2 Kings 9:28

KJV

And his servants carried him in a chariot to Jerusalem, and buried him in his sepulchre with his fathers in the city of David.

KJV (with Strong's)

And his servants {H5650} carried {H7392} him in a chariot to Jerusalem {H3389}, and buried {H6912} him in his sepulchre {H6900} with his fathers {H1} in the city {H5892} of David {H1732}.

Complete Jewish Bible

His servants carried him in a chariot to Yerushalayim and buried him in his tomb with his ancestors in the City of David.

Berean Standard Bible

Then his servants carried him by chariot to Jerusalem and buried him with his fathers in his tomb in the City of David.

American Standard Version

And his servants carried him in a chariot to Jerusalem, and buried him in his sepulchre with his fathers in the city of David.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 9:28 records the solemn burial of King Ahaziah of Judah in Jerusalem, specifically within the sacred "city of David," following his mortal wounding by Jehu's divinely commissioned forces. This verse marks the abrupt and inglorious conclusion of his brief reign, serving as a stark testament to the swift and decisive nature of God's judgment against the corrupt house of Ahab, with whom Ahaziah had unwisely entangled himself through familial and political alliances. Despite his wicked associations and a violent end, Ahaziah was afforded the customary royal burial rites, a detail that subtly underscores his legitimate, albeit deeply flawed, position within the enduring Davidic lineage, contrasting sharply with the ignominious fates of other members of the house of Ahab.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the concluding disposition for King Ahaziah within the dramatic and violent narrative of Jehu's coup. Immediately preceding [2 Kings 9:28](/2_kings/9-28 "2 Kings 9:28 - Ahaziah's Burial"), Jehu has executed King Joram of Israel, fulfilling the specific prophecy against Ahab's dynasty in [2 Kings 9:24-26](/2_kings/9-24-26 "2 Kings 9:24-26 - Joram's Death and Prophecy Fulfillment"). King Ahaziah of Judah, who was visiting Joram and deeply allied with the house of Ahab through his mother Athaliah, fled the scene of Joram's death. He was pursued by Jehu's men, struck down near Ibleam, and died on the way to Megiddo, as recounted in [2 Kings 9:27](/2_kings/9-27 "2 Kings 9:27 - Ahaziah's Wounding and Flight"). Therefore, this verse serves as the final act in Ahaziah's involvement in the unfolding judgment narrative, bringing a definitive close to his life and setting the stage for Jehu's subsequent purge of Ahab's remaining family and the infamous death of Jezebel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ahaziah's reign (see [2 Kings 8:25-29](/2_kings/8-25-29 "2 Kings 8:25-29 - Ahaziah's Reign")) was remarkably brief and characterized by his deep alliance with the Northern Kingdom of Israel, particularly through his mother, Athaliah, who was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. This familial and political entanglement explains his presence with King Joram during Jehu's divinely orchestrated coup. Royal burials in ancient Judah were profoundly significant events, meticulously observed to reflect the king's status, lineage, and legitimacy. The practice of transporting a king's body, even one who died far from the capital, back to Jerusalem for interment in the ancestral tombs was a customary and vital practice that affirmed his recognized position. The "city of David" refers to the oldest and most sacred part of Jerusalem, specifically Mount Zion, which served as the traditional necropolis for many of the Davidic kings. This specific detail highlights that despite Ahaziah's wickedness and his death by divine judgment, he was still recognized as a legitimate king in the Davidic line, a stark contrast to the unburied or dishonored fates met by other members of Ahab's house, such as Joram (whose body was left in Naboth's field, as prophesied in [1 Kings 21:19](/1_kings/21-19 "1 Kings 21:19 - Prophecy of Naboth's Vineyard")) and Jezebel (whose body was eaten by dogs, as prophesied in [1 Kings 21:23](/1_kings/21-23 "1 Kings 21:23 - Prophecy of Jezebel's Death")).
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme is the **unfolding of divine judgment** against the house of Ahab, a judgment meticulously prophesied by Elijah (e.g., [1 Kings 21:21-24](/1_kings/21-21-24 "1 Kings 21:21-24 - Prophecy Against Ahab's House")). Ahaziah's death, though not explicitly prophesied for him personally, is a direct and inevitable consequence of his deep association with this condemned dynasty, powerfully illustrating the **peril of unholy alliances**. Despite the severity of this judgment, the verse also subtly introduces the crucial theme of the **preservation of the Davidic line**. While Ahaziah was indeed a wicked king, his proper burial in the "city of David" signifies that God's covenant with David ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David")) remained intact and operational, even amidst the purging of an unfaithful king. This critical detail distinguishes the Judahite monarchy from the utterly condemned Northern Kingdom's dynasty, emphasizing God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **carried (Hebrew, _râkab'_):** This verb (H7392) denotes the act of riding or causing to ride, often implying conveyance by an animal or vehicle. In this context, it signifies the deliberate and respectful action of Ahaziah's servants to transport his body a significant distance from the place of his death (near Megiddo) back to Jerusalem. This act demonstrates a measure of loyalty and adherence to royal protocol, ensuring that the deceased king received a proper burial in his ancestral city, rather than being left unburied or interred in a foreign land. It underscores the profound cultural importance placed on proper burial rites, especially for royalty.
