2 Kings 24:6

KJV

So Jehoiakim slept with his fathers: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Jehoiakim {H3079} slept {H7901} with his fathers {H1}: and Jehoiachin {H3078} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Y'hoyakim slept with his ancestors, and Y'hoyakhin his son took his place as king.

Berean Standard Bible

And Jehoiakim rested with his fathers, and his son Jehoiachin reigned in his place.

American Standard Version

So Jehoiakim slept with his fathers; and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 24:6 succinctly records the conclusion of King Jehoiakim's tumultuous eleven-year reign over Judah and the immediate, seemingly seamless, succession of his son, Jehoiachin. This formulaic statement marks a critical juncture in Judah's history, signaling not only a change in leadership but also the continued unfolding of divine judgment against a persistently rebellious nation, moving closer to its inevitable Babylonian exile and the ultimate collapse of the kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial transition point within a narrative of accelerating national decline. It follows Jehoiakim's initial submission to Nebuchadnezzar, his subsequent rebellion, and the ensuing incursions by Babylonian, Aramean, Moabite, and Ammonite raiding bands, all occurring "according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by his servants the prophets" as detailed in [2 Kings 24:1-4](/2_kings/24-1-4 "2 Kings 24:1-4 - Jehoiakim's Rebellion and Divine Judgment"). The preceding verses have already established Jehoiakim's wickedness as a primary cause for Judah's suffering, explicitly linking it to Manasseh's sins and the shedding of innocent blood, which God would not pardon, as stated in [2 Kings 24:3-4](/2_kings/24-3-4 "2 Kings 24:3-4 - Judah's Sins and Impending Judgment"). The brevity of this verse, stating only the king's death and succession, starkly contrasts with the detailed account of the events leading up to it, and it immediately sets the stage for the even shorter and more tragic reign of Jehoiachin, culminating in the first major deportation to Babylon, as narrated in [2 Kings 24:8-16](/2_kings/24-8-16 "2 Kings 24:8-16 - Jehoiachin's Reign and First Deportation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Jehoiakim's reign (609-598 BC) was set against a backdrop of immense geopolitical upheaval. Judah was caught between the waning power of Egypt and the ascendant Neo-Babylonian Empire. Jehoiakim was initially installed by Pharaoh Necho after the death of his righteous father, Josiah, as recorded in [2 Kings 23:34](/2_kings/23-34 "2 Kings 23:34 - Pharaoh Necho Appoints Jehoiakim"). After Babylon's decisive victory over Egypt at Carchemish (605 BC), Jehoiakim became a vassal of Nebuchadnezzar for three years, as mentioned in [2 Kings 24:1](/2_kings/24-1 "2 Kings 24:1 - Jehoiakim Becomes Nebuchadnezzar's Vassal"). His subsequent rebellion, fueled by a misplaced trust in Egypt and a defiant spirit against God's warnings delivered through prophets like Jeremiah, sealed Judah's fate. Culturally, the phrase "slept with his fathers" was a standard, respectful idiom for a king's death and burial, implying a peaceful end and being gathered to one's ancestors. However, for Jehoiakim, this formulaic language ironically masks a more ignominious end, as Jeremiah had prophesied a dishonorable burial, "thrown out beyond the gates of Jerusalem" in [Jeremiah 22:18-19](/jeremiah/22-18-19 "Jeremiah 22:18-19 - Prophecy of Jehoiakim's Dishonorable Burial").
* **Key Themes:** The verse highlights several significant themes. First, **Dynastic Succession** is central, emphasizing the continuity of the Davidic line despite the moral failures of individual kings and the escalating national crisis. The transfer of power from father to son was vital for maintaining stability and fulfilling the covenant promises made to David. Second, the theme of **Divine Judgment Unfolding** is powerfully present, though subtly. Jehoiakim's death, while stated formulaically, is the culmination of a reign marked by profound apostasy and defiance of God's word, directly contributing to the accelerating judgment on Judah. His unrighteous rule was a direct cause of Judah's suffering and hastened the impending Babylonian exile, as highlighted in [2 Kings 24:3](/2_kings/24-3 "2 Kings 24:3 - Judah's Sins and God's Judgment"). Finally, the brevity of Jehoiakim's reign and its ignominious end underscore the **Transience of Earthly Power** and the ultimate **Sovereignty of God** over human rulers and historical events, as affirmed in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons, Removes and Sets Up Kings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **slept (Hebrew, _shâkab'_):** This verb (H7901) means "to lie down" for rest, sexual connection, or decease. In this context, it is a euphemism for death, forming part of the common Old Testament idiom "slept with his fathers." Its use here for Jehoiakim, despite prophecies of a dishonorable end, highlights the historical record's adherence to formal royal succession language, even when the reality might have been less dignified.
* **fathers (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** This word (H1) refers to a father in a literal or figurative sense, extending to ancestors or predecessors. The phrase "slept with his fathers" implies being gathered to one's deceased kin, often in a family tomb. It signifies a natural, albeit final, transition, emphasizing the continuity of generations and the ancestral line. For kings, it often suggests a proper royal burial, contrasting with the specific prophetic judgment against Jehoiakim in Jeremiah.
* **reigned (Hebrew, _mâlak'_):** This primitive root (H4427) means "to reign" or, inceptively, "to ascend the throne." Its immediate use after Jehoiakim's death underscores the swift and undisputed transfer of power to Jehoiachin, maintaining the dynastic succession even as the kingdom teetered on the brink of collapse. It highlights the formal process of kingship in ancient Israel, emphasizing the establishment of a new monarch.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Jehoiakim slept with his fathers":** This clause marks the end of Jehoiakim's reign and life. It employs a common, respectful idiom for a king's death, suggesting a peaceful passing and burial among his predecessors. However, in Jehoiakim's specific case, this formulaic language stands in ironic tension with prophetic pronouncements that he would receive no proper burial, but would be "cast out beyond the gates of Jerusalem," as prophesied in [Jeremiah 22:18-19](/jeremiah/22-18-19 "Jeremiah 22:18-19 - Prophecy of Jehoiakim's Dishonorable Burial"). The biblical narrative here prioritizes the historical record of succession over the specific details of his demise, which may have been less dignified than the idiom implies, focusing on the official end of his rule.
* **"and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead":** This clause immediately establishes the succession, indicating that Jehoiachin, Jehoiakim's son, assumed the throne without apparent dispute. This swift transition highlights the established dynastic principle in Judah, where the kingship passed directly from father to son. However, this seemingly orderly transfer of power immediately foreshadows Jehoiachin's own brief and tragic reign, which would last only three months before the first major Babylonian deportation of Judah's elite, including the king himself, as detailed in [2 Kings 24:8-16](/2_kings/24-8-16 "2 Kings 24:8-16 - Jehoiachin's Short Reign and Deportation").

