2 Chronicles 14 1

2 Chronicles 14:1 kjv

So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years.

2 Chronicles 14:1 nkjv

So Abijah rested with his fathers, and they buried him in the City of David. Then Asa his son reigned in his place. In his days the land was quiet for ten years.

2 Chronicles 14:1 niv

And Abijah rested with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David. Asa his son succeeded him as king, and in his days the country was at peace for ten years.

2 Chronicles 14:1 esv

Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David. And Asa his son reigned in his place. In his days the land had rest for ten years.

2 Chronicles 14:1 nlt

When Abijah died, he was buried in the City of David. Then his son Asa became the next king. There was peace in the land for ten years.

2 Chronicles 14 verses

2 Chronicles 14 1 Meaning

This verse marks the peaceful end of King Abijah's short reign and the smooth transition of power to his son, Asa, emphasizing that the kingdom of Judah experienced a decade of quiet and rest from conflict under Asa's early leadership. It signifies divine approval for the succession and a period of blessing, often linked to the king's initial uprightness before the Lord.

2 Chronicles 14 1 Context

2 Chronicles chapter 14 begins following the account of King Abijah's short but significant reign, detailed in Chapter 13, which concluded with a remarkable victory over Jeroboam and the northern kingdom of Israel due to Judah's reliance on the Lord. The transition from Abijah to his son Asa establishes a new phase for the kingdom of Judah. Historically, the period after the kingdom split was characterized by ongoing spiritual decline and political instability, with frequent conflicts between Judah and Israel. However, this verse highlights a rare period of sustained peace in Judah under Asa, a notable blessing, likely a direct result of Asa's initial faithfulness and a divine provision setting the stage for his subsequent religious reforms. The "City of David" here refers to the part of Jerusalem where the royal tombs were located, signifying Abijah's royal burial and the continuity of the Davidic dynasty.

2 Chronicles 14 1 Word analysis

• So Abijah rested with his fathers: This is a common biblical idiom for the death of a king in ancient Israel and Judah, signifying that he passed away peacefully and was gathered to his ancestors in death. It emphasizes natural succession and continuity rather than violent overthrow. The Hebrew phrase, "shakav 'im 'avotav," often carries theological weight, suggesting that the king's lineage and place within God's covenant remained intact.
• and they buried him: This denotes the fulfillment of the funerary rites. The plural "they" likely refers to the royal household and officials responsible for the burial.
• in the City of David: This specifies the royal cemetery within Jerusalem, typically reserved for kings of Judah from the line of David. Being buried here underscored a king's legitimate rule and connection to the Davidic covenant. It was a place of honor, marking continuity with King David himself.
• And Asa his son: Asa was the successor, linking this new reign directly to the preceding one and the ongoing Davidic lineage. This lineage was critical as it fulfilled God's promise to David of a perpetual dynasty.
• reigned in his place: This indicates a smooth, legitimate transfer of power, an act of succession often overseen by divine providence in the biblical narrative.
• In his days: Refers to the early period of King Asa's reign, immediately after his ascension to the throne. This phrase sets the timeframe for the significant peace that follows.
• the land was quiet: The Hebrew word "shakat" (שָׁקַט) implies rest, tranquility, or freedom from disturbance, specifically from war and external threats. This "quietness" or peace was a profound blessing, especially in a region prone to constant conflict. In the Bible, such peace is frequently presented as a direct result of God's favor due to obedience or an act of divine grace.
• for ten years: This specific duration emphasizes a sustained period of peace, not just a brief respite. A decade of stability was remarkable for the tumultuous era, setting a favorable precedent for Asa's initial period of rule, allowing him to consolidate power and embark on reforms (as seen in subsequent verses).

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "So Abijah rested with his fathers, and they buried him in the City of David": This common phrase signals the definitive end of one monarch's life and reign while affirming his legitimate place within the royal lineage and royal burial traditions in Jerusalem. It acts as a standard chronological marker in the historical books.
• "And Asa his son reigned in his place": This succinctly details the divine pattern of succession for the Davidic dynasty. God's faithfulness to His covenant with David ensures that a successor from his line will always be on the throne of Judah (2 Sam 7:12-16). This transition signifies stability and the perpetuation of the chosen line.
• "In his days the land was quiet for ten years": This is a crucial statement reflecting a significant divine blessing. A period of peace and freedom from war in a new king's reign was a clear indication of God's favor, likely due to Asa's initial heart being "wholly committed to the Lord" (2 Chr 15:17) and Judah's earlier victory under Abijah. It created an environment conducive for Asa's future reforms and strengthened the kingdom without immediate external pressure.

2 Chronicles 14 1 Bonus section

The "quiet" period mentioned here serves as a divine grace period for Asa to establish his rule and cleanse the land of idolatry, demonstrating God's provision for a king committed to Him. This initial decade contrasts sharply with the frequent conflicts and spiritual struggles documented for other kings in Judah and Israel, highlighting it as a notable gift from God. The subsequent narrative in 2 Chronicles 14-15 consistently links Asa's righteous acts and the people's renewed commitment to God directly to continued blessings of peace and success in warfare. This sets a clear theological pattern: a king's faithfulness brings national tranquility. The quietness was not simply an absence of war, but a foundational period for strengthening Judah both spiritually and militarily, leading to significant building projects and military organization that would later serve them in subsequent challenges.

2 Chronicles 14 1 Commentary

This opening verse of 2 Chronicles 14 is pivotal, shifting focus from Abijah's victory to the extended reign of his righteous son, Asa. It details the end of Abijah's rule, using the standard obituary formula of "resting with his fathers" and burial in the City of David, underscoring continuity and legitimacy within the Davidic dynasty. The heart of the verse, however, lies in the declaration of a ten-year period of "quiet" or peace that characterized Asa's early reign. This tranquil state was not accidental but a divine blessing. In the chronicler's theology, periods of peace and prosperity are directly linked to the king's and the nation's obedience and seeking the Lord, while turmoil signals God's displeasure. This initial decade of peace provided Asa with an invaluable window of opportunity, allowing him to implement significant religious reforms, fortify the kingdom, and lead the people back to the Lord without immediate threats, laying a strong foundation for a reign of genuine faith (as detailed in the subsequent verses). It underscores that divine favor brings rest, creating space for spiritual renewal.