* **sepulchre (Hebrew, _qᵉbûwrâh'_):** This feminine passive participle (H6900) refers to a burial place, a grave, or a tomb. Being buried "in his sepulchre with his fathers" indicates that Ahaziah was interred in the designated royal burial ground or a family tomb reserved for the kings of Judah. This detail is crucial as it confirms his legitimate place within the Davidic lineage, despite his personal wickedness and the violent circumstances of his death. It sharply contrasts with the dishonored fates of other figures in the narrative, particularly those from the house of Ahab, who were denied such a proper and dignified burial.
* **city (Hebrew, _ʻîyr'_):** This noun (H5892) denotes a city or town, often implying a guarded or fortified place. When combined with "of David" (H1732, Dâvid), it specifically refers to the oldest and most significant part of Jerusalem, originally the Jebusite stronghold captured by King David. This area became the royal capital and, crucially, the traditional burial site for many of the kings of Judah from the Davidic dynasty. Its mention here emphasizes Ahaziah's royal identity and his connection to the covenantal line of David, even as he falls under divine judgment. It serves as a subtle but powerful reminder of God's enduring promise to David, a promise that persists even when individual kings from that line falter.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his servants carried him in a chariot to Jerusalem":** This clause details the immediate and respectful action taken by Ahaziah's loyal retainers after his death. The explicit mention of a "chariot" underscores the royal status of the deceased and the urgency, dignity, and care with which his body was transported. The destination, "Jerusalem," is profoundly significant as the capital city and the traditional, sacred burial place for Judahite kings, highlighting the intention to afford him a proper royal interment despite the violent circumstances of his demise at Jehu's hand.
* **"and buried him in his sepulchre":** This phrase confirms the successful completion of the arduous journey and the solemn act of burial itself. The possessive "his sepulchre" implies a pre-existing, designated tomb, most likely a family or royal burial vault. This act of burial signifies a measure of honor, proper closure, and adherence to customary rites, distinguishing Ahaziah's fate from the ignominious end of other members of the house of Ahab who were denied such dignity and left unburied.
* **"with his fathers in the city of David":** This final, crucial phrase provides the precise location and context of Ahaziah's interment. Being interred "with his fathers" explicitly links him to the preceding kings of Judah, affirming his place in the legitimate Davidic succession and lineage. The "city of David" specifies the sacred royal necropolis, reinforcing his identity as a Davidic king and underscoring the enduring nature of God's covenant with David, even as a wicked king from that line is removed through divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Contrast** to subtly highlight the distinct fates of the wicked, even within the context of divine judgment. While Ahaziah, a Davidic king deeply allied with the condemned house of Ahab, meets a violent death, he is notably afforded a proper royal burial in the ancestral tomb within the sacred **City of David**. This stands in stark **contrast** to the ignominious fates of Joram, whose body was left unburied in Naboth's field, and Jezebel, whose body was consumed by dogs, both fulfilling specific prophecies of dishonor and utter destruction. This **contrast** underscores the theological distinction between the covenantal preservation of the Davidic line, however flawed its individual kings, and the complete annihilation prophesied for the house of Ahab. The mention of the "city of David" also functions as potent **Symbolism**, representing the enduring and faithful promise of God to David, a divine faithfulness that persists even when individual kings prove unfaithful. Furthermore, the narrative's swift movement from Ahaziah's wounding to his burial creates a sense of **Expediency**, emphasizing the rapid, decisive, and comprehensive nature of Jehu's divinely sanctioned purge. There is also an element of **Irony** in that Ahaziah, a wicked king, receives a dignified burial not due to his own merit, but solely because of his lineage and God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The burial of Ahaziah in [2 Kings 9:28](/2_kings/9-28 "2 Kings 9:28 - Ahaziah's Burial") serves as a poignant reminder of the severe consequences of unholy alliances and the unwavering, comprehensive nature of divine judgment against wickedness, particularly apostasy and idolatry. Ahaziah's death is not an arbitrary event but a direct and inevitable consequence of his entanglement with the condemned house of Ahab, illustrating the profound truth that association with evil can lead to shared judgment and destruction. Yet, the specific detail of his proper burial in the "city of David" is profoundly theologically significant. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with David, even when individual kings from that lineage prove unfaithful and wicked. While God executes righteous judgment on wicked kings, He simultaneously preserves the promised line through which the ultimate, righteous King would come. This intricate tension between divine wrath and covenantal faithfulness is a recurring and vital theme woven throughout the Deuteronomistic history.

