◄ 2 Chronicles 28:27 ►
And Ahaz rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of Jerusalem, but he was not placed in the tombs of the kings of Israel. And his son Hezekiah reigned in his place.
Study Bible
And Ahaz rested with his fathers
The phrase "rested with his fathers" is a common biblical euphemism for death, indicating that Ahaz joined his ancestors in death. The Hebrew root for "rested" is "שָׁכַב" (shakab), which can mean to lie down or to sleep, suggesting a peaceful transition despite Ahaz's tumultuous reign. This phrase reflects the biblical view of death as a return to one's people, a concept deeply rooted in the Hebrew understanding of life and afterlife.

and was buried in the city of Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the city of David, holds significant historical and spiritual importance as the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple. Ahaz's burial in Jerusalem signifies his royal status, despite his failures as a king. Archaeologically, Jerusalem has been a focal point of numerous excavations, revealing layers of history that affirm its central role in biblical narratives.

but he was not placed in the tombs of the kings of Israel
This phrase highlights a significant dishonor. The "tombs of the kings" were reserved for those who were deemed worthy of honor and respect. Ahaz's exclusion from these tombs indicates a judgment on his reign, reflecting the biblical principle that one's actions and faithfulness to God determine their legacy. Historically, this exclusion underscores the disapproval of Ahaz's idolatrous practices and his failure to lead Judah in righteousness.

And his son Hezekiah reigned in his place
Hezekiah's ascension marks a pivotal transition in Judah's history. The Hebrew name "Hezekiah" means "Yahweh strengthens," foreshadowing the spiritual renewal and reforms he would bring. Scripturally, Hezekiah is remembered as a king who sought to restore true worship and reliance on God, contrasting sharply with his father's legacy. This transition emphasizes the biblical theme of hope and redemption, showing that God can raise up leaders to guide His people back to righteousness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ahaz
The king of Judah who led the nation into idolatry and away from God. His reign was marked by spiritual decline and political turmoil.

2. Hezekiah
The son of Ahaz, who succeeded him as king. He is known for his reforms and efforts to return Judah to the worship of Yahweh.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, where Ahaz was buried. It holds significant religious and historical importance as the center of Jewish worship.

4. Tombs of the Kings of Israel
A burial place reserved for the honored kings of Judah. Ahaz was notably excluded from this honor due to his unfaithfulness.

5. Reign of Ahaz
A period characterized by idolatry, alliances with foreign powers, and neglect of the covenant with God.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Unfaithfulness
Ahaz's exclusion from the royal tombs serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. Our actions have lasting impacts on our legacy.

The Importance of Godly Leadership
The transition from Ahaz to Hezekiah highlights the difference a godly leader can make. Leadership rooted in faithfulness to God can bring about positive change and renewal.

The Role of Repentance and Reform
Hezekiah's reign demonstrates the power of repentance and reform. No matter how far we have strayed, returning to God can restore and renew our lives and communities.

The Significance of Burial Practices
In ancient Israel, burial practices reflected one's honor and standing. Ahaz's burial outside the royal tombs signifies the dishonor brought by his unfaithfulness.

Legacy and Influence
Our legacy is shaped by our faithfulness to God. Ahaz's negative legacy contrasts with Hezekiah's positive influence, reminding us to consider the impact of our actions on future generations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Ahaz's exclusion from the royal tombs reflect his spiritual and moral failures during his reign?

2. In what ways can we see the impact of leadership on a nation or community, both positively and negatively, as demonstrated by Ahaz and Hezekiah?

3. How does the account of Ahaz's reign challenge us to examine our own faithfulness to God's commands and promises?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that our legacy is one of faithfulness and obedience to God, similar to Hezekiah's?

5. How do the burial practices and honors given to leaders in ancient Israel inform our understanding of honor and legacy in our own lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Kings 16
Provides a parallel account of Ahaz's reign, detailing his idolatrous practices and political alliances.

Isaiah 7
Describes the prophecy given to Ahaz during his reign, highlighting his lack of faith in God's promises.

2 Chronicles 29
Chronicles the beginning of Hezekiah's reign and his efforts to restore true worship in Judah.

Deuteronomy 17:14-20
Outlines the expectations for a king in Israel, which Ahaz failed to uphold.
Sermons
This is that King AhazT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 28:1-27
Sin in its IssuesW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 28:21-27
People
Ahaz, Amasa, Aram, Azariah, Azrikam, Ben, Berechiah, David, Edomites, Elkanah, Hadlai, Hezekiah, Israelites, Jehizkiah, Jehohanan, Johanan, Maaseiah, Meshillemoth, Oded, Pekah, Remaliah, Shallum, Tilgathpilneser, Timnah, Zichri
Places
Aijalon, Assyria, Beth-shemesh, Damascus, Gederoth, Gimzo, Jericho, Jerusalem, Negeb, Samaria, Shephelah, Soco, Syria, Timnah, Valley of Hinnom
Topics
Ahaz, Body, Bring, Buried, Bury, Didn't, Fathers, Graves, Hezekiah, Hezeki'ah, Jerusalem, Kings, Lieth, Placed, Reign, Reigned, Rest, Rested, Resting-place, Sepulchers, Sepulchres, Slept, Stead, Succeeded, Tombs
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 28:27

     9050   tombs

2 Chronicles 28:1-27

     5366   king

2 Chronicles 28:19-27

     8706   apostasy, warnings

Library
Costly and Fatal Help
'He sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel.'--2 CHRON. xxviii. 23. Ahaz came to the throne when a youth of twenty. From the beginning he reversed the policy of his father, and threw himself into the arms of the heathen party. In a comparatively short reign of sixteen years he stamped out the worship of God, and …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful.
That The Employing Of, And Associating With The Malignant Party, According As Is Contained In The Public Resolutions, Is Sinful And Unlawful. If there be in the land a malignant party of power and policy, and the exceptions contained in the Act of Levy do comprehend but few of that party, then there need be no more difficulty to prove, that the present public resolutions and proceedings do import an association and conjunction with a malignant party, than to gather a conclusion from clear premises. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Prophet Micah.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. Micah signifies: "Who is like Jehovah;" and by this name, the prophet is consecrated to the incomparable God, just as Hosea was to the helping God, and Nahum to the comforting God. He prophesied, according to the inscription, under Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. We are not, however, entitled, on this account, to dissever his prophecies, and to assign particular discourses to the reign of each of these kings. On the contrary, the entire collection forms only one whole. At …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Degrees of Sin
Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous? Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others. He that delivered me unto thee, has the greater sin.' John 19: 11. The Stoic philosophers held that all sins were equal; but this Scripture clearly holds forth that there is a gradual difference in sin; some are greater than others; some are mighty sins,' and crying sins.' Amos 5: 12; Gen 18: 21. Every sin has a voice to speak, but some …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
2 Chronicles 28:27 NIV
2 Chronicles 28:27 NLT
2 Chronicles 28:27 ESV
2 Chronicles 28:27 NASB
2 Chronicles 28:27 KJV

2 Chronicles 28:27 Commentaries

Bible Hub
2 Chronicles 28:26
Top of Page
Top of Page