#### Literary Devices
The brevity and formulaic nature of 2 Kings 24:6 are themselves significant literary choices. The primary device is **Formulaic Language**, specifically the phrase "slept with his fathers: and [successor] his son reigned in his stead." This standardized phrase is used throughout the books of Kings to mark the end of one king's reign and the beginning of another's, providing a consistent structure to the historical narrative. Its repetitive use emphasizes the continuity of the royal line and the orderly transfer of power, even in times of chaos. However, in Jehoiakim's case, this formula also employs **Irony**, as the respectful "slept with his fathers" contrasts sharply with Jeremiah's prophecy of his ignominious, unburied end, as found in [Jeremiah 22:18-19](/jeremiah/22-18-19 "Jeremiah 22:18-19 - Jehoiakim's Prophesied Burial"). The text's choice to use the standard formula despite the prophetic counter-narrative highlights the official record's perspective. Furthermore, the verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, as the immediate succession to Jehoiachin sets the stage for his own extremely short and disastrous reign, which directly precipitates the first major Babylonian deportation and the further unraveling of Judah's kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This concise verse, marking a change of guard, is deeply embedded within the overarching theological narrative of God's sovereign control over history and His covenant faithfulness, even amidst human rebellion and judgment. It demonstrates that while human kings rise and fall, often due to their own choices and defiance against God, the divine plan continues to unfold. Jehoiakim's death and Jehoiachin's succession are not random events but are part of the divine judgment prophesied against Judah for its persistent idolatry and rejection of God's word through His prophets. God is actively working through geopolitical shifts and the actions of foreign powers to bring about His purposes, holding kings accountable for their righteousness (or lack thereof). The continuity of the Davidic line, even through unworthy kings, subtly points to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David, ensuring that a descendant would always be on the throne, ultimately leading to the promised Messiah.

* [Jeremiah 22:18-19](/jeremiah/22-18-19 "Jeremiah's Prophecy of Jehoiakim's Dishonorable Burial")
* [2 Kings 24:12-15](/2_kings/24-12-15 "Jehoiachin's Captivity and First Deportation")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief account of Jehoiakim's death and Jehoiachin's succession serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the enduring consequences of our choices. Jehoiakim's reign was characterized by a stubborn refusal to heed God's warnings delivered through Jeremiah, leading to personal disgrace and accelerating national catastrophe. This narrative underscores the profound responsibility that comes with leadership, whether in a nation, a community, or a family. Our decisions, particularly those concerning obedience or defiance to God's word, have far-reaching impacts beyond ourselves. For believers today, this passage calls us to sober reflection: Are we attentive to God's voice, even when His message is challenging or unpopular? Do we prioritize temporary gain or personal comfort over righteous living and submission to divine authority? Even in moments of seemingly seamless transition or continuity, God's overarching plan of judgment and redemption continues to unfold, demonstrating His steadfast faithfulness and His ultimate control over history. We are called to live with integrity, humility, and a deep reverence for God, knowing that our lives are lived before His sovereign gaze.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jehoiakim's defiance of God's prophets challenge my own willingness to listen to difficult truths from God's Word?**
* **In what areas of my life or leadership might I be prioritizing personal comfort or worldly alliances over obedience to God?**
* **How does the swift succession and subsequent judgment on Jehoiachin highlight the urgency of righteous living for all, regardless of position?**
* **What comfort or warning can I draw from God's continued sovereignty over human rulers and historical events, even in times of great turmoil?**

