And Jehoash rested with his fathersThis phrase indicates the death of Jehoash, the king of Israel. The expression "rested with his fathers" is a common biblical euphemism for death, suggesting a peaceful transition and continuity with the ancestors. It reflects the belief in an afterlife or a continued existence beyond death, which was a common understanding in ancient Israel. This phrase also implies a sense of honor and respect, as being gathered to one's ancestors was considered a dignified end.
and Jeroboam succeeded him on the throne
Jeroboam here refers to Jeroboam II, who became king after Jehoash. This succession marks a continuation of the Jehu dynasty, which was significant in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Jeroboam II's reign was marked by territorial expansion and relative prosperity, as noted in2 Kings 14:23-29. The mention of Jeroboam succeeding Jehoash highlights the dynastic nature of Israel's monarchy, where the throne was typically passed from father to son, maintaining political stability.
Jehoash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel
Samaria was the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, established by King Omri. It served as the political and cultural center of the kingdom. The burial of Jehoash in Samaria signifies his status as a legitimate king of Israel, as it was customary for kings to be buried in the capital city. This burial location also underscores the division between the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah), as the kings of Judah were buried in Jerusalem. The phrase "with the kings of Israel" indicates that Jehoash was laid to rest among his royal predecessors, affirming his place in the lineage of Israelite kings.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jehoash (Joash)King of Israel, son of Jehoahaz, who reigned during a tumultuous period marked by conflict with Aram. His reign is noted for both military successes and failures.
2.
JeroboamRefers to Jeroboam II, the son of Jehoash, who succeeded him as king. His reign was marked by prosperity and expansion for Israel, though it was also a time of spiritual decline.
3.
SamariaThe capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where the kings of Israel were traditionally buried. It was a significant political and cultural center.
4.
Rested with his fathersA Hebrew idiom indicating death and burial, often used in the context of kings to denote their passing and burial in the royal tombs.
5.
Kings of IsraelRefers to the lineage of rulers over the Northern Kingdom, distinct from the kings of Judah in the Southern Kingdom.
Teaching Points
The Transience of Earthly PowerJehoash's death and burial remind us of the temporary nature of earthly power and authority. No matter how significant one's achievements, life is fleeting, and our ultimate legacy is spiritual.
The Importance of Spiritual LeadershipThe transition from Jehoash to Jeroboam II highlights the need for leaders who prioritize spiritual integrity alongside political success. Prosperity without righteousness leads to moral decay.
Legacy and InfluenceConsider the legacy we leave behind. Jehoash's reign set the stage for Jeroboam II's successes and failures. Our actions and decisions impact future generations.
The Role of Divine ProvidenceDespite human leadership changes, God's providence continues to unfold. Trust in God's sovereignty, even when earthly leaders change.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Kings 13:13?
2.How does 2 Kings 13:13 illustrate the importance of a godly legacy?
3.What lessons can we learn from Jehoash's reign about leadership and faithfulness?
4.How does Jehoash's burial compare with other kings in 2 Kings?
5.What does Jehoash's story teach us about God's sovereignty over leadership transitions?
6.How can we ensure our lives reflect God's will like Jehoash's burial?
7.How does 2 Kings 13:13 fit into the overall narrative of Israel's monarchy?
8.What historical evidence supports the events described in 2 Kings 13:13?
9.Why is Jehoash's burial in Samaria significant in 2 Kings 13:13?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 13?
11.2 Chronicles 13 - Are there any archaeological or extra-biblical sources that verify the details of this battle's scale and outcome?
12.Who was King Abijah in the Bible?
13.Does 2 Kings 24:13 match external evidence about the treasures taken from the temple and palace, and have any such artifacts been found?
14.2 Kings 18:13 - Does the timeline of Sennacherib's invasion align with known Assyrian records?What Does 2 Kings 13:13 Mean
Rested with his fathers“ ‘And Jehoash rested with his fathers…’ ”
• The familiar biblical phrase “rested with his fathers” marks a real, physical death (1 Kings 2:10; 11:43). Scripture presents it as the close of an earthly assignment, not annihilation.
