2 Kings 8:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joram {H3141} slept {H7901} with his fathers {H1}, and was buried {H6912} with his fathers {H1} in the city {H5892} of David {H1732}: and Ahaziah {H274} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yoram slept with his ancestors and was buried with his ancestors in the City of David, and Achazyah his son took his place as king.

Berean Standard Bible

And Jehoram rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the City of David. And his son Ahaziah reigned in his place.

American Standard Version

And Joram slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David; and Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 8:24 succinctly records the death and burial of King Joram of Judah and the immediate succession of his son, Ahaziah, to the throne. This verse serves as a formulaic transition, marking the end of a reign characterized by significant spiritual decline and the beginning of another, yet affirming the unbroken continuity of the Davidic dynasty despite the unfaithfulness of its kings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the account of Joram's reign in Judah, which began in [2 Kings 8:16](/2_kings/8-16 "2 Kings 8:16 - Joram's Accession"). The preceding verses detail Joram's ungodly character, his marriage to Athaliah (daughter of King Ahab of Israel), and his adoption of the idolatrous practices of the Northern Kingdom. His reign was marked by apostasy and divine judgment, including the successful revolt of Edom and the loss of Libnah ([2 Kings 8:20-22](/2_kings/8-20 "2 Kings 8:20-22 - Edom's Revolt")). The immediate subsequent verses, beginning with [2 Kings 8:25](/2_kings/8-25 "2 Kings 8:25 - Ahaziah's Reign Begins"), introduce Ahaziah's brief and equally wicked reign, setting the stage for the dramatic events involving Jehu's purge of the house of Ahab and the subsequent turmoil in Judah. The formulaic language of Joram's death and succession ensures narrative continuity, bridging the account of one king to the next within the broader historical framework of the Books of Kings.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Joram (also known as Jehoram) reigned over Judah for eight years, starting as co-regent with his father Jehoshaphat and then alone ([2 Kings 8:17](/2_kings/8-17 "2 Kings 8:17 - Joram's Reign")). Unlike his righteous father, Joram aligned himself with the idolatrous Omride dynasty of Israel through his marriage to Athaliah, daughter of Ahab and Jezebel ([2 Kings 8:18](/2_kings/8-18 "2 Kings 8:18 - Joram's Wickedness")). This alliance brought Baal worship and other abominable practices into Judah, leading to significant spiritual and political decline, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 21](/2_chronicles/21 "2 Chronicles 21 - Joram's Reign and Judgment"). The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common biblical idiom for death, indicating a peaceful passing and joining one's ancestors, often used for kings regardless of their piety. His burial "in the city of David" refers to Jerusalem, specifically the royal necropolis within the ancient Jebusite stronghold captured by King David ([2 Samuel 5:7](/2_samuel/5-7 "2 Samuel 5:7 - David Captures Jerusalem")), signifying his legitimate status as a king of the Davidic dynasty.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in the Books of Kings. Firstly, it highlights the **dynastic principle of kingship** in Judah, where the throne typically passed from father to son, emphasizing the continuity of the Davidic line. Secondly, it subtly underscores **divine sovereignty amidst human failure**; despite Joram's profound wickedness and the judgments that befell his kingdom, God's covenant with David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")) remained intact, ensuring a successor from his lineage. Thirdly, it serves as a concise reminder of the **consequences of ungodly leadership**, though not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader narrative of Joram's reign in [2 Kings 8](/2_kings/8 "2 Kings 8 - Joram and Elisha") and [2 Chronicles 21](/2_chronicles/21 "2 Chronicles 21 - Joram's Reign") vividly illustrates how a leader's choices, particularly regarding faithfulness to God, profoundly impact a nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slept (שָׁכַב, _shakav'_):** This Hebrew verb literally means "to lie down" or "to sleep." In the context of death, as used here and frequently throughout the Old Testament (e.g., for David in [1 Kings 2:10](/1_kings/2-10 "1 Kings 2:10 - David's Death")), it functions as a gentle euphemism for dying. It suggests a peaceful end, a rest from earthly labors, and implies a joining with one's ancestors in the realm of the dead, reflecting ancient Israelite beliefs about the afterlife, which evolved over time.
* **City of David (עִיר דָּוִד, _ir David'_):** This refers to Jerusalem, specifically the oldest part of the city, which King David captured from the Jebusites and made his capital ([2 Samuel 5:7](/2_samuel/5-7 "2 Samuel 5:7 - David Captures Jerusalem")). It became the traditional burial place for the kings of Judah, symbolizing their legitimate claim to the Davidic throne and their connection to the covenant. While Joram's ungodly reign might have warranted a less honorable burial, his interment here confirms his status as a king within the divinely established Davidic lineage.
* **Reigned in his stead (וַיִּמְלֹךְ תַּחְתָּיו, _vayimlokh takhtav'_):** This is a standard formulaic expression used repeatedly in the Books of Kings to denote the succession of a new monarch. The verb "reigned" (מָלַךְ, _malakh_) signifies the assumption of royal power, and "in his stead" (תַּחְתָּיו, _takhtav_) explicitly states the transfer of authority from the deceased king to his son. This phrase underscores the continuity of the monarchy and the orderly (though sometimes turbulent) transition of power within the Davidic dynasty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joram slept with his fathers":** This clause announces the death of King Joram, using the common biblical euphemism. It signifies the end of his eight-year reign over Judah, a period notably marked by his apostasy and deviation from the ways of the Lord, as detailed in the preceding verses of [2 Kings 8](/2_kings/8 "2 Kings 8 - Joram's Reign"). The phrase implies a natural end to his life, despite the divine judgments that had afflicted his kingdom.
* **"and was buried with his fathers in the city of David":** This part specifies Joram's burial location. Being buried "with his fathers" indicates his interment within the royal necropolis, alongside previous kings of Judah. The designation "in the city of David" confirms his burial in Jerusalem, specifically within the ancient core of the city, which served as the traditional royal burial ground. This detail emphasizes his legitimate status as a king of the Davidic line, even though his actions were far from righteous, and in contrast to some kings who, due to their wickedness, were denied burial in the royal tombs (e.g., Uzziah in [2 Chronicles 26:23](/2_chronicles/26-23 "2 Chronicles 26:23 - Uzziah's Burial")).
* **"and Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead":** This final clause declares the immediate succession of Joram's son, Ahaziah, to the throne. It highlights the dynastic principle of the Judean monarchy, where power passed directly from father to son, ensuring the continuity of the Davidic covenant. This transition is presented as a straightforward, established procedure, maintaining the flow of the narrative and setting the stage for the next phase of Judah's history, which, as subsequent verses show, would continue to be fraught with ungodliness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several key literary devices. The most prominent is **Euphemism**, seen in the phrase "slept with his fathers," which serves as a gentle and respectful way to refer to death, avoiding the starkness of direct language. This euphemism is a common **Formulaic Language** device found throughout the Books of Kings and Chronicles, used repeatedly to mark the end of a monarch's reign and provide narrative rhythm and predictability. The inclusion of the burial location, "in the city of David," also serves as a **Symbolism** of legitimacy and continuity within the Davidic covenant, even for an unrighteous king like Joram. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Transition** point, succinctly closing one narrative segment (Joram's reign) and opening the next (Ahaziah's reign), maintaining the chronological flow of the historical account.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 8:24, though brief, carries significant theological weight by affirming the enduring nature of God's covenant with David, even in the face of profound human sin and failure. Joram's reign was a period of apostasy and divine judgment, yet the succession of his son ensured the continuation of the Davidic line, from which the promised Messiah would ultimately come. This demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises, proving that His plans are not thwarted by human unfaithfulness, but rather unfold according to His sovereign will. The verse underscores the tension between human responsibility for sin and divine faithfulness to covenant, a recurring theme in the Old Testament.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "The Davidic Covenant")
* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3 "God's Covenant with David")
* [Romans 3:3-4](/romans/3-3 "God's Faithfulness Despite Unbelief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This concise verse, marking the end of one king's reign and the beginning of another, serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the relentless march of time. Joram's story, though summarized here, is a stark biblical warning about the profound impact of leadership choices, especially concerning spiritual faithfulness. For believers today, it emphasizes that while human leaders rise and fall, and earthly kingdoms experience cycles of ascent and decline, God's overarching plan and His covenant promises remain steadfast and unbroken. We are called to recognize God's sovereignty even amidst human failure and to pray for those in authority, that they might lead with wisdom, integrity, and righteousness, influencing their spheres for good, unlike the tragic example of King Joram. Our ultimate hope and trust must always rest in God's faithfulness, not in the stability or virtue of human institutions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the continuity of the Davidic line, despite Joram's ungodliness, speak to God's faithfulness versus human unfaithfulness?**
* **What lessons can we draw from the brief summary of Joram's reign about the impact of leadership on a nation's spiritual health?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage us to trust in God's unchanging character amidst the constant changes of the world?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: "Slept with his fathers" is a common euphemism in the Old Testament for death. It signifies that a person, particularly a king or patriarch, has died and joined their ancestors in the afterlife or the grave. This phrase implies a peaceful passing and is used regardless of the individual's moral character during their life. For example, it is used for righteous kings like David in [1 Kings 2:10](/1_kings/2-10 "1 Kings 2:10 - David's Death") as well as unrighteous ones like Joram. It reflects an ancient understanding of death as a form of rest and a continuation of family lineage even beyond life.

