King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 13:9 Mean?

2 Kings 13:9 in the King James Version says “And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria: and Joash his son reigned in his stead.” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria: and Joash his son reigned in his stead.”

2 Kings 13:9 · KJV

Context

7

Neither did he leave of the people to Jehoahaz but fifty horsemen, and ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen; for the king of Syria had destroyed them, and had made them like the dust by threshing.

8

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

9

And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria: and Joash his son reigned in his stead.

10

In the thirty and seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned sixteen years.

11

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD; he departed not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel sin: but he walked therein.

Read 2 Kings 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria: and Joash his son reigned in his stead.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 13 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Decline of Israel and Judah) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 13 regarding god's patience with recurring apostasy?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֤ב1 of 10

“slept”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

יְהֽוֹאָחָז֙2 of 10

“And Jehoahaz”

H3059

jehoachaz, the name of three israelites

עִם3 of 10
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אֲבֹתָ֔יו4 of 10

“with his fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַֽיִּקְבְּרֻ֖הוּ5 of 10

“and they buried”

H6912

to inter

בְּשֹֽׁמְר֑וֹן6 of 10

“him in Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ7 of 10

“reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

יוֹאָ֥שׁ8 of 10

“and Joash”

H3101

joash, the name of six israelites

בְּנ֖וֹ9 of 10

“his son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

תַּחְתָּֽיו׃10 of 10
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

2 Kings 13:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 13:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 13:131 Kings 14:132 Kings 13:102 Kings 14:82 Kings 10:35

Places in This Verse

Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
View all places in 2 Kings 13 →

Test Your Knowledge

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