• Even though “he did evil in the sight of the LORD” (2 Kings 13:11), God granted him a peaceful end—evidence of divine patience much like the reprieve shown earlier through Elisha’s prophetic help (2 Kings 13:14-19).
• The wording also ties Jehoash to the ongoing story of Israel’s monarchs, reminding us that each generation hands the torch to the next (Psalm 90:1-2).
Jeroboam succeeded him on the throne“ ‘…and Jeroboam succeeded him on the throne.’ ”
• This is Jeroboam II, the fourth king in Jehu’s line, fulfilling God’s earlier promise: “Your sons to the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel” (2 Kings 10:30).
• In spite of national idolatry, the LORD upheld the dynasty long enough to bring relief to His people (2 Kings 14:26-27). His covenant faithfulness outlasts flawed leaders (Daniel 2:21).
• The seamless transfer hints at political stability God allowed so that prophetic words—both judgment and mercy—could unfold in their appointed time (Amos 7:9-11, spoken during Jeroboam II’s reign).
Buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel“ ‘Jehoash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel.’ ”
• Samaria, established by Omri as the capital (1 Kings 16:24-28), contained the royal necropolis. Jehoash’s burial there underscores his recognized legitimacy, contrasting with kings whose bodies were disgraced (Jeremiah 22:18-19).
• Being laid among previous monarchs links him to the larger narrative of Israel’s history—reminding readers that leadership changes, yet God’s verdict on each life endures (Hebrews 9:27).
• The location also strengthens the historical credibility of the record; archaeologists have identified royal tombs on Samaria’s acropolis, aligning with the biblical claim.
summary2 Kings 13:13 simply but powerfully reports three realities: Jehoash truly died, his son Jeroboam II immediately took the throne, and Jehoash received an honored burial in Samaria. Together these details affirm God’s sovereignty over life, dynasties, and destinies. Every ruler passes; the LORD’s purposes remain.
(13)
Jeroboam sat upon his throne.--The variation from the stereotyped phrase, "and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead," is remarkable. (See
2Kings 14:16.) The Talmud (
Seder Olam) and Kimchi fancy that it is implied that Joash associated Jeroboam with himself on the throne, for fear of a revolt (!).
Buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel.--So that there were "tombs of the kings" there, as at Jerusalem.
Verse 13. -
And Joash slept with his fathers; and Jeroboam sat upon his throne. That Joash should call his eldest son Jeroboam, after the founder of the kingdom, indicated a thorough approval of that founder's policy and conduct, and perhaps a hope that he would be to the apparently decaying kingdom a sort of second founder. The name means, "he whose people is many," and was thus anticipative of that great enlargement of the Israelite kingdom, which took place under him (see
2 Kings 14:25-28).
And Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel (see the comment on ver. 9).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
And Jehoashיוֹאָשׁ֙(yō·w·’āš)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3101:Joashrestedוַיִּשְׁכַּ֤ב(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 fathers,אֲבֹתָ֔יו(’ă·ḇō·ṯāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1:Fatherand Jeroboamוְיָרָבְעָ֖ם(wə·yā·rā·ḇə·‘ām)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3379:Jeroboam -- 'the people increase', the name of two Israelites kingssucceeded himיָשַׁ֣ב(yā·šaḇ)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3427:To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marryonעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe throne.כִּסְא֑וֹ(kis·’ōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3678:Seat of honor, throneJehoashיוֹאָשׁ֙(yō·w·’āš)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3101:Joashwas buriedוַיִּקָּבֵ֤ר(way·yiq·qā·ḇêr)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6912:To interin Samariaבְּשֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן(bə·šō·mə·rō·wn)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8111:Samaria -- capital of northern kingdom of Israelwithעִ֖ם(‘im)Preposition
Strong's 5973:With, equally withthe kingsמַלְכֵ֥י(mal·ḵê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4428:A kingof Israel.יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc
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OT History: 2 Kings 13:13 Joash slept with his fathers (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) 
