Azariah’s death and Jotham’s accession to the throne exemplify the LORD’s sustaining hand over the Davidic dynasty.
“And Azariah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David, and Jotham his son became king in his place.” (v.7)
In this verse, we see the final moments of King Azariah’s life: “And Azariah slept with his fathers” (v.7). The phrase “slept with his fathers” is a typical Old Testament expression indicating physical death and going to one’s ancestors who have gone before. Azariah was also known as Uzziah, who reigned over the kingdom of Judah from 792 to 740 BC. This places him during a critical period in Judah’s history, when the kingdom experienced both spiritual challenges and moments of prosperity. Despite Azariah’s military successes and extended reign, his story in Chronicles reveals that he abused his authority by assuming priestly duties, for which the LORD struck him with leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:16-21). Thus, by the time of his death, Azariah’s struggle with leprosy had relegated him to a more subdued role while his son Jotham assisted in ruling the nation.
Next, the text states that “they buried him with his fathers in the city of David” (v.7). The city of David refers to the ancient stronghold in Jerusalem that King David conquered from the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:6-9). Over time, it became the royal burial ground for many of Judah’s kings, symbolizing their ongoing legacy and the LORD’s faithfulness to the Davidic line. In burying Azariah in the city of David, the people recognized his rightful place among Judah’s monarchs. This also served as a visible reminder that God had promised to preserve David’s lineage.
Finally, the verse says “Jotham his son became king in his place” (v.7). Jotham’s transition to the throne ensured the stability of the dynastic succession. Historical records describe Jotham ruling effectively and continuing some of his father’s building programs while maintaining a measure of devotion to the LORD (2 Chronicles 27:1-6). His reign highlights how God continued to work through the Davidic line, ultimately pointing forward to the future Messiah who would come from the line of David (Matthew 1:1).
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2 Kings 15:7 meaning
“And Azariah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David, and Jotham his son became king in his place.” (v.7)
In this verse, we see the final moments of King Azariah’s life: “And Azariah slept with his fathers” (v.7). The phrase “slept with his fathers” is a typical Old Testament expression indicating physical death and going to one’s ancestors who have gone before. Azariah was also known as Uzziah, who reigned over the kingdom of Judah from 792 to 740 BC. This places him during a critical period in Judah’s history, when the kingdom experienced both spiritual challenges and moments of prosperity. Despite Azariah’s military successes and extended reign, his story in Chronicles reveals that he abused his authority by assuming priestly duties, for which the LORD struck him with leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:16-21). Thus, by the time of his death, Azariah’s struggle with leprosy had relegated him to a more subdued role while his son Jotham assisted in ruling the nation.
Next, the text states that “they buried him with his fathers in the city of David” (v.7). The city of David refers to the ancient stronghold in Jerusalem that King David conquered from the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:6-9). Over time, it became the royal burial ground for many of Judah’s kings, symbolizing their ongoing legacy and the LORD’s faithfulness to the Davidic line. In burying Azariah in the city of David, the people recognized his rightful place among Judah’s monarchs. This also served as a visible reminder that God had promised to preserve David’s lineage.
Finally, the verse says “Jotham his son became king in his place” (v.7). Jotham’s transition to the throne ensured the stability of the dynastic succession. Historical records describe Jotham ruling effectively and continuing some of his father’s building programs while maintaining a measure of devotion to the LORD (2 Chronicles 27:1-6). His reign highlights how God continued to work through the Davidic line, ultimately pointing forward to the future Messiah who would come from the line of David (Matthew 1:1).