2 Chronicles 32 33

2 Chronicles 32:33 kjv

And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the chiefest of the sepulchres of the sons of David: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honor at his death. And Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles 32:33 nkjv

So Hezekiah rested with his fathers, and they buried him in the upper tombs of the sons of David; and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem honored him at his death. Then Manasseh his son reigned in his place.

2 Chronicles 32:33 niv

Hezekiah rested with his ancestors and was buried on the hill where the tombs of David's descendants are. All Judah and the people of Jerusalem honored him when he died. And Manasseh his son succeeded him as king.

2 Chronicles 32:33 esv

And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the upper part of the tombs of the sons of David, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honor at his death. And Manasseh his son reigned in his place.

2 Chronicles 32:33 nlt

When Hezekiah died, he was buried in the upper area of the royal cemetery, and all Judah and Jerusalem honored him at his death. And his son Manasseh became the next king.

2 Chronicles 32 verses

2 Chronicles 32 33 Meaning

King Hezekiah, after a reign marked by significant reforms and reliance on God, passed away peacefully. He was afforded an exceptional burial, being laid to rest in the highest or most honored section of the royal tombs associated with the Davidic line. This act by the people of Judah and Jerusalem was a public and profound expression of the deep respect and honor they held for him, recognizing his faithful service and accomplishments during his lifetime. His death was mourned, and his legacy as a righteous king was visibly affirmed through this dignified burial.

2 Chronicles 32 33 Context

The verse marks the conclusion of the life and reign of King Hezekiah, one of Judah's most righteous kings. Immediately preceding this verse (2 Chron 32:27-31), Hezekiah is portrayed at the pinnacle of his glory—immensely wealthy, influential, and wise. He had faced a critical illness (mentioned earlier in 2 Kings and Isaiah), for which God granted him an extension of life, and had successfully defied Sennacherib, the mighty Assyrian king, through his fervent prayer and God's miraculous intervention.

However, the chronicler also records a significant moral test for Hezekiah: the visit of the envoys from Babylon. In his pride, Hezekiah showed them all his treasures (2 Chron 32:31), a sin for which he later humbled himself, preventing immediate judgment upon Judah. Despite this momentary lapse, Hezekiah's reign is consistently characterized by his fervent devotion to God, his religious reforms (purging idolatry, restoring temple worship and Passover), and his trust in the LORD during dire times.

The broader historical context is one where kings' burials often reflected the nature of their rule. Good kings were usually buried in the "City of David" alongside their ancestors, sometimes with special honors. Wicked kings, even if buried within Jerusalem, might be denied burial in the royal tombs, or received no honor. Hezekiah's exceptionally honored burial stands as a testament to his divinely blessed and publicly acknowledged righteous reign, highlighting that, despite personal failings, his overall life pleased God and greatly benefited his people.

2 Chronicles 32 33 Word analysis

• And Hezekiah: (Hebrew: Yeḥizqiyyahu) – The specific person is the righteous King of Judah, whose life, marked by reform and faith, is the subject of this entire chapter and much of 2 Kings 18-20 and Isaiah 36-39. His personal name means "Yahweh strengthens" or "Yahweh is my strength," a fitting name given his reliance on God.

• slept with his fathers: (Hebrew: vayyishkav im avotav) – This is a very common biblical euphemism for death, particularly used for kings and prominent figures. It signifies a peaceful passing, a rejoining with the ancestors, and often implies dying "in peace" or in the hope of the resurrection (though this latter aspect became clearer in later revelation). It avoids direct, stark language about death.

• and they buried him: (Hebrew: vayyiqv'ru oto) – This passive construction "they buried him" indicates the people's collective action and responsibility for his burial. It suggests widespread participation and public mourning, underscoring the communal honor bestowed upon him.

• in the chiefest of the sepulchres: (Hebrew: bema'aleh qivrot) – This is a pivotal phrase for understanding the honor.

  • bema'aleh (בְּמַעֲלֵה) comes from the root alah (עלָה), meaning "to go up," "ascend." So, ma'aleh means "ascent," "upper part," "higher ground," or "elevated place." This suggests Hezekiah was buried in the most elevated, prominent, or prestigious part of the burial grounds. Some interpretations also suggest "the ascent" could refer to a public pathway leading up to the royal tombs, indicating a visible, highly respected spot.
  • qivrot (קְבָרוֹת) are "tombs" or "sepulchres."
  • This implies a superior, prominent grave, demonstrating an unparalleled level of respect and honor among the kings, perhaps even above King David's initial burial site in prominence.

