This verse summarizes the end of King Hezekiah's reign and the beginning of his son Manasseh's. Let's break it down:
"Hezekiah slept with his fathers...": This is a common euphemism in the Old Testament for dying. It indicates that Hezekiah died a natural death.
"...and they buried him in the ascent of the tombs of the sons of David.": This indicates that Hezekiah was given a prominent burial within the royal cemetery. The "ascent" likely refers to a higher or more elevated part of the burial ground, suggesting a place of honor.
"All Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem honored him at his death.": This highlights the respect and esteem in which Hezekiah was held by his people. He was a popular and respected king, remembered for his religious reforms and his defense of Jerusalem against the Assyrians.
"Manasseh his son reigned in his place.": This simply states that Hezekiah was succeeded by his son, Manasseh, as king. This marks a transition of power.
Overall Meaning:
The verse serves as a concluding statement on Hezekiah's life and reign, emphasizing:
His death and burial: It marks the end of his life.
His legacy: It emphasizes the honor he received from his people, reflecting his successful rule and piety.
The transition of power: It introduces his successor, Manasseh, who would, unfortunately, be a very different kind of ruler than his father. Manasseh is known for reversing Hezekiah's religious reforms and leading Judah into idolatry.
Therefore, this verse is not just a simple historical note. It is a marker of the end of a righteous king's reign and the beginning of a new, and ultimately, darker chapter in Judah's history.
This verse summarizes the end of King Hezekiah's reign and the beginning of his son Manasseh's. Let's break it down:
"Hezekiah slept with his fathers...": This is a common euphemism in the Old Testament for dying. It indicates that Hezekiah died a natural death.
"...and they buried him in the ascent of the tombs of the sons of David.": This indicates that Hezekiah was given a prominent burial within the royal cemetery. The "ascent" likely refers to a higher or more elevated part of the burial ground, suggesting a place of honor.
"All Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem honored him at his death.": This highlights the respect and esteem in which Hezekiah was held by his people. He was a popular and respected king, remembered for his religious reforms and his defense of Jerusalem against the Assyrians.
"Manasseh his son reigned in his place.": This simply states that Hezekiah was succeeded by his son, Manasseh, as king. This marks a transition of power.
Overall Meaning:
The verse serves as a concluding statement on Hezekiah's life and reign, emphasizing:
His death and burial: It marks the end of his life.
His legacy: It emphasizes the honor he received from his people, reflecting his successful rule and piety.
The transition of power: It introduces his successor, Manasseh, who would, unfortunately, be a very different kind of ruler than his father. Manasseh is known for reversing Hezekiah's religious reforms and leading Judah into idolatry.
Therefore, this verse is not just a simple historical note. It is a marker of the end of a righteous king's reign and the beginning of a new, and ultimately, darker chapter in Judah's history.