2 Chronicles 24 16

2 Chronicles 24:16 kjv

And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house.

2 Chronicles 24:16 nkjv

And they buried him in the City of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God and His house.

2 Chronicles 24:16 niv

He was buried with the kings in the City of David, because of the good he had done in Israel for God and his temple.

2 Chronicles 24:16 esv

And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, and toward God and his house.

2 Chronicles 24:16 nlt

He was buried among the kings in the City of David, because he had done so much good in Israel for God and his Temple.

2 Chronicles 24 verses

2 Chronicles 24 16 Meaning

2 Chronicles 24:16 records the exceptional honor bestowed upon Jehoiada, the high priest, upon his death: he was buried in Jerusalem within the city of David, an honor usually reserved solely for the kings of Judah. This unique privilege was granted because of his faithful and profound good deeds and service throughout his long life. Specifically, his actions demonstrated integrity and faithfulness in upholding God's covenant and diligently restoring and maintaining the worship and physical structure of the Lord's Temple in Israel.

2 Chronicles 24 16 Context

The verse is part of 2 Chronicles Chapter 24, which primarily narrates the reign of King Joash of Judah. Jehoiada, the high priest, plays a pivotal role in this account, especially in Joash's early life and reign. He rescued the infant Joash from the murderous purge by Queen Athaliah (2 Chr 22), hid him for six years, and at the age of seven, orchestrated his coronation and the overthrow of Athaliah (2 Chr 23). Jehoiada then guided Joash, ensuring he "did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest" (2 Chr 24:2). This included renewing the covenant between God and the people, dismantling Baal worship, and initiating and overseeing the repair of the dilapidated Temple of the Lord (2 Chr 24:4-14).

Verse 16 specifically marks the death of Jehoiada at the extraordinary age of 130 (2 Chr 24:15). His life's work culminated in the restoration of true worship in Judah. The extraordinary burial honor he received—being interred alongside kings in the city of David—is a testament to his profound influence, integrity, and pivotal service to God and the nation. This honor serves as a striking contrast to the decline of Joash's reign and his own ignominious burial (2 Chr 24:25) once Jehoiada's righteous influence was removed, implicitly highlighting that the well-being of the nation was tied to the faithfulness of such godly leaders. The text emphasizes that faithfulness to God and His house is considered a "good" that earns a remarkable reward.

2 Chronicles 24 16 Word analysis

• And they buried him (וַיִּקְבְּרֻ֤הוּ - vayyiqberuhu): The verb implies an action by a collective group, likely indicating public acknowledgment and official state burial. This signifies honor and respect from the ruling authorities and the people. The choice of "they" suggests a wide communal acceptance of his greatness.
• in the city of David (בְּעִיר דָּוִיד - bə‘îr Dāwîd): This refers to Jerusalem, specifically the area associated with King David's fortress and palace. This location was the traditional burial place for the kings of Judah. Its mention here underscores the exceptional honor granted.
• among the kings (עִם־מַלְכֵ֖י - ‘im-malkê): This phrase is the pinnacle of the honor. Jehoiada was not of royal lineage but was afforded a burial plot alongside the deceased monarchs. This unique distinction recognizes his unique influence, leadership, and national service as being equivalent in importance to that of a king. It sets him apart from all other high priests or non-royals.
• because he had done good (כִּי־עָשָׂ֥ה טוֹבָ֛ה - kî-‘āśāh ṭôvāh): "Because" (כִּי - kî) indicates the explicit reason for the exceptional burial. "Done good" (עָשָׂה טוֹבָה - ‘āśāh ṭôvāh) uses the Hebrew word tovah, which means "goodness," "welfare," "benefit," or "well-doing." It implies a life characterized by righteousness, moral excellence, and beneficial actions for the nation. It encapsulates his devotion to God and practical efforts.
• in Israel (בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל - bəyiśrā’ēl): While the kingdom was Judah, "Israel" here can be used poetically for the collective people of God or the remnant of the unified kingdom. It emphasizes that his good deeds benefited the entire nation's spiritual and physical well-being.
• both toward God (עִם־הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים - ‘im-hā’ĕlōhîm): This specifies the first and foremost direction of his "good." His faithfulness to the covenant, upholding God's laws, restoring proper worship, and eliminating idolatry demonstrates his primary allegiance and devotion to the Lord (Elohim). This reflects a right relationship with the divine.
• and toward His house (וְעִם־בֵּיתֽוֹ - və‘im-bêtō): This second specific direction refers to the Temple in Jerusalem. Jehoiada’s zeal for maintaining, repairing, and ensuring the proper functioning of the house of the Lord (God's sanctuary) was a major part of his legacy. This highlights his practical piety and leadership in fostering true worship.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "And they buried him in the city of David among the kings": This entire phrase conveys an unprecedented and high honor. It signifies the immense public recognition and respect accorded to Jehoiada, positioning him alongside the highest leaders of the nation, even though he lacked royal lineage. It’s a testimony to the value God and His people placed on his life and ministry, transcending typical social stratification.
• "because he had done good in Israel, both toward God and toward His house": This part clearly states the moral and spiritual foundation for Jehoiada’s esteemed burial. It encapsulates his holistic faithfulness. His good deeds were not random acts of kindness but stemmed from a deep commitment to God (theological dimension) and manifested in practical, institutional support for true worship (practical, ecclesial dimension). This emphasizes that lasting greatness is tied to faithfulness to God and devoted service to His established means of worship and revelation.

2 Chronicles 24 16 Bonus section

The unparalleled honor given to Jehoiada in 2 Chronicles 24:16 highlights a significant spiritual principle: God remembers and rewards faithful service beyond conventional human measures. While kings were buried in the city of David due to their inherited status, Jehoiada's placement among them was purely based on his merit and contribution. This unique historical event subtly challenges the notion that honor and legacy are solely tied to royal or political power. It asserts that spiritual authority, expressed through consistent obedience and zealous devotion to the Lord and His institutions, can earn an esteem that transcends earthly titles and positions. His death marks a turning point for King Joash, as without Jehoiada’s righteous influence, Joash quickly deviated, showcasing the critical importance of steadfast, godly mentorship in leadership and faith. The contrast between Jehoiada’s honored rest and Joash’s later shameful burial (2 Chr 24:25) further accentuates this verse’s message: a legacy of doing "good" in God's sight is the greatest inheritance one can leave.

2 Chronicles 24 16 Commentary

2 Chronicles 24:16 stands as a powerful testament to the value placed on unwavering faithfulness and diligent service in God's eyes. Jehoiada, a high priest, was granted an unparalleled honor, usually reserved for kings, emphasizing that true royalty and legacy are often measured not by earthly crown or lineage, but by spiritual character and selfless devotion to God and His kingdom. His "good" (טובה) was a comprehensive virtue, encompassing moral uprightness, courageous leadership, and meticulous administration aimed at God's glory and the nation's spiritual health. The meticulous mention of "toward God and toward His house" defines what constitutes genuine "good" in this context: it is profoundly vertical (directed at God in worship and obedience) and intensely practical (expressed in supporting and serving the means of His worship on earth, the Temple). This verse also carries an implicit polemic: true greatness and deserving of high honor is not achieved by power politics (as Athaliah tried) or neglect (as Joash later showed) but by steadfast adherence to God's will and dedicated stewardship of His holy things. His exemplary burial foreshadows the New Testament concept of being richly rewarded for faithful stewardship (1 Cor 4:2, Heb 11:6).