Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 13 - Verse 9
Meaning
After the death of Jehoahaz, his body was laid to rest among his ancestors in Samaria, the capital of the northern Kingdom of Israel. The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common biblical euphemism for death, indicating that Jehoahaz passed away and was buried alongside his predecessors. Following his death, his son Joash ascended to the throne as the new king of Israel. This succession marked a significant transition of power within the kingdom, as Joash took on the responsibilities and duties of kingship in place of his deceased father. The continuity of leadership within the dynasty was maintained through the transfer of authority from father to son, ensuring the stability and governance of the kingdom. The verse serves as a reminder of the cyclic nature of royalty, where rulers come and go, passing on their legacy to future generations.
Theological Overview
The verse "And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria: and Joash his son reigned in his stead." provides insight into the succession of kings in ancient Israel. In this context, the term "slept with his fathers" is a common euphemism used in the Bible to describe someone's death, indicating that Jehoahaz passed away and was buried in Samaria, the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel. The phrase "and Joash his son reigned in his stead" highlights the dynastic nature of ancient Israelite monarchy, where rulership was often passed down from father to son. This verse also emphasizes the cyclical nature of leadership in the ancient near east, signifying the continuation of the royal lineage with the ascension of Joash to the throne after his father's death. Through theological interpretation and word studies, we gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural context surrounding this verse, shedding light on the customs and traditions of ancient Israelite society.