2 Kings 13:9

And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria: and Joash his son reigned in his stead.

And Jehoahaz {H3059} slept {H7901} with his fathers {H1}; and they buried {H6912} him in Samaria {H8111}: and Joash {H3101} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Y'ho'achaz slept with his ancestors, and they buried him in Shomron. Then Yo'ash his son took his place as king.

And Jehoahaz rested with his fathers and was buried in Samaria. And his son Jehoash reigned in his place.

And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria: and Joash his son reigned in his stead.

Commentary

2 Kings 13:9 marks a significant transition in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, detailing the death of King Jehoahaz and the ascension of his son, Joash, to the throne. This verse encapsulates the cyclical nature of kingship in ancient Israel, often tied to the nation's spiritual state.

Context of Jehoahaz's Reign

King Jehoahaz ruled Israel for seventeen years (as noted in 2 Kings 13:1) during a period of severe oppression from Aram (Syria) under King Hazael. The biblical narrative frequently highlights that Israel's suffering during this time was a direct consequence of their persistent sin and idolatry, particularly their adherence to the sins of Jeroboam, son of Nebat, who led Israel astray (see 1 Kings 12:28-30). Though Jehoahaz humbled himself and sought the Lord's help (2 Kings 13:4), the full deliverance promised by God began to manifest more clearly during his son Joash's reign, particularly through the prophet Elisha.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Succession and Continuity: The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common biblical idiom signifying death and peaceful passing, used for many kings of both Israel and Judah (e.g., David in 1 Kings 2:10). This verse underlines the continuous, dynastic nature of the monarchy, even amidst national turmoil.
  • Divine Providence: Despite the human drama of succession, the Bible consistently portrays God as sovereign over the rise and fall of kings and kingdoms. The transition from Jehoahaz to Joash was part of God's overarching plan for Israel, even as they faced judgment for their unfaithfulness.
  • Consequences of Unfaithfulness: Jehoahaz's reign was marked by weakness and oppression, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God's covenant. The burial in Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom, signifies a king's expected resting place.

Linguistic Insight

The idiom "slept with his fathers" (Hebrew: ื™ึดืฉึฐืื›ึทึผื‘ ืขึดื ืึฒื‘ึนืชึธื™ื•, yishkav im avotav) is not merely a euphemism for death, but often implies joining one's ancestors in a collective resting place. It emphasizes the natural and expected end of a life, particularly for a ruler, becoming part of the lineage's history.

Practical Application

This verse, while brief, reminds us of the transient nature of earthly power and the certainty of death. It also highlights the enduring truth that God's plan unfolds through generations, even when human leaders falter. For believers, it's a call to trust in God's sovereignty over all circumstances and to recognize that our ultimate hope is not in earthly rulers or systems, but in the eternal King, Jesus Christ, whose reign has no end (Luke 1:33).

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Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 10:35 (2 votes)

    And Jehu slept with his fathers: and they buried him in Samaria. And Jehoahaz his son reigned in his stead.

  • 1 Kings 14:13 (2 votes)

    And all Israel shall mourn for him, and bury him: for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found [some] good thing toward the LORD God of Israel in the house of Jeroboam.

  • 2 Kings 13:10 (2 votes)

    ยถ In the thirty and seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, [and reigned] sixteen years.

  • 2 Kings 13:13 (2 votes)

    And Joash slept with his fathers; and Jeroboam sat upon his throne: and Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel.

  • 2 Kings 14:8 (2 votes)

    ยถ Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face.