And Jehoram rested with his fathersThis phrase indicates the death of Jehoram, the king of Judah. The expression "rested with his fathers" is a common biblical euphemism for death, suggesting a joining with ancestors in the afterlife. Jehoram's reign was marked by idolatry and evil practices, as he followed the ways of the kings of Israel rather than the righteous path of his forefathers. His death signifies the end of a turbulent period in Judah's history, characterized by alliances with the northern kingdom of Israel and the introduction of Baal worship.
and was buried with them in the City of David.
The City of David refers to Jerusalem, specifically the area that was the original stronghold captured by King David. Being buried in the City of David was an honor, reserved for the kings of Judah, signifying a continuation of the Davidic line despite Jehoram's unfaithfulness. This burial location underscores the importance of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Judah. Archaeological evidence supports the existence of royal tombs in this area, though specific identifications remain debated.
And his son Ahaziah reigned in his place.
Ahaziah's ascension to the throne marks the continuation of the Davidic dynasty, despite the spiritual decline during Jehoram's reign. Ahaziah's rule was brief and also characterized by evil, as he followed the counsel of his mother Athaliah and the house of Ahab. This transition of power highlights the dynastic struggles and the influence of foreign alliances, particularly with the northern kingdom of Israel. Ahaziah's reign is a reminder of the consequences of departing from God's commandments, as seen in the prophetic warnings given to the house of David.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Joram (Jehoram)King of Judah, son of Jehoshaphat. His reign was marked by idolatry and alliances with the northern kingdom of Israel.
2.
AhaziahSon of Joram, who succeeded him as king. His reign was short and also characterized by evil in the sight of the Lord.
3.
City of DavidThe historical and spiritual center of Jerusalem, where the kings of Judah were traditionally buried.
4.
Rested with his fathersA common biblical expression indicating death and burial, often used to denote the continuation of a royal lineage.
5.
Burial traditionsReflects the importance of family lineage and the honoring of ancestors in ancient Israelite culture.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of IdolatryJoram's reign serves as a warning against turning away from God. His alliances and idolatry led to spiritual and national decline.
The Importance of Godly LeadershipThe transition from Joram to Ahaziah highlights the need for leaders who seek God's will. Believers should pray for and support leaders who uphold biblical values.
Legacy and InfluenceJoram's actions affected his descendants and the nation. Our choices can have lasting impacts on our families and communities.
The Certainty of DeathThe phrase "rested with his fathers" reminds us of the inevitability of death. Christians are called to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on God's kingdom.
Hope in God's FaithfulnessDespite the failures of individual kings, God's promise to David remained. This assures us of God's faithfulness even when human leaders fail.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Kings 8:24?
2.How does 2 Kings 8:24 illustrate the importance of a godly legacy?
3.What lessons can we learn from Jehoram's reign about leadership and faithfulness?
4.How does Jehoram's burial compare to other kings in 2 Kings?
5.What scriptural connections exist between Jehoram's actions and God's covenant with David?
6.How can we apply Jehoram's story to our own spiritual leadership today?
7.What does 2 Kings 8:24 reveal about the succession of kings in Israel's history?
8.How does 2 Kings 8:24 reflect God's sovereignty over Israel's leadership?
9.What theological implications arise from Jehoram's death in 2 Kings 8:24?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 8?
11.In 2 Kings 25:8, the city falls on the seventh day of the fifth month, while Jeremiah 52:12 reports the tenth day--how can these differing dates be reconciled?
12.How long did Jehoiachin reign? (2 Kings 24:8 vs. 2 Chronicles 36:9)
13.In 2 Chronicles 8:2, Solomon rebuilds cities given by Hiram, yet 1 Kings 9:11-13 implies those cities were unacceptable to him; how can both accounts be accurate?
14.2 Kings 7:1 -- How can a city under severe famine suddenly have an abundance of food within 24 hours?What Does 2 Kings 8:24 Mean
Jehoram rested with his fathers“And Jehoram rested with his fathers …” (2 Kings 8:24)
• “Rested” signals physical death and a completed earthly mission, echoing the repeated royal formula found in passages like1 Kings 2:10 and2 Chronicles 21:1.