* [1 Kings 21:21-24](/1_kings/21-21 "Prophecy Against Ahab's House")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "God's Enduring Covenant with David")
* [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Consequences of Unwise Association")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief but impactful account of Ahaziah's death and burial in [2 Kings 9:28](/2_kings/9-28 "2 Kings 9:28 - Ahaziah's Burial") offers profound and timeless lessons for contemporary believers. His demise, a direct result of his deep alliance with the wicked house of Ahab, serves as a stark and sobering warning about the spiritual dangers inherent in aligning oneself with ungodly influences, whether these manifest in personal relationships, professional endeavors, cultural trends, or even theological compromises. It powerfully reminds us that our associations can have significant, even fatal, consequences for our spiritual well-being, trajectory, and ultimate destiny. While God's righteous judgment against sin is absolute and comprehensive, as vividly seen in the purge of Ahab's house, the narrative also subtly highlights God's enduring and steadfast faithfulness to His covenants, even when human actors fail spectacularly. Ahaziah's burial in the "city of David" points to a larger, immutable divine plan at work, one that transcends individual failures and ensures the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. This encourages us to place our unwavering trust in God's sovereign control, even when circumstances appear chaotic, unjust, or beyond our comprehension, and to discern carefully who and what we align ourselves with, choosing instead to walk in paths that honor God and align with His divine purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What ungodly influences, alliances, or compromises might I need to critically re-evaluate and perhaps sever in my own life, whether personal, professional, or digital?**
* **How does Ahaziah's story deepen my understanding of divine judgment, God's unwavering sovereignty, and His simultaneous faithfulness amidst human wickedness?**
* **In what practical and intentional ways can I actively choose to align myself more fully with God's purposes, His people, and His truth, rather than being drawn into spiritually compromising situations?**

### FAQ
**Why was Ahaziah buried in Jerusalem when he died near Megiddo?**

Answer: Ahaziah was the legitimate King of Judah, despite his personal wickedness and his ill-fated alliance with the house of Ahab. It was a deeply ingrained custom and a matter of royal dignity for kings to be buried in their ancestral tombs within their capital city, even if they died far from home. His loyal servants made the significant effort to transport his body all the way to Jerusalem to ensure he received a proper royal burial in the "city of David," which was the traditional necropolis for the Davidic kings. This act underscored his royal status and legitimate lineage, distinguishing his fate from the ignominious ends of other members of Ahab's house, such as Joram, whose body was left unburied in Naboth's field ([2 Kings 9:25-26](/2_kings/9-25-26 "2 Kings 9:25-26 - Joram's Death and Burial")), and Jezebel, whose body was consumed by dogs ([2 Kings 9:35-37](/2_kings/9-35-37 "2 Kings 9:35-37 - Jezebel's Prophetic End")).

