2 Kings 14:16

And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead.

And Jehoash {H3060} slept {H7901} with his fathers {H1}, and was buried {H6912} in Samaria {H8111} with the kings {H4428} of Israel {H3478}; and Jeroboam {H3379} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Y'ho'ash slept with his ancestors and was buried in Shomron with the kings of Isra'el. Then Yarov'am took his place as king.

And Jehoash rested with his fathers and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel. And his son Jeroboam reigned in his place.

And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead.

Commentary

Context

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, signaling the end of King Jehoash's (also known as Joash) reign and the beginning of his son Jeroboam II's rule. Jehoash, who reigned for 16 years (2 Kings 13:10), was a king who "did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD" (2 Kings 13:11), yet he also experienced divine favor through the prophet Elisha, particularly in his victories against Aram (Syria). Just prior to this verse, the narrative recounts Jehoash's victory over King Amaziah of Judah, even capturing Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Royal Succession: The verse highlights the consistent pattern of royal succession in ancient Near Eastern monarchies, where power is transferred from father to son. This continuity was vital for the stability of the kingdom, even in the often turbulent Northern Kingdom of Israel.
  • Mortality of Kings: Despite their power and status, kings were mortal. The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common biblical euphemism for death, emphasizing that even rulers are subject to the universal human experience of mortality.
  • The Regnal Formula: This verse is a classic example of the "regnal formula" used throughout the Books of Kings to systematically record the end of a king's reign: death, burial, and the succession of his heir. This structured reporting underscores the chronological progression of biblical history and God's sovereignty over human rulers.
  • Transition to a New Era: The passing of Jehoash and the rise of Jeroboam II ushered in a new era for Israel. Jeroboam II's reign would prove to be one of significant military and economic prosperity, though often accompanied by spiritual decline, as later prophets like Amos and Hosea would attest.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "slept with his fathers" (Hebrew: ื™ึดืฉึฐืื›ึทึผื‘ ืขึดื ืึฒื‘ึนืชึธื™ื•, yishkav im avotayv) is a common biblical idiom found dozens of times in the Books of Kings and Chronicles. It is a gentle euphemism for death, suggesting that the deceased joins their ancestors in the grave or in the realm of the dead. It does not necessarily imply a specific theological understanding of the afterlife, but rather signifies the cessation of earthly life and integration into the ancestral lineage in death.

Significance and Application

2 Kings 14:16, while seemingly a straightforward historical record, offers several layers of significance:

  • The Transience of Power: It serves as a reminder that all earthly power and authority are temporary. No matter how influential or mighty a ruler may be, their reign will end, and they will pass away. This perspective encourages humility and reliance on God's eternal kingdom rather than fleeting human institutions.
  • God's Ongoing Plan: Despite the succession of kings, many of whom were unfaithful, the narrative of God's people and His covenant promises continued. The death of one king and the rise of another are part of the larger divine tapestry unfolding in history.
  • Legacy: Every life, including that of a king, leaves a legacy. Jehoash's reign was marked by both unfaithfulness and unexpected victories. The verse prompts reflection on the kind of legacy we are building, whether one of faithfulness to God or pursuit of worldly gain. The subsequent reign of Jeroboam II, though prosperous, ultimately contributed to Israel's spiritual decay, illustrating that material success does not equate to divine blessing.
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Cross-References

  • Hosea 1:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ The word of the LORD that came unto Hosea, the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel.

  • 2 Kings 13:9 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Kings 1:21 (2 votes)

    Otherwise it shall come to pass, when my lord the king shall sleep with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon shall be counted offenders.

  • 2 Samuel 7:12 (2 votes)

    And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

  • Amos 1:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.

  • 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.

  • Amos 7:10 (2 votes)

    ยถ Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, Amos hath conspired against thee in the midst of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his words.