And Rehoboam rested with his fathersThis phrase indicates the death of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and the first king of the southern kingdom of Judah after the division of Israel. The expression "rested with his fathers" is a common biblical euphemism for death, suggesting a peaceful passing and a joining with ancestors. It reflects the belief in an afterlife and the continuation of one's lineage. Rehoboam's reign was marked by conflict and division, as he failed to maintain the unity of the Israelite kingdom, leading to the split into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. His death signifies the end of a turbulent reign and the transition to a new leadership.
and was buried in the City of David.
The City of David refers to Jerusalem, specifically the ancient part of the city that was originally captured by King David and established as the capital of Israel. Being buried in the City of David was an honor, signifying Rehoboam's royal status and his connection to the Davidic line. This burial place underscores the importance of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Judah. Archaeological evidence supports the existence of royal tombs in this area, although specific identifications remain debated. The City of David holds significant historical and theological importance, as it is associated with God's covenant with David and the promise of a lasting dynasty.
And his son Abijah reigned in his place.
Abijah, also known as Abijam in some biblical texts, succeeded Rehoboam as king of Judah. His reign is noted for its brief duration and continued conflict with the northern kingdom of Israel. The transition of power from Rehoboam to Abijah highlights the dynastic continuity of the Davidic line, despite the political instability of the period. Abijah's reign is further detailed in1 Kings 15 and2 Chronicles 13, where his military actions and religious policies are described. The mention of Abijah's succession emphasizes the ongoing narrative of the Davidic dynasty, which is central to biblical prophecy and the anticipation of a future messianic king.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
RehoboamThe son of Solomon and king of Judah, whose reign was marked by division and conflict. His leadership led to the split of the united kingdom of Israel.
2.
City of DavidA term often used to refer to Jerusalem, specifically the area where King David established his rule and where the kings of Judah were traditionally buried.
3.
AbijahThe son of Rehoboam who succeeded him as king of Judah. His reign continued the legacy of his father, with both positive and negative aspects.
Teaching Points
The Legacy of LeadershipRehoboam's reign serves as a reminder of the impact of leadership decisions. His failure to heed wise counsel led to division. Leaders today must seek wisdom and discernment in their decisions.
The Importance of HeritageThe mention of the City of David emphasizes the importance of heritage and legacy. Believers are encouraged to consider the spiritual legacy they are building for future generations.
God's Sovereignty in SuccessionDespite human failures, God's plan continues. The transition from Rehoboam to Abijah shows that God's purposes prevail, encouraging believers to trust in His sovereignty.
The Role of Rest and Transition"Resting with his fathers" signifies a transition and the natural cycle of life and leadership. It reminds us of the importance of preparing the next generation to carry on God's work.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 12:16?
2.How does Rehoboam's reign ending impact our understanding of leadership in 2 Chronicles 12:16?
3.What lessons can we learn from Rehoboam's burial location in 2 Chronicles 12:16?
4.How does Abijah's succession reflect God's sovereignty in leadership transitions?
5.How can we apply Rehoboam's legacy to our own leadership roles today?
6.What scriptural connections exist between Rehoboam's reign and other biblical leaders' failures?
7.Why did Rehoboam's reign end with his burial in the City of David in 2 Chronicles 12:16?
8.What significance does Abijah's succession hold in 2 Chronicles 12:16?
9.How does 2 Chronicles 12:16 reflect on the legacy of Rehoboam's leadership?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 12?
11.How did Judah's kings follow or stray from God?
12.2 Chronicles 12:12-14 - Why does the text claim partial repentance yet still list Rehoboam's reign as evil compared to other biblical narratives?
13.2 Chronicles 13:4-12 - How can the divine intervention claimed here be reconciled with naturalistic or historical explanations of warfare?
14.2 Chronicles 13:3 - How historically plausible is an army of 400,000 under Abijah's command at that time?What Does 2 Chronicles 12:16 Mean
And Rehoboam rested with his fathers• “Rested with his fathers” is the Bible’s respectful way of saying Rehoboam died, joining previous generations who had likewise finished their earthly course (2 Samuel 7:12;1 Kings 14:31).
• The phrase confirms that Rehoboam’s forty-one–year reign (2 Chronicles 12:13) came to a definite close, reminding us that every king—faithful or flawed—must ultimately answer to the true King (Hebrews 9:27).
