How does Amon's burial compare to other kings in 2 Kings? Verse in Focus “And he was buried in his tomb in the garden of Uzza, and his son Josiah became king in his place.” (2 Kings 21:26) How Amon’s Burial Stands Out • Location—“the garden of Uzza,” not the customary royal necropolis in the City of David. • Tomb—called “his tomb,” indicating a private grave rather than the family sepulcher used by most faithful kings. • Honor—still buried (unlike some disgraced figures), yet outside the traditional place of honor. Side-by-Side with Manasseh • 2 Kings 21:18: “Manasseh rested with his fathers and was buried in the garden of his own house, the garden of Uzza.” • Father and son share the same unconventional site, signaling continuity in life and death: both practiced idolatry (21:2–6, 21) and both were denied the full dignity of burial “with their fathers” in the City of David. The Usual Pattern for Judah’s Kings Most godly—or at least acceptable—kings received burial “with their fathers” in Jerusalem: • Azariah (Uzziah) – 2 Kings 15:7 • Jotham – 15:38 • Ahaz – 16:20 • (Chronicles adds Hezekiah in an honored tomb, 2 Chronicles 32:33) The City of David burials symbolized covenant faithfulness and royal legitimacy. Examples of Dishonor or Irregularity in 2 Kings • Jehoiakim—died in siege; only “rested with his fathers” is mentioned (24:6); Jeremiah foretold him “the burial of a donkey” (Jeremiah 22:19). • Jehoahaz of Israel—buried in Samaria, the northern capital (13:9), a lesser honor than Jerusalem. • Jezebel—devoured by dogs, no burial at all (9:36–37). • Zedekiah—eyes gouged, died in exile (25:7); no burial record in Kings. What the Garden of Uzza Suggests • Possible defilement—Manasseh and Amon filled Jerusalem with idolatry (21:7–9). Their burial away from the royal tombs may reflect the people’s revulsion or priestly objection. • Political instability—Amon reigned only two years before being assassinated (21:23). A rapid, private interment in the family garden would prevent unrest in the city. • Prophetic undertone—Kings who disregarded God’s covenant forfeited full royal honors, foreshadowing exile (Deuteronomy 28:25–26). Summary Snapshot 1. City-of-David burials = honor for covenant-minded kings. 2. Garden-of-Uzza burials = a unique family plot for two idolatrous rulers, Manasseh and Amon. 3. No burial / exile = ultimate disgrace for the most hardened or judged. Amon’s burial, therefore, is “less than royal” yet more humane than the fate of some, underscoring that even in death the king’s choices shaped his legacy. |
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