II Kings 14:15-16 · Bible study
2 Kings 14:15-16 Commentary: Jehoash's Repeated Reign Summary
Hebrew · 7 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why does Jehoash's reign summary appear twice? This study explores the compiler's method, historical context, and pastoral significance of 2 Kings 14:15-16.
Research Summary
- Meaning: The standard regnal summary records the end of Jehoash's reign and the succession of Jeroboam II. The doublet suggests compilation from two sources.
- Key words: “slept with his fathers” (H7901 H0001), a euphemism for natural death; “might” (H1369), valour and strength; “reigned in his place” (H4427 H8478), succession formula.
- Main debate: Whether the repetition is a scribal insertion (Barnes) or evidence of two source documents (Cambridge Bible).
- Theological theme: God’s sovereignty over human kingship; death as a universal reality; continuity of God’s plan across generations.
- Best use: Teaching about how the Bible was compiled; a reminder that leaders come and go but God’s purposes endure; a prompt to consider legacy.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
15As for the rest of the acts of Jehoash, along with his accomplishments, his might, and how he waged war against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?
16And Jehoash rested with his fathers and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel. And his son Jeroboam reigned in his place.
WEB World English Bible 2000
15Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
16Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his place.
KJV King James Version 1769
15Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
16And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
15Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
16And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
15And the rest of the matters of Jehoash that he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written on the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel?
16And Jehoash lieth with his fathers, and is buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel, and reign doth Jeroboam his son in his stead.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
15And the rest of the acts of Jehoash, what he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
16And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
15But the rest of the acts of Joas, which he did, and his valour, wherewith he fought against Amasias, king of Juda, are they not written in the book of the words of the days of the kings of Israel?
16And Joas slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria, with the kings of Israel: and Jeroboam, his son, reigned in his stead.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · II Kings 14:15
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions recognise that these two verses form the standard regnal summary formula used for northern kings in the book of Kings. Barnes, Cambridge Bible, and Matthew Henry all note that the same material already appeared in 2 Kings 13:12-13. Barnes argues that the verses are “out of place” in their current location, interrupting the history of Amaziah of Judah. The Cambridge Bible suggests the repetition indicates the compiler used two separate documents. Gill understands it as a cross-reference to Jehoash's earlier military successes. Despite differing explanations for the doublet, all agree on the meaning: Jehoash's reign ended, he was buried in Samaria among Israel's kings, and his son Jeroboam II succeeded him. The formula itself, mention of his acts, might, warfare, death, burial, and succession, functions as a closure notice, typical of the book's editorial pattern.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Scribal duplication: Barnes argues the verses are out of place, interrupting Amaziah's history; a later scribe may have inserted them by mistake from 13:12-13.
- Two-document hypothesis: Cambridge Bible points to the different wording for Jeroboam's accession as evidence the compiler used two separate annals and included both.
- Intentional recapitulation: Some see the doublet as a deliberate narrative device, closing Jehoash's account before focusing on Amaziah's fate and the rise of Jeroboam II.
What is clear: Jehoash died a natural death, was buried in Samaria among Israel's kings, and his son Jeroboam II succeeded him.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Repetition of the summary | Both verses repeat the same basic information already found in 2 Kings 13:12-13, serving as a closure notice for Jehoash. | Some argue it is an accidental scribal intrusion (Barnes); others see it as deliberate from a second source (Cambridge Bible); still others view it as a narrative device to conclude Jehoash before focusing on Amaziah and Jeroboam II. |
| The phrase 'slept with his fathers' | It is a respectful euphemism for death, used widely in Kings for both righteous and wicked kings. | Interpreters differ on whether it implies burial with ancestors in a literal family tomb or merely a peaceful death. The text says Jehoash was buried with the kings of Israel in Samaria, which may or may not be his ancestral tomb. |
| Reference to 'the book of the chronicles' | This is an official court record, now lost, which the compiler of Kings used as a source. | Disagreement exists over whether this chronicle was a single continuous work or multiple scrolls for each reign. The repetition here gives weight to the idea of multiple source documents. |
| Historical accuracy of the summary | Jehoash certainly died, was buried in Samaria, and Jeroboam II succeeded him. The war with Amaziah is historically plausible. | Some question the precise chronology due to the doublet and the synchronism with Amaziah (v.17). A minority of scholars see the doubled notice as a sign of editorial confusion, but most accept the basic historical framework. |
Historical & Cultural Context
These two verses belong to a series of brief regnal formulas that structure the book of Kings. For the northern kingdom, the formula typically includes the king's acts (or “rest of his acts”), a reference to his might and major wars, a note about his death and burial, and the name of his successor. The source cited, “the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel,” was likely an official court chronicle, now lost, from which the compiler of Kings drew material.
The repetition of Jehoash's summary here is noteworthy. The same information already appears in 2 Kings 13:12-13, but with slight variation: there it mentions that Jeroboam “sat on his throne,” while here it says “Jeroboam his son reigned in his place.” The Cambridge Bible sees this as the compiler copying from a different document. Barnes and Matthew Henry view the repetition as an editorial intrusion into the Amaziah narrative. Verses 15-16 interrupt the flow of Amaziah's story (v.14 describes Jehoash returning to Samaria after attacking Jerusalem; v.17 resumes Amaziah's reign after Jehoash's death).