• The phrase “with his fathers” underscores continuity in God’s covenant dealings with the house of David (2 Samuel 7:12;1 Kings 11:43). Even when a king proved faithless, the line itself remained under the Lord’s sovereign oversight (2 Kings 8:19).
• Scripture never treats death as annihilation; rather, it is the doorway to accountability before God (Hebrews 9:27). Jehoram’s earthly chapter closes, but his life’s evaluation rests with the righteous Judge.
… and was buried with them in the City of David.“… and was buried with them in the City of David.” (2 Kings 8:24)
• Burial in Jerusalem, the “City of David,” affirmed royal identity and heritage (1 Kings 2:10;2 Chronicles 21:20). Despite Jehoram’s wicked reign (2 Chronicles 21:6), the covenant promise attached to David’s throne still stood.
• The site connects this event to God’s redemptive story centered in Zion, foreshadowing the future reign of the greater Son of David (Isaiah 9:7;Luke 1:32).
• By recording Jehoram’s burial place, Scripture quietly reminds readers that every ruler—good or evil—meets the same end, while the Lord’s kingdom endures forever (Psalm 145:13).
And his son Ahaziah reigned in his place.“And his son Ahaziah reigned in his place.” (2 Kings 8:24)
• Succession keeps the narrative moving toward God’s long-range purposes. Though Ahaziah follows his father’s sinful example (2 Kings 8:27), the Davidic line persists, pointing to the steadfastness of God’s promise (2 Chronicles 22:1).
• Human leadership can falter, but the Lord continually raises new figures to carry history forward (Daniel 2:21). Each transition invites renewed hope for repentance and faithfulness, even when that hope is repeatedly disappointed (2 Kings 13:11).
• This brief notice also links Judah’s story to surrounding events—Ahaziah’s short reign soon intertwines with the northern kingdom’s turmoil under Jehu (2 Kings 9–10), illustrating how God weaves all nations into His plan.
summary2 Kings 8:24 closes the chapter on Jehoram with three concise statements: his death, his burial in the honored tombs of David’s line, and the accession of his son. Together they highlight the certainty of mortality, the enduring significance of God’s covenant with David, and the unstoppable march of divine purpose through successive generations.
(24)
Was buried with his fathers in the city of David.--But not in the royal tombs (
2Chronicles 21:20).
Verse 24. -
And Joram slept with his fathers. Joram died after an illness, that lasted two years, of an incurable disease of his bowels. "No burning" was made for him, and there was no regret at his death.
And was buried with his fathers in the city of David;
i.e. in the portion of Jerusalem which David built; but, according to Josephus ('Ant. Jud.,' 9:5. § 3) and the author of Chronicles (
2 Chronicles 21:20), not in the sepulchers of the kings.
And Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead. Ahaziah is called "Jehoahaz" in
2 Chronicles 21:17, by an inversion of the two elements of his name, and "Azariah" in
2 Chronicles 22:6, apparently by a slip of the pen.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
And Joramיוֹרָם֙(yō·w·rām)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3141:Joramrestedוַיִּשְׁכַּ֤ב(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 buriedוַיִּקָּבֵ֥ר(way·yiq·qā·ḇêr)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6912:To interwithעִם־(‘im-)Preposition
Strong's 5973:With, equally with[them]אֲבֹתָ֖יו(’ă·ḇō·ṯāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1:Fatherin the Cityבְּעִ֣יר(bə·‘îr)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5892:Excitementof David.דָּוִ֑ד(dā·wiḏ)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 sonAhaziahאֲחַזְיָ֥הוּ(’ă·ḥaz·yā·hū)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 274:Ahaziah -- 'Yah has grasped', the name of several Israelitesbecame 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 Kings 8:24 Joram slept with his fathers and was (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) 
