Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 15 - Verse 7

After Azariah, also known as Uzziah, passed away, he was buried with his ancestors in the city of David. Azariah had reigned as king over Judah for a total of 52 years. Although he started off as a righteous and successful king, his reign ended in tragedy when he was struck with leprosy for attempting to burn incense in the temple, a task only reserved for the priests. Despite this downfall, Azariah was still honored by being buried alongside the kings who came before him. Following his death, his son Jotham took over the throne of Judah. Jotham continued his father's legacy of ruling over Judah, striving to govern with wisdom and righteousness. This passing of the torch from Azariah to Jotham marked a new chapter in the history of Judah, with each king contributing to the unfolding story of God's people in the land of Israel.

Upon closer theological interpretation of this verse, we can see a significant shift in leadership from Azariah to his son Jotham, as Azariah passes away and is buried with his fathers in the city of David. This passing of the torch highlights the cyclical nature of leadership in the Old Testament, with each generation succeeding the next. The mention of Azariah being buried with his fathers in the city of David reinforces the importance of lineage and continuity in the Biblical narrative. The mention of Jotham taking over after his father's death also serves as a reminder of the divine appointment of kings in Israel, as each ruler is chosen and appointed by God to lead His people. This verse ultimately showcases the interconnectedness of generations and the divine plan that unfolds throughout the history of Israel.