The phrase “slept with his fathers” is a common euphemism for death in the Old Testament, especially in royal contexts. It suggests burial with ancestors and implies a natural end. Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom, served as the royal burial site for Israel's kings. The succession of Jeroboam II signals a new chapter: he would go on to reign forty-one years and restore Israel's borders (vv. 23-25). Even in a formulaic notice, the narrative testifies to God's continuing purposes for Israel despite the failings of its kings.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for these two verses. The Hebrew text is stable across manuscripts. The main textual issue is the relationship between this passage and the parallel in 2 Kings 13:12-13, which involves a different wording for Jeroboam's accession: “Jeroboam sat on his throne” there versus “Jeroboam his son reigned in his place” here. This variation is best explained as a sign of different source documents, not a corruption of the text.
Reception History
Christian commentators have long noticed the doublet and used it to discuss the composition of Kings. Matthew Henry observed: “We attended his funeral once before … again mentions his death and burial.” The Cambridge Bible (late 19th century) drew on source-critical insights to posit two documents. Earlier Jewish interpreters in the midrashic tradition focused more on the moral evaluation of each king than on the mechanics of the text. The formula “slept with his fathers” entered Christian funeral liturgy as a poetic way to speak of the faithful departed, echoing 2 Samuel 7:12 and 1 Kings 1:21. For most readers, the passage has functioned as a sober reminder that every human reign is bounded by death, and that God’s story continues beyond the fall of mighty rulers.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The certainty of death. “Jehoash slept with his fathers.” The mightiest king cannot escape the grave. This euphemism reminds us that death is a quiet, natural end for all people, yet for the believer, it is rest.
- The legacy of actions. “The rest of the acts … his might … how he fought.” Even a formulaic summary captures what a life produced. Our deeds are recorded not in a royal chronicle but before God.
- The continuity of God’s plan. “Jeroboam his son reigned in his place.” One king falls, another rises. God’s purposes do not depend on any single ruler; He works through generations.
Five-point outline
- Every reign ends, humility before the Lord of history.
- Might is temporary, true strength belongs to God.
- War leaves a record, how we fight (and why) matters.
- Burial in Samaria, even in death, the king belongs to his people and place.
- A son takes the throne, God provides continuity and hope beyond a leader’s life.
Illustration hooks
- A retirement party where a veteran leader hands over the keys to a successor. The outgoing person’s accomplishments are summarised, but attention turns to what comes next.
- A family obituary that lists a loved one’s career highlights and then adds “he passed away peacefully.” The formula conveys dignity and closure.
- Reading the history book of a nation: each president gets a few paragraphs, then “he was succeeded by.” The pattern mirrors how God’s story moves through human institutions.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Why does the Bible repeat itself? Does this mean some parts are less inspired?
- What value is there in a summary of a king’s life? How does it help us read the whole narrative?
- If a king’s “might” is mentioned, does that mean God approves of his wars?
Leading a Discussion
This short passage is a standard sign-off for a king of Israel. But it appears almost word-for-word a second time. Why? The repetition invites us to consider how the Bible was written and what these formulas teach us about God's view of history.
Discussion questions
- What stands out to you about the way the Bible records Jehoash’s death? How does the phrase “slept with his fathers” differ from modern obituaries?
- Compare 2 Kings 14:15-16 with 2 Kings 13:12-13. What is the same? What is different? Why might the author have included both?
- The text says Jehoash’s acts are written in “the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.” What does this reference tell us about the sources behind the Bible?
- How does the placement of these verses (right after Amaziah’s defeat and before his later death) affect the way you read the story?
- What do we learn about God when a king dies and is succeeded by his son, even a son like Jeroboam II who later does evil?
- How can we think redemptively about the passing of leaders in our church or community? What hope does this transition point to?
- If someone asked you, “Does God care about history, or just about spiritual lessons?”, how would these verses help you answer?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| I Kings 14:19 | The rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he fought and how he reigned, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. |
| I Kings 14:20 | The days which Jeroboam reigned were twenty two years; then he slept with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his place. |
| II Kings 10:34 | Now the rest of the acts of Jehu, and all that he did, and all his might, aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? |
| II Kings 10:35 | Jehu slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria. Jehoahaz his son reigned in his place. |
| II Kings 13:12 | Now the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, and his might with which he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? |
| II Kings 13:13 | Joash slept with his fathers; and Jeroboam sat on his throne. Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel. |
| II Samuel 7:12 | When your days are fulfilled and you sleep with your fathers, I will set up your offspring after you, who will proceed out of your body, and I will establish his kingdom. |
| I Kings 1:21 | Otherwise it will happen, when my lord the king sleeps with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon will be considered criminals.” |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
6 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke notes that the only actual fighting between Amaziah and Jehoash was the battle already described in the narrative. He points readers to the parallel account in 2 Chronicles for the full detailed record of that single conflict.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes observes that these verses do not belong where they appear, since they repeat material from an earlier chapter and break the natural flow of Amaziah's story. He considers them an editorial interruption that disrupts the historical sequence.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentator observes that the nearly identical wording repeated here and in an earlier chapter suggests the compiler drew from two separate documents, copying from one source in the former passage and from another here.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill points out that the record of Jehoash's reign follows a standard formula, with his mighty acts and wars acknowledged as being written in the chronicles of Israel's kings. This reference to the chronicles is a recurring pattern Gill notes throughout the historical books, serving as the official source for each king's full account.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange emphasizes that Amaziah's obedience to God was only external and traditional, not a matter of the heart. His sparing of the murderers' children was not humanity but strict compliance with Deuteronomy, while his brutal treatment of Edomites and later arrogance reveal a soldier who served God only for political reasons.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry observes that Amaziah lived fifteen years after his conqueror, yet his annals record no acts of might. His cruelty toward Edom and insolence toward Israel proved he lacked real courage, and his own subjects eventually killed him for his misrule.