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Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 10 - Verse 35

10:35
And Jehu slept with his fathers: and they buried him in Samaria. And Jehoahaz his son reigned in his stead.

Meaning

After Jehu's death, he was buried in Samaria, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Israel. The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common biblical expression used to describe someone who has died and been buried alongside their ancestors. Jehu was a significant figure in Israel's history as he was the king who carried out God's judgment on the house of Ahab, purging the land of Baal worship. His reign was marked by violence and bloodshed, but he was seen as fulfilling God's will in eliminating the evil practices that had taken root in the kingdom. Jehoahaz, his son, succeeded him as king. Jehoahaz's reign was short-lived and he was eventually overthrown by the Assyrians, marking the beginning of the end for the kingdom of Israel. The succession of kings and the political dynamics within the kingdom of Israel are crucial aspects of understanding the history and prophecy found in the Old Testament.

Theological Overview

In the verse where Jehu passes away and is buried in Samaria, there are theological interpretations that can be derived from this event. The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common euphemism in the Bible to signify someone's death and burial. In this context, it emphasizes the mortality of even a powerful king like Jehu, highlighting the transient nature of earthly power. The mention of Samaria as the place of burial is significant as it was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, emphasizing Jehu's role as a king of Israel. The succession of Jehu by his son, Jehoahaz, is also significant as it demonstrates the continuity of leadership within the dynasty. This succession highlights the importance of dynastic succession in ancient Israel and sets the stage for the continuation of the narrative. Word studies on terms like "slept with his fathers" and "reigned in his stead" can provide further insight into the cultural and linguistic nuances of the original text, enriching our understanding of this passage within its historical context.

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