### FAQ

**What does "slept with his fathers" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Slept with his fathers" is a common Old Testament idiom used to describe the death of a king or prominent figure, particularly in the books of Kings and Chronicles. It does not imply a literal sleep or a specific doctrine of the afterlife, but rather a peaceful passing and being gathered to one's ancestors in death, often implying a proper burial in a family tomb. However, for Jehoiakim, this formulaic language stands in stark contrast to the prophecy given by Jeremiah, which foretold a dishonorable end for him, stating he would be "thrown out beyond the gates of Jerusalem" and "given no burial," as found in [Jeremiah 22:18-19](/jeremiah/22-18-19 "Jeremiah 22:18-19 - Jehoiakim's Prophesied Dishonorable Burial"). The use of the idiom here emphasizes the formal historical record of succession, even if the actual circumstances of his death were less dignified.

**Was Jehoiakim a good king?**

Answer: No, King Jehoiakim was not a good king. His reign (609-598 BC) was characterized by profound spiritual apostasy, political instability, and open defiance of God. He was placed on the throne by Pharaoh Necho of Egypt and later became a vassal of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Jehoiakim rebelled against Babylon, leading to further incursions into Judah. Spiritually, he was notoriously wicked, rejecting the warnings of prophets like Jeremiah and famously burning Jeremiah's scroll of prophecy, as recorded in [Jeremiah 36:23](/jeremiah/36-23 "Jeremiah 36:23 - Jehoiakim Burns Jeremiah's Scroll"). His unrighteous rule was a significant factor in the accelerating divine judgment against Judah, leading it closer to the Babylonian exile.

**How long did Jehoiachin reign after his father's death?**

Answer: Jehoiachin's reign was remarkably short, lasting only three months and ten days, as stated in [2 Kings 24:8](/2_kings/24-8 "2 Kings 24:8 - Jehoiachin's Age and Reign Length"). Despite the formal succession, his brief rule was quickly interrupted by the second Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. He, along with his mother, officials, and the elite of Judah, surrendered to Nebuchadnezzar and was deported to Babylon, marking the first major wave of the Babylonian exile, as recounted in [2 Kings 24:10-16](/2_kings/24-10-16 "2 Kings 24:10-16 - Jehoiachin's Surrender and First Deportation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly mundane record of dynastic succession in [2 Kings 24:6](/2_kings/24-6 "2 Kings 24:6 - Jehoiakim's Death and Jehoiachin's Succession"), marking the end of one unrighteous king and the beginning of another, profoundly underscores the desperate need for a perfect, eternal King—Jesus Christ. The repeated cycle of flawed human kings, even those from the line of David, consistently demonstrated their inability to perfectly rule, protect, or redeem God's people. Jehoiakim's wickedness and Jehoiachin's brief, tragic reign highlight the brokenness of the earthly monarchy and the transient nature of human power. Yet, even through these unfaithful kings, God's covenant promise to David, that a descendant would always sit on his throne, remained unbroken, as affirmed in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David"). This divine faithfulness, despite human failure, ultimately points to the coming of the Messiah. Jesus, born of the lineage of David, including Jehoiachin, as seen in [Matthew 1:11](/matthew/1-11 "Matthew 1:11 - Genealogy of Jesus"), is the true and ultimate King. Unlike Jehoiakim, whose reign ended in judgment, or Jehoiachin, who was led into exile, Jesus's reign is eternal and righteous. He is the one who truly "slept" in death, not with his fathers in an earthly tomb, but in a temporary grave, only to rise again, conquering sin and death. He now reigns in the stead of all failed earthly kings, establishing a kingdom that will never end, as promised in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Reign"), fulfilling all the promises and bringing true peace and salvation to His people, as declared in [Hebrews 1:8](/hebrews/1-8 "Hebrews 1:8 - Christ's Eternal Throne").

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

Jeremiah 22:18

Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah; They shall not lament for him, [saying], Ah my brother! or, Ah sister! they shall not lament for him, [saying], Ah lord! or, Ah his glory!

Jeremiah 22:19

He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 36:6

Against him came up Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and bound him in fetters, to carry him to Babylon.

Jeremiah 36:30

Therefore thus saith the LORD of Jehoiakim king of Judah; He shall have none to sit upon the throne of David: and his dead body shall be cast out in the day to the heat, and in the night to the frost.

2 Chronicles 36:8

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and his abominations which he did, and that which was found in him, behold, they [are] written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead.