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
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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.

Where else these words appear

“Jotham” Hebrew H3147 · used in 24 verses

  • Judges 9:5 And he went unto his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself.
  • 2 Kings 15:36 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
  • 2 Chronicles 27:1 Jotham was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Jerushah, the daughter of Zadok.

“Azariah” Hebrew H5838 · used in 44 verses

  • 1 Kings 4:2 And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,
  • 1 Chronicles 6:10 And Johanan begat Azariah,(he it is that executed the priest's office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem:)
  • 2 Chronicles 31:10 And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the LORD hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.

“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.