• Rehoboam’s life had been marked by mixed devotion: early obedience (2 Chronicles 11:16-17) followed by later compromise and judgment (2 Chronicles 12:1-5). His death underscores the sobering truth that spiritual laxity has consequences, yet God’s redemptive plan marches on.
and was buried in the City of David• The City of David (2 Samuel 5:7) was more than a geographic note; it was the covenantal heart of Israel. By laying Rehoboam to rest there, Scripture links him to the unbroken line begun with David (1 Kings 2:10) and highlights God’s promise that David’s house would endure (2 Samuel 7:16).
• Burial in this honored site also signals royal legitimacy. Despite Rehoboam’s failings, the chronicler affirms that the Lord had not abandoned the Davidic dynasty (2 Chronicles 21:7).
• For readers, the detail points forward to the ultimate Son of David—Jesus—whose tomb outside Jerusalem would remain empty, securing eternal life for all who believe (Acts 2:29-32).
And his son Abijah reigned in his place• The seamless transition to Abijah (called Abijam in1 Kings 15:1) reveals God’s faithfulness to maintain a ruler on David’s throne, even after judgment fell on Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 12:6-8).
• Abijah’s succession keeps the Messianic line intact (1 Chronicles 3:10;Matthew 1:7-8) and sets the stage for God to display His power through weak vessels, as seen when Abijah later relied on the Lord for victory over Israel (2 Chronicles 13:4-18).
• The verse quietly invites us to trust that, regardless of human inconsistencies, God’s larger salvation story cannot be derailed (Psalm 89:30-37).
summary2 Chronicles 12:16 closes Rehoboam’s chapter and opens Abijah’s, emphasizing three truths: human leaders pass away, God’s covenant purposes remain, and His sovereign hand ensures the lineage leading to Christ continues unbroken.
(16)
And Rehoboam slept with his fathers.--Abridged from
1Kings 14:31, which see.
Abijah.--2Chronicles 11:22.Abijam, the spelling of Kings, is probably due to an accident of transcription.
Verse 16. -
In the city of David;
i.
e on Mount Zion, an eminence on the northern part of Mount Moriah. Here was the bury-lug-place of the kings, chambers with recesses for the successive kings. To this place of royal sepulture some of the kings were not permitted to be brought (
2 Chronicles 21:20;
2 Chronicles 24:25;
2 Chronicles 28:27;
2 Kings 15:7). The chief cemetery of the city was on the slopes of the valley of the Kidron (
1 Kings 15:13;
2 Kings 23:6;
2 Chronicles 29:5, 16); another, probably, was south of the city on the sides of the ravine of Hinnom (
Jeremiah 7:32). In the king's sepulchres eleven out of Judah's twenty-two kings were laid - David, Solomon, Rehoboam, Abijah, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Ahaziah, Amaziah, Jotham, Hezekiah, Josiah. For Asa (
2 Chronicles 16:14) and Hezekiah (
2 Chronicles 32:33) places of special honour were found. The good priest Jehoiada also had burial in the king's burial-place (
2 Chronicles 24:16). Kings Jehoram (
2 Chronicles 21:20) and Joash (
2 Chronicles 24:25) were buried in the "city of David," but not in the above sepulchres Uzziah, because a leper, was buried in the "field of the burial of the kings" (
2 Chronicles 26:23). It is all but certain that these royal sepulchres were in the enclosure now called the "Haram area." (For other interesting and important references, see
Nehemiah 3:16;
Ezekiel 43:7, 9;
2 Kings 21:18, 26;
2 Chronicles 33:20;
2 Chronicles 28:27.) While Rehoboam was laid thus to sleep with his fathers, Jeroboam's reign had yet four years to run.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
And Rehoboamרְחַבְעָם֙(rə·ḥaḇ·‘ām)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7346:Rehoboam -- 'a people are enlarged', a king of Judahrestedוַיִּשְׁכַּ֤ב(way·yiš·kaḇ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7901:To lie downwithעִם־(‘im-)Preposition
Strong's 5973:With, equally withhis fathersאֲבֹתָ֔יו(’ă·ḇō·ṯāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1:Fatherand was buriedוַיִּקָּבֵ֖ר(way·yiq·qā·ḇêr)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6912:To interin the Cityבְּעִ֣יר(bə·‘îr)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5892:Excitementof David.דָּוִ֑יד(dā·wîḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of JesseAnd his sonבְנ֖וֹ(ḇə·nōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A sonAbijahאֲבִיָּ֥ה(’ă·ḇî·yāh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 29:Abijah -- 'Yah is my father', an Israelite namebecame kingוַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ(way·yim·lōḵ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4427:To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counselin his place.תַּחְתָּֽיו׃(taḥ·tāw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8478:The bottom, below, in lieu of
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OT History: 2 Chronicles 12:16 Rehoboam slept with his fathers and was (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)