2 Kings 21:26

And he was buried in his sepulchre in the garden of Uzza: and Josiah his son reigned in his stead.

And he was buried {H6912} in his sepulchre {H6900} in the garden {H1588} of Uzza {H5798}: and Josiah {H2977} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Amon was buried in his tomb in the Garden of Uza, and Yoshiyahu his son took his place as king.

And he was buried in his tomb in the garden of Uzza, and his son Josiah reigned in his place.

And he was buried in his sepulchre in the garden of Uzza: and Josiah his son reigned in his stead.

Commentary

2 Kings 21:26 marks the end of King Amon's brief and wicked reign over Judah, detailing his burial place and the succession of his son, Josiah, a pivotal moment in the kingdom's history.

Context

This verse concludes the narrative of King Amon, who reigned for only two years after his father, Manasseh. Amon continued the idolatrous practices that had characterized Manasseh's long reign (2 Kings 21:19-22), failing to follow the ways of the Lord. His life ended abruptly when he was assassinated by his own servants (2 Kings 21:23-24). His burial in the "garden of Uzza" is notable, as it is the same place where his father Manasseh was buried (2 Kings 21:18), rather than the traditional royal sepulchers in the City of David. The immediate mention of Josiah's ascension is crucial, as it sets the stage for a period of significant spiritual reform in Judah.

Key Themes

  • Succession and Divine Providence: Despite the violent overthrow of King Amon, the Davidic line of kings continues unbroken. This highlights God's consistent oversight of the royal succession, even amidst human sin and political upheaval, ensuring His covenant promises endure.
  • The Dawn of Righteousness: The transition from Amon to Josiah is one of the most dramatic shifts in Judah's monarchy. Amon's reign epitomized the spiritual decline following Manasseh's wickedness. However, Josiah would prove to be one of Judah's most devout and righteous kings, initiating widespread religious reforms and leading the nation back to the Law of God (2 Kings 23:25). This verse marks the end of a dark era and the beginning of a remarkable spiritual revival.
  • Burial Customs: The "garden of Uzza" as a burial site for both Amon and Manasseh suggests a specific family plot, distinct from the traditional burial grounds for Judah's kings, perhaps reflecting their controversial reigns or a personal preference.

Linguistic Insights

The name Uzza (גֻזָּא) is derived from a Hebrew root meaning "strength" or "might." While not explicitly commented on in the text, there is a subtle irony in a wicked king being buried in a garden named "strength," perhaps contrasting with the true strength found in obedience to God's commandments, which Amon severely lacked.

Practical Application

This verse offers a powerful message of hope and the potential for generational change. Even after a period of profound spiritual decline and wickedness, God can raise up new leaders who bring about significant positive transformation. The example of Josiah following Amon reminds us that the actions and choices of one generation do not necessarily dictate the destiny of the next. It encourages believers to pray for and invest in future generations, trusting that God can bring forth righteousness and revival even from challenging circumstances, demonstrating His power to do a new thing.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 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.

  • Matthew 1:10

    And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;

  • 1 Kings 13:5

    The altar also was rent, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the LORD.
← Back