**What is the significance of "the city of David" for burial?**

Answer: The "city of David" refers to the oldest and most sacred part of Jerusalem, specifically Mount Zion, which King David had conquered and established as his royal capital. It subsequently became the traditional and revered burial site for many of the kings of Judah, beginning with David himself. Being buried in the "city of David" profoundly signified a king's legitimate place within the Davidic dynasty and underscored his vital connection to the covenant God made with David, promising an enduring kingdom and a perpetual line of succession ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). For Ahaziah, it confirmed his royal identity and lineage, even though his reign was brief and marked by wickedness, and he ultimately died under divine judgment.

**How does Ahaziah's death relate to the prophecy against Ahab?**

Answer: While Ahaziah was a king of Judah, not Israel, and not a direct son of Ahab, he was closely related through his mother, Athaliah, who was Ahab's daughter ([2 Kings 8:26](/2_kings/8-26 "2 Kings 8:26 - Ahaziah's Family Ties")). Furthermore, he was deeply allied with King Joram of Israel, Ahab's son, and was present with him during Jehu's coup. Therefore, Ahaziah's death at the hands of Jehu was an extension of the broader, comprehensive divine judgment against the house of Ahab and its pervasive sphere of influence. His removal was necessary to completely purge the wicked influence of Ahab and Jezebel, fulfilling the spirit and intent of the prophecy given by Elijah in [1 Kings 21:21-24](/1_kings/21-21-24 "1 Kings 21:21-24 - Prophecy Against Ahab's House"), which decreed the utter destruction of Ahab's dynasty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The account of Ahaziah's death and burial, though seemingly a minor detail within a violent narrative, profoundly points to the necessity and glory of Jesus Christ. Ahaziah, a flawed and wicked king from the Davidic line, met a violent end due to his unholy alliances and the unfolding of divine judgment. His burial in the "city of David" subtly highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with David ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David")), even amidst the abject failures of individual kings. This persistent and unbreakable covenant ultimately finds its perfect, eternal, and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Unlike Ahaziah, whose reign was brief, disastrous, and ended in death, Jesus is the true and eternal Son of David, whose kingdom will never end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Davidic Kingship")). He is the King who did not succumb to unholy alliances or compromise with evil, but perfectly obeyed God's will, even to the point of sacrificial death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). His burial was not in an ancestral tomb of a flawed and failing lineage, but in a new tomb, signifying His unique, sinless nature and the inauguration of the new covenant through His resurrection ([Matthew 27:59-60](/matthew/27-59-60 "Matthew 27:59-60 - Jesus' Burial")). The "city of David" for Christ is not an earthly necropolis, but the heavenly Jerusalem, where He reigns eternally as the resurrected Lord, offering not a temporary reprieve from judgment, but eternal life and salvation for all who believe and trust in Him ([Revelation 21:2-4](/revelation/21-2-4 "Revelation 21:2-4 - The New Jerusalem")).

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 Kings 23:30

And his servants carried him in a chariot dead from Megiddo, and brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own sepulchre. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father's stead.

2 Chronicles 35:24

His servants therefore took him out of that chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he had; and they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died, and was buried in [one of] the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.

2 Kings 23:20

And he slew all the priests of the high places that [were] there upon the altars, and burned men's bones upon them, and returned to Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 25:28

And they brought him upon horses, and buried him with his fathers in the city of Judah.

2 Kings 14:19

Now they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem: and he fled to Lachish; but they sent after him to Lachish, and slew him there.

2 Kings 14:20

And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David.

2 Kings 12:21

For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.