King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 24:15 Mean?

“But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old was he when he died.”

Context

So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it. the work: Heb. the healing went up upon the work

And when they had finished it, they brought the rest of the money before the king and Jehoiada, whereof were made vessels for the house of the LORD, even vessels to minister, and to offer withal, and spoons, and vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt offerings in the house of the LORD continually all the days of Jehoiada. to offer: or, pestils

But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old was he when he died.

And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house.

Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**DEATH AND BURIAL OF JEHOIADA. NATIONAL APOSTACY AND MURDER OF ZECHARIAH BEN JEHOIADA THE PROPHET** (2Chronicles 24:15-22). This section is wholly wanting in the Kings. It serves as a moral explanation of the after-history of Joash, recorded there and here (2Kings 12:17-21). (15) **But Jehoiada . . . when he died.**—Literally, *And Jehoiada became old, and was satisfied with days, and he died.* The *verb* “to be satisfied” is only so used here and in 1Chronicles 23:1. (Comp. Psalm 91:16.) The ancient expression was adjectival, “full of days” (Genesis 25:8; Genesis 35:29; Job 42:17; 1Chronicles 29:28, only). **An hundred and thirty years old.**—According to some modern physiologists, one hundred and five is the proper limit of human life; that is to say, five times the period usually required for the attainment of full growth. Under favourable conditions it is even supposed that life might extend to half a century longer (M. Flourens, of the French Academy of Sciences). When persons of advanced age (eighty to one hundred) die, it is usually from preventible causes, As a French medical writer has remarked, “Men do not commonly die; they kill themselves.” The ago of Jehoiada, then, would seem to be not impossible, although an error of transcription in our text is also not impossible.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 24:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.