1 Kings 22:50

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

And Jehoshaphat {H3092} slept {H7901} with his fathers {H1}, and was buried {H6912} with his fathers {H1} in the city {H5892} of David {H1732} his father {H1}: and Jehoram {H3088} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

So Y'hoshafat slept with his ancestors and was buried with his ancestors in the City of David his ancestor, and Y'horam his son became king in his place.

And Jehoshaphat rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the city of his father David. And his son Jehoram reigned in his place.

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

Commentary

Context

This verse marks the conclusion of King Jehoshaphat's reign over Judah, a period largely characterized by his devotion to the Lord, though not without its challenges and compromises. He is remembered as a king who removed high places and groves and sent Levites to teach the Law throughout Judah. His death comes at the end of 1 Kings, which has detailed his alliance with Ahab of Israel, a controversial decision that led to the battle of Ramoth-gilead (1 Kings 22:29-36).

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Inevitability of Death and Succession: The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common biblical idiom signifying a peaceful death, indicating that Jehoshaphat joined his ancestors in rest. This verse highlights the natural progression of leadership, as one generation passes the mantle to the next.
  • Continuity of the Davidic Line: Jehoshaphat's burial in the "city of David" (Jerusalem) underscores his legitimate place within the royal lineage of Judah, affirming the continuity of the Davidic covenant through his son, Jehoram. This lineage was crucial for the eventual coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
  • Legacy and Transition: While concise, the verse summarizes the end of a significant reign and the beginning of a new one. It prompts reflection on the lasting impact of a leader's life and the transition of power.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "slept with his fathers" (Hebrew: shakav im avotav) is a recurring euphemism in the Old Testament for death, particularly for kings and patriarchs. It implies a natural, peaceful passing and a joining with one's ancestors in the afterlife, rather than a violent or untimely end. This idiom is used for many kings, both good and bad, signifying the end of their earthly rule.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

This verse serves as a quiet reminder of life's brevity and the transient nature of earthly power. While Jehoshaphat's reign was impactful, it ultimately came to an end, as all human lives do. It encourages us to consider our own legacy and the kind of impact we are making during our time on earth, recognizing that God's overarching plan continues regardless of individual lives. It also highlights the importance of raising up the next generation in leadership, just as Jehoram succeeded his father, ensuring continuity and the passing of wisdom and responsibility.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 21:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • 1 Kings 14:31 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Kings 2:10 (2 votes)

    So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.

  • 2 Kings 8:16 (2 votes)

    ¶ And in the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel, Jehoshaphat [being] then king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah began to reign.

  • 2 Kings 8:18 (2 votes)

    And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab: for the daughter of Ahab was his wife: and he did evil in the sight of the LORD.

  • 1 Kings 15:24 (2 votes)

    And Asa slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead.

  • 1 Kings 11:43 (2 votes)

    And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.