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

2 CHRONICLES 12:16KJV
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2 Chronicles 12:16 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 12:16 mean?

2 Chronicles 12:16 states that Rehoboam died ("slept with his fathers") and was buried in the city of David, and that his son Abijah became king after him. This verse marks the end of Rehoboam’s reign and the beginning of Abijah’s rule over Judah.

The verse is a historical summary, typical at the end of a king’s story in the books of Kings and Chronicles. The Chronicler is recording the transition of leadership in Judah, noting both the burial place of Rehoboam and the succession by his son. This sets the stage for the next section, which will focus on Abijah’s reign.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 12:16

  • "slept" (שָׁכַב, shakav): This word is often used in the Hebrew Bible as a respectful way to say someone died, especially kings or patriarchs. It connects Rehoboam to his ancestors, emphasizing continuity.
  • "fathers" (אָב, av): Refers to Rehoboam’s ancestors, not just his immediate father. This highlights the dynastic line and the tradition of royal succession.
  • "buried" (קָבַר, qavar): Indicates that Rehoboam received a proper burial, which was significant for honor and legitimacy in ancient Israel.
  • "city" (עִיר, ir) and "David" (דָּוִד, David): The "city of David" refers specifically to Jerusalem, reinforcing its importance as the royal and spiritual center.

Why 2 Chronicles 12:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies the orderly transition of power in Judah, showing that the royal line continued through Rehoboam’s son, Abijah.
  • By mentioning the burial in the city of David, the Chronicler emphasizes the legitimacy and continuity of David’s dynasty, which is a major theme in Chronicles.
  • The verse connects to the broader narrative by closing the account of Rehoboam’s reign and preparing the reader for the next king’s story, maintaining the historical flow of the text.

Where else these words appear

“Abijah” Hebrew H29 · used in 25 verses

  • 1 Samuel 8:2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba.
  • 2 Chronicles 11:22 And Rehoboam made Abijah the son of Maachah the chief, to be ruler among his brethren: for he thought to make him king.
  • 2 Chronicles 13:20 Neither did Jeroboam recover strength again in the days of Abijah: and the LORD struck him, and he died.

“Rehoboam” Hebrew H7346 · used in 41 verses

  • 1 Kings 11:43 And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Kings 14:29 Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
  • 2 Chronicles 11:1 And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam.

“buried” Hebrew H6912 · used in 122 verses

  • Genesis 15:15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
  • Judges 16:31 Then his brethren and all the house of his father came down, and took him, and brought him up, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the buryingplace of Manoah his father. And he judged Israel twenty years.
  • 2 Kings 14:20 And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David.