2 Kings Chapter 16 · Verse 20
And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֤ב
slept
H7901
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֤ב
slept
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
1 of 13
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
3 of 13
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אֲבֹתָ֖יו
with his fathers
H1
אֲבֹתָ֖יו
with his fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
4 of 13
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
6 of 13
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אֲבֹתָ֖יו
with his fathers
H1
אֲבֹתָ֖יו
with his fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
7 of 13
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
בְּעִ֣יר
in the city
H5892
בְּעִ֣יר
in the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
8 of 13
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ
reigned
H4427
וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ
reigned
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
10 of 13
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
חִזְקִיָּ֥הוּ
and Hezekiah
H2396
חִזְקִיָּ֥הוּ
and Hezekiah
Strong's:
H2396
Word #:
11 of 13
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 16 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Ahaz's Apostasy) reflects the historical reality of desperate political alliances and religious syncretism as Judah faced external threats. 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 16 regarding desperate alliances and religious compromise?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 16: Desperate alliances and religious compromise. 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.