marked by a profound reversal of Hezekiah's reforms, the reintroduction of widespread idolatry, child sacrifice, and the shedding of innocent blood, plunging Judah into unprecedented spiritual depravity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several significant themes. Firstly, it highlights the **transience of earthly power and the inevitability of succession**. Even the most influential and righteous kings, like Hezekiah, eventually pass away, emphasizing the finite nature of human leadership and the enduring reality of God's overarching sovereignty. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **legacy and the profound impact of leadership**. Hezekiah's reign was a high point of faithfulness, yet his immediate successor, Manasseh, would lead Judah into its deepest spiritual abyss, demonstrating how the choices of one generation can dramatically shape the spiritual trajectory of the next, for better or worse. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **divine judgment and prophetic fulfillment**. Isaiah's prophecy concerning the Babylonian exile, delivered just prior to Hezekiah's death ([2 Kings 20:16-18](/2_kings/20-16-18 "2 Kings 20:16-18 - Isaiah's Prophecy of Exile")), hangs heavy over the transition to Manasseh, whose wickedness would be a primary catalyst for that very judgment. The narrative implicitly contrasts Hezekiah's faithfulness with Manasseh's apostasy, setting the stage for Judah's eventual downfall, a consequence of persistent sin and rejection of God's covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **slept (Hebrew, _shâkab'_):** From H7901, this verb, literally meaning "to lie down" or "to sleep," is a common biblical euphemism for death, particularly for kings and patriarchs. It conveys a sense of peaceful passing and rest, emphasizing the physical cessation of life and the laying to rest of the body. It does not primarily refer to the state of the soul after death but rather to the earthly conclusion of a life and reign.
* **fathers (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** From H1, this primitive word refers to a father or ancestor. In the idiom "slept with his fathers," it signifies being gathered to one's lineage in death and burial. It implies being interred in a family tomb or burial ground, reinforcing the idea of dynastic continuity and the joining of one's deceased kin. For kings, this often meant burial in the City of David, the traditional burial place for the Davidic monarchs.
* **reigned (Hebrew, _mâlak'_):** From H4427, this primitive root means "to reign," "to be king," or "to become king." Its use here is a formal declaration of the transfer of royal authority and the legitimate accession of Manasseh to the throne. It marks the official beginning of his tenure as the monarch of Judah, following the established protocols of succession.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hezekiah slept with his fathers:"** This clause formally records the death of King Hezekiah, employing the traditional biblical euphemism for the passing of a monarch. It signifies the end of his earthly life and, consequently, the conclusion of his reign as king of Judah. The phrase implies a natural and peaceful death, and his burial in the royal tombs alongside his ancestors, affirming his place within the Davidic dynasty.
* **"and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead."** This clause immediately follows, announcing the succession of Hezekiah's son, Manasseh, to the throne. It highlights the continuity of the Davidic line, a crucial theological point for Judah, as the covenant with David promised an enduring dynasty. However, for the informed reader, the mention of Manasseh's name immediately evokes the stark contrast between his notorious wickedness and his father's general righteousness, setting up a dramatic and tragic shift in Judah's spiritual and political landscape.

#### Literary Devices
The brevity of this verse belies its rich literary function. The most prominent device is **Euphemism**, seen in the phrase "slept with his fathers," which gracefully denotes death without explicit mention, softening the harsh reality while also connecting the deceased king to his ancestral lineage. There is also a powerful sense of **Juxtaposition** and **Contrast** implied within the verse, especially when read in its broader context. Hezekiah, largely portrayed as a righteous king who led significant reforms, is immediately succeeded by Manasseh, whose reign would be characterized by unparalleled wickedness. This stark difference, though not explicitly stated, is profoundly felt by the reader aware of the subsequent narrative. Furthermore, the verse functions as **Foreshadowing**. The mere mention of Manasseh, given his historical record of apostasy and the prophet Isaiah's recent pronouncements of judgment against Hezekiah's house, subtly hints at the spiritual decline and eventual exile that would befall Judah, largely due to Manasseh's actions. Finally, the verse employs **Formulaic Language**, characteristic of the Deuteronomistic History's regnal summaries, providing a consistent and formal conclusion to a king's reign and the commencement of the next.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This is more than a simple historical record; it is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the unfolding of God's covenant plan. It demonstrates that even the most righteous human leaders are finite and fallible, and their influence, while significant, is ultimately temporary. The transition from Hezekiah to Manasseh underscores the constant spiritual battle within a nation and the challenge of maintaining faithfulness across generations. It highlights that God's plan for His people continues despite human failures, yet human choices have real and lasting consequences, both for individuals and for the collective. The verse also implicitly points to the persistent need for a perfect King and an enduring kingdom, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

