What is the meaning of 2 Kings 15:7? And Azariah rested with his fathers • “Rested” signals physical death and peaceful release from earthly toil (1 Kings 2:10). • The phrase “with his fathers” links Azariah (also called Uzziah, 2 Chron 26:1) to the godly line of David, underscoring covenant continuity (2 Samuel 7:12). • Scripture portrays death for believers as a form of rest that looks ahead to resurrection hope (Job 19:25–27; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14). • His long reign (2 Kings 15:2) ends not in disgrace but in the familiar Hebrew idiom for a faithful king’s passing. and was buried near them in the City of David • Burial in Jerusalem, “the City of David” (2 Samuel 5:7), affirms his legitimate place in Judah’s royal house. • “Near them” emphasizes familial honor; kings who rebelled against the Lord were sometimes denied such burial (Jeremiah 22:18–19). • 2 Chron 26:23 adds that he was buried “in the field of the burial that belonged to the kings,” likely because his leprosy (2 Kings 15:5) required ceremonial separation even in death. • The location highlights God’s faithfulness to keep David’s line intact despite individual failings (Psalm 89:29). And his son Jotham reigned in his place • Succession fulfills God’s promise that David would “never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel” (1 Kings 9:5). • Jotham had already co-reigned during Azariah’s leprosy (2 Chron 26:21), ensuring a smooth transfer of power. • His ascent illustrates divine providence: “He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21). • Jotham’s reign continues the pattern of relative faithfulness: “He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD” (2 Kings 15:34), contrasting with Israel’s northern instability (2 Kings 15:8-31). summary 2 Kings 15:7 records a peaceful death, honorable burial, and orderly succession—three markers of God’s covenant mercy to Judah. Azariah’s rest affirms hope beyond the grave, his burial in David’s city confirms the enduring royal line, and Jotham’s accession showcases the Lord’s ongoing governance of His people. |
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