So Azariah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.

2 KINGS 15:7KJV
truelightbible.com

2 Kings 15:7 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 15:7 mean?

2 Kings 15:7 records the death of King Azariah (also known as Uzziah), stating that he died, was buried with his ancestors in the city of David, and that his son Jotham became king after him. This verse marks a transition in the royal line of Judah, noting both the end of Azariah’s reign and the beginning of Jotham’s.

The verse is part of a historical account written for the people of Israel and Judah, summarizing the end of one king’s life and the orderly succession to his son. The mention of burial in the city of David highlights Azariah’s status as a legitimate king in the royal family line, and the phrase “slept with his fathers” is a common way the Hebrew Bible describes the death of a king.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 15:7

  • אָזַרְיָה (Azaryah, “Azariah”): This is the Hebrew name of the king, meaning “Yahweh has helped.” The use of his Hebrew name reinforces his connection to the God of Israel.
  • שָׁכַב (shakav, “slept”): This word is often used in the Hebrew Bible to describe death, especially of kings, in a respectful and traditional way. It suggests continuity with previous generations.
  • אָב (av, “fathers”): Refers to ancestors, emphasizing the king’s place in a family and dynastic line.
  • קָבַר (qavar, “buried”): This word highlights the act of burial, which in this context, in the city of David, underscores Azariah’s royal status and legitimacy.
  • יָתוּם (Yotam, “Jotham”): The name of Azariah’s son and successor, meaning “Yahweh is perfect,” showing the ongoing connection to Israel’s God.

Why 2 Kings 15:7 matters

  • The verse clarifies the line of succession in Judah, showing that Jotham’s rule was legitimate and directly followed his father’s.
  • The mention of burial in the city of David connects Azariah to the legacy of King David, reinforcing his place in the royal lineage.
  • The traditional language used for death and succession ties this event to the broader pattern seen throughout the books of Kings, helping readers track the continuity of leadership in Judah.