* [1 Kings 2:10](/1_kings/2-10 "1 Kings 2:10 - David's Death and Succession")
* [2 Chronicles 33:1-9](/2_chronicles/33-1-9 "2 Chronicles 33:1-9 - Manasseh's Wicked Reign")
* [Proverbs 22:6](/proverbs/22-6 "Proverbs 22:6 - Training Up a Child")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This concise verse, marking the end of one reign and the beginning of another, offers profound insights for contemporary reflection. It serves as a potent reminder of the transience of all earthly power, influence, and life itself. No matter how significant our contributions or how grand our achievements, our time is finite. This should compel us to consider not merely the duration of our "reign" (our time of influence, leadership, or stewardship) but its quality and its eternal impact. The stark contrast between Hezekiah and Manasseh also challenges us to reflect on the nature of legacy. While Hezekiah left a legacy of spiritual reform and trust in God, Manasseh's reign tragically undid much of that good. This underscores the sobering truth that even the most godly parents cannot guarantee the spiritual path of their children, emphasizing the critical importance of not only modeling faith but also diligently discipling the next generation, while acknowledging each individual's personal accountability before God. It prompts us to ask: What kind of spiritual legacy are we building? Are we faithfully stewarding the time and influence God has given us, ensuring that our choices contribute to His kingdom and not to spiritual decline?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What kind of spiritual legacy are we building in our families, churches, and communities?**
* **How does the brevity of this verse remind us of the brevity of life and the urgency of living faithfully for God?**
* **In what ways might our own "prideful displays" (like Hezekiah's to the Babylonians) inadvertently set negative precedents for those who follow us?**
* **How do we balance the desire for our children and future generations to follow God with acknowledging their individual responsibility and choices?**

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

Answer: "Slept with his fathers" is a common biblical euphemism for death, particularly used for 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, such as the City of David for the kings of Judah. This idiom emphasizes the physical end of life and the continuity of the dynastic line, rather than making a statement about the state of the soul after death. It is a formal way of recording the death and succession of a monarch.

**How does Manasseh's reign compare to Hezekiah's, and why is this transition significant?**

Answer: Manasseh's reign was a stark and tragic contrast to Hezekiah's. Hezekiah was largely considered one of Judah's most righteous kings, known for his extensive spiritual reforms, purging idolatry, and demonstrating unwavering trust in God during the formidable Assyrian siege ([2 Kings 18-19](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18-19 - Hezekiah's Righteous Reign")). Manasseh, however, was arguably the most wicked king in Judah's history. He systematically reversed all of his father's reforms, rebuilt pagan altars, introduced widespread idolatry, practiced child sacrifice, engaged in divination, and shed much innocent blood ([2 Kings 21:1-16](/2_kings/21-1-16 "2 Kings 21:1-16 - Manasseh's Wickedness")). This transition is profoundly significant because Manasseh's extreme wickedness plunged Judah into such deep sin that it is cited as a primary reason for God's ultimate judgment and the Babylonian exile ([2 Kings 23:26-27](/2_kings/23-26-27 "2 Kings 23:26-27 - Judah's Exile Foretold")). It highlights the devastating impact of ungodly leadership and the fragility of spiritual revival in the face of persistent rebellion against God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The transition from Hezekiah to Manasseh powerfully underscores the deep human need for a perfect and eternal King, a role that no earthly monarch, however righteous, could ever fulfill. Hezekiah, despite his many commendable qualities and his trust in God, was still a fallen human king, prone to pride and ultimately subject to death. His reign, like all earthly reigns, was transient, and his legacy was vulnerable to the choices of his successor. Manasseh's subsequent wickedness, which undid Hezekiah's reforms and plunged Judah into apostasy, highlights the inherent instability and imperfection of human kingship and the Davidic line itself. This narrative points forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of the [Davidic covenant](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant"). Unlike Hezekiah, Jesus is not merely a good king, but the perfectly righteous [King of Kings](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords") whose reign is eternal and whose kingdom will never end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingship")). His legacy is one of perfect obedience, atonement for sin as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and the establishment of a [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") that guarantees eternal life to all who believe. Where human kings failed or were limited, Christ reigns supreme, providing the perfect leadership, spiritual cleansing, and enduring hope that Judah, and indeed all humanity, desperately needed. He is the King whose "reign" will never be undone by a wicked successor, for He lives forever as our [perfect High Priest](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ Our Perfect High Priest") and Lord.

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 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

¶ 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.