And his servants carried him in a chariot to Jerusalem, and buried him in his sepulchre with his fathers in the city of David.

2 KINGS 9:28KJV
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2 Kings 9:28 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 9:28 mean?

2 Kings 9:28 describes how the servants of King Ahaziah transported his body by chariot to Jerusalem after his death and buried him in the family tomb, alongside his ancestors, in the city of David. This verse shows that despite Ahaziah’s violent death, he was given a burial that honored his royal lineage.

The verse is set after King Ahaziah of Judah was fatally wounded while fleeing from Jehu, who had been anointed to bring judgment on the house of Ahab. The servants (likely royal attendants) ensured Ahaziah’s body was returned to Jerusalem, the capital and spiritual center for Judah, where he was buried with his forefathers. This act of burial in the "sepulchre with his fathers" in the city of David highlights both his royal status and the importance of family burial traditions in ancient Israel.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 9:28

  • servants (עֶבֶד, ʿeved): This word refers to attendants or officials who served the king. Their role here shows loyalty and respect, ensuring Ahaziah received proper burial rites.
  • carried (רָכַב, rākav): This verb often means "to ride" or "to transport by chariot." It emphasizes that Ahaziah’s body was brought with care and dignity, not left behind or treated with disrespect.
  • sepulchre (קֶבֶר, qeber): This term means a tomb or burial place. The mention of Ahaziah’s burial in his family tomb underscores the importance of ancestral connections and royal heritage.
  • city (עִיר, ʿir) of David (דָּוִד, David): "City of David" is a reference to Jerusalem, specifically the ancient core associated with King David. This detail ties Ahaziah to the Davidic line and the traditions of Judah’s kings.

Why 2 Kings 9:28 matters

  • This verse clarifies that, despite Ahaziah’s violent end, he was not denied the honor of a royal burial, which was significant in ancient Israelite culture.
  • The mention of burial "with his fathers" in the city of David connects Ahaziah to the legacy of King David and the continuity of the Davidic dynasty, even amid political upheaval.
  • The verse sets up a contrast with the fate of other kings in this chapter, some of whom do not receive honorable burials, highlighting the theme of judgment and mercy in the surrounding narrative.

Where else these words appear

“sepulchre” Hebrew H6900 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 35:20 And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day.
  • 2 Kings 21:26 And he was buried in his sepulchre in the garden of Uzza: and Josiah his son reigned in his stead.
  • Isaiah 14:20 Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned.

“carried” Hebrew H7392 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 24:61 And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.
  • 1 Kings 1:38 So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.
  • Psalms 66:12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.

“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 15:7 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.