And Azariah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David, and Jotham his son reigned in his place.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even in a seemingly simple statement of succession, notice the repeated phrase "with his fathers." This isn't just about burial; it emphasizes continuity and the hope of being remembered as part of a lineage, connecting Azariah's life and reign to those who came before him, even as a new chapter begins.
And Azariah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David, and Jotham his son reigned in his place.
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Azariah had just finished a long, mostly successful reign where he followed the Lord, although he also faced a serious illness. This verse marks the end of his era and the transition of power to his son Jotham, whose own reign will be described as righteous. The passage is part of a series of accounts detailing the kings of Israel and Judah, highlighting their faithfulness or unfaithfulness to God.
King Azariah had a remarkably long and impactful reign. But like all earthly rulers, his time eventually came to an end. What does his peaceful departure tell us?
A Lengthy Legacy
King Azariah, also known as Uzziah, ruled for an incredible 52 years. This was one of the longest reigns in Israel's history! His long tenure allowed for significant stability and growth in Judah.
Resting with Ancestors
The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common, gentle way the Bible describes death, especially for royalty and significant figures. It signifies a peaceful end to a life of service and a return to the ancestral resting place, connecting his life to the lineage of faith and leadership.
The burial place of a king was no small matter. What does Azariah's burial spot reveal about his status and the continuity of God's promises?
The Heart of the Kingdom
Being buried in the "city of David" (which is Jerusalem) was a profound honor. This was the ancestral burial ground for the Davidic kings, signifying that Azariah was a legitimate heir to the throne and a continuation of the royal line established by King David.
God's Unfolding Plan
This burial connects Azariah directly to the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. Even amidst the ups and downs of kings, God remained faithful to His covenant with David, ensuring that the royal line would continue.
Ask a follow-up
When one king falls asleep, another must rise. What does the swift transition to Jotham's reign signify for the kingdom of Judah?
Divine Providence and Succession
The verse immediately pivots from Azariah's death to the ascension of his son, Jotham. This isn't just a political event; it's a testament to God's sovereign hand guiding the affairs of nations. Even in death, God ensures continuity and leadership.
The Cycle of Leadership
While Azariah's reign was long, Jotham's reign (though detailed elsewhere as being largely righteous) also had its challenges. The transfer of power highlights the ongoing human leadership that governs the world, always under God's ultimate authority. It reminds us that God raises up leaders and calls them home, but His purposes for His people endure.
Understand the original words
shakab ‘im ‘abothayw · Hebrew Verb phrase
A phrase commonly used in the Old Testament to describe the death of a king, signifying both the physical end of life and a continuing association with his ancestors in the afterlife or in the family burial tradition.
iyr David · Hebrew Proper noun
A phrase referring to Jerusalem, specifically the Zion fortress captured from the Jebusites, which became the royal residence and burial place for the kings of the Davidic line.
This verse marks the end of a significant and lengthy reign for King Azariah (Uzziah), a time when Judah experienced considerable stability and strength. His death and the succession of his son Jotham occurred during a period of shifting geopolitical landscapes, with the looming shadow of Assyria beginning to impact the region.
c. 790 BC
Reign of Jeroboam II
Jeroboam II, king of the northern kingdom of Israel, presided over a period of peace and prosperity. This stability influenced Judah as well.
c. 786 BC
Accession of Azariah (Uzziah) of Judah
Azariah, also known as Uzziah, began his long and largely successful reign as king of Judah, following in his father Amaziah's footsteps.
c. 750 BC— this verse
Uzziah's Reign Continues
King Uzziah expanded Judah's territory, strengthened its defenses, and improved its economy. He led Judah during a time of relative peace and strength, though biblical accounts note his later struggle with leprosy.
c. 740 BC
Death of Uzziah and Accession of Jotham
After a reign of 52 years, King Uzziah died. His son Jotham succeeded him, taking on the responsibilities of leadership in a kingdom that Uzziah had significantly shaped.
740 BC - 732 BC
Jotham's Sole Reign
Jotham ruled as king of Judah, continuing many of his father Uzziah's policies. He is noted for his building projects and for his righteousness.
730s BC
Rise of Assyrian Power
The Neo-Assyrian Empire began to assert its dominance in the region, posing a growing threat to both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah.
This passage parallels 2 Kings 15:7 by describing Azariah's death and burial, emphasizing his burial location next to his fathers, highlighting the continuity of Davidic lineage even in death.
2 Chronicles 26:1-23This chapter provides a much more detailed account of Azariah's (also called Uzziah) life and reign, showing his initial faithfulness, his great success, and his ultimate downfall due to pride, which indirectly relates to the summary of his death and succession in 2 Kings 15:7.
Isaiah 6:1The prophet Isaiah begins his ministry in the year King Uzziah (Azariah) died, directly linking the end of Azariah's significant reign to the beginning of a new prophetic era, underscoring the impact of his passing on Judah's spiritual and political landscape.
2 Kings 14:21This verse immediately precedes the mention of Azariah's reign (though not his death), introducing Amaziah, Azariah's father, and setting the stage for the transfer of power that culminates in Azariah's own succession and eventual burial.
Even in a seemingly simple statement of succession, notice the repeated phrase "with his fathers." This isn't just about burial; it emphasizes continuity and the hope of being remembered as part of a lineage, connecting Azariah's life and reign to those who came before him, even as a new chapter begins.
King Azariah had just finished a long, mostly successful reign where he followed the Lord, although he also faced a serious illness. This verse marks the end of his era and the transition of power to his son Jotham, whose own reign will be described as righteous. The passage is part of a series of accounts detailing the kings of Israel and Judah, highlighting their faithfulness or unfaithfulness to God.
King Azariah had just finished a long, mostly successful reign where he followed the Lord, although he also faced a serious illness. This verse marks the end of his era and the transition of power to his son Jotham, whose own reign will be described as righteous. The passage is part of a series of accounts detailing the kings of Israel and Judah, highlighting their faithfulness or unfaithfulness to God.
"And Azariah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David, and Jotham his son reigned in his place." — Even in a seemingly simple statement of succession, notice the repeated phrase "with his fathers." This isn't just about burial; it emphasizes continuity and the hope of being remembered as part of a…
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Last reviewed October 2026