**Why was Joram buried "in the city of David" despite his wickedness?**

Answer: Being buried "in the city of David" (Jerusalem) meant interment in the royal burial grounds, which was the traditional resting place for the kings of Judah. This practice underscored a king's legitimate claim to the Davidic throne and his connection to the covenant God made with David. While some kings who were particularly wicked or suffered ignominious deaths were denied burial in the royal tombs (e.g., Ahaz, [2 Chronicles 28:27](/2_chronicles/28-27 "2 Chronicles 28:27 - Ahaz's Burial")), Joram's burial there indicates that despite his ungodly reign, his status as a legitimate king of the Davidic dynasty was recognized. It highlights the enduring nature of the Davidic covenant, which God maintained even when individual kings failed to uphold their end of the relationship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Kings 8:24, with its formulaic account of a king's death and the succession of his son, points forward to the ultimate, eternal King from the line of David: Jesus Christ. While Joram's reign was marked by spiritual compromise and ended in death, Jesus' reign is one of perfect righteousness and has no end. The continuity of the Davidic line, despite the failures of kings like Joram and Ahaziah, was divinely preserved precisely so that the Messiah, the true Son of David, could be born into it ([Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus")). Jesus, too, "slept" in death, but unlike Joram, His death was a voluntary, atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us")). He was buried, not just in a city of men, but in a tomb, only to rise triumphantly on the third day, conquering death itself ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel of Christ's Death and Resurrection")). His resurrection means that He "reigned in his stead" not merely as a successor to an earthly throne, but as the resurrected Lord who holds all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Thus, Joram's passing and Ahaziah's succession, though part of a broken lineage, ultimately serve as a historical backdrop to the glorious and eternal reign of Christ, the faithful King who perfectly fulfills all the promises made to David ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")).

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 25:23

And Joash the king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, at Bethshemesh, and brought him to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim to the corner gate, four hundred cubits.

2 Chronicles 22:6

And he returned to be healed in Jezreel because of the wounds which were given him at Ramah, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria. And Azariah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Jehoram the son of Ahab at Jezreel, because he was sick.

2 Chronicles 21:1

¶ Now Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And Jehoram his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles 21:17

And they came up into Judah, and brake into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king's house, and his sons also, and his wives; so that there was never a son left him, save Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons.

2 Chronicles 21:20

Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years, and departed without being desired. Howbeit they buried him in the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings.

2 Chronicles 22:1

¶ And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ahaziah his youngest son king in his stead: for the band of men that came with the Arabians to the camp had slain all the eldest. So Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah reigned.

1 Chronicles 3:11

Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son,