• of the sons of David: (Hebrew: bnei David) – This phrase signifies the royal line of David, highlighting that Hezekiah was buried within the designated royal burial site in the City of David. It emphasizes his legitimate place in the divinely chosen dynasty, connecting him firmly to the glorious kingship initiated by David. This site was often distinguished from a common cemetery.

• and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: (Hebrew: kol Yehudah v'yoshvei Yerushalayim) – This denotes the entire nation, represented by the capital city and the surrounding kingdom. It highlights the universality of the grief and honor. It was not merely his family or court, but the collective populace.

• did him honor at his death: (Hebrew: kabod 'asu lo b'moto) –

  • kabod (כָּבֹד) means "glory," "honor," "respect," "weight," "dignity." This signifies more than just burying him. It encompasses the elaborate ceremonies, expressions of mourning, and public accolades that accompanied his funeral.
  • asu lo means "they did for him."
  • b'moto means "in his death" or "at his death."
  • This public demonstration of kabod stands in stark contrast to the dishonorable burials or lack of mourning afforded to wicked kings (e.g., Jehoram in 2 Chron 21:19-20; Ahaz in 2 Chron 28:27). It confirms that Hezekiah's life of devotion to God yielded public affirmation even in his passing.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "And Hezekiah slept with his fathers and they buried him": This common phrase signals the peaceful transition and proper disposition of a revered individual. The action "they buried him" hints at a community effort, a collective duty, rather than just a personal affair.
  • "in the chiefest of the sepulchres of the sons of David": This combines a location of specific royal lineage ("sons of David") with an extraordinary detail of placement ("chiefest of the sepulchres"). This signifies that Hezekiah's burial was not merely conventional royal burial but held a distinct and preeminent status, an exceptional recognition of his worth among the kings. This exceptional honor implies his outstanding spiritual and administrative legacy.
  • "and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honor at his death": This describes the scope and nature of the public reaction. "All Judah" signifies national mourning, extending beyond Jerusalem, while "the inhabitants of Jerusalem" pinpoint the epicentre of the public demonstration. "Did him honor" (כָּבֹד) signifies the full reverence, respect, and possibly elaborate rites accorded to a beloved and impactful leader, echoing the honor God bestows upon those who serve Him.

2 Chronicles 32 33 Bonus section

The chronicler's account of Hezekiah often highlights spiritual lessons more overtly than the parallel narratives in Kings. The careful attention given to Hezekiah's honorable burial despite his acknowledged moment of pride (earlier in 2 Chronicles 32) emphasizes the transformative power of repentance. It teaches that even great leaders can stumble, but humility and turning back to God can restore their standing and legacy. The phrase "chiefest of the sepulchres" may suggest a special crypt constructed for him, indicating a uniquely revered place even within the existing royal burial ground. It could also signify a public funeral procession or resting place accessible or visible to the populace, further demonstrating public affection and mourning. The extensive national mourning also signifies the chronicler's theme of national unity under a godly king, a theme he often explores throughout his work. The very tangible honor given to Hezekiah in his death acts as a validation of his reforms and faithfulness to the Mosaic covenant.

2 Chronicles 32 33 Commentary

2 Chronicles 32:33 provides the Chronicler's concluding statement on the earthly life of King Hezekiah, emphasizing the lasting impact of his righteous reign. While the preceding verses mention a moment of pride and lack of gratitude from Hezekiah (2 Chron 32:25), the focus of this final verse on his death is overwhelmingly positive. This reflects the Chronicler's primary purpose: to illustrate that loyalty and obedience to God lead to blessing and honor, while disloyalty brings judgment. Despite Hezekiah's temporary lapse, his profound humility and repentance (2 Chron 32:26) redeemed his character, securing a blessed end.

His burial in the "chiefest of the sepulchres of the sons of David" underscores his unparalleled reputation among the kings of Judah. This was not a customary burial but an exceptionally esteemed placement, indicating that Hezekiah was viewed as an outstanding monarch. The unified action of "all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem" to "did him honor" points to the genuine love and respect the people had for a king who consistently led them back to God and saved them from external threats. This public recognition served as a powerful testimony to his piety and good governance. It contrasts sharply with wicked kings like Jehoram (2 Chron 21:19), who "departed without being desired," and illustrates the principle that those who honor God will be honored themselves (1 Sam 2:30). Hezekiah's honored passing confirms that a life lived in faithful submission to the Lord yields a legacy that transcends even death, commanding respect and remembrance among both God and people.

• Practical Example 1: A believer who lives a life of integrity, marked by humility, service, and reliance on God, often garners respect and admiration from their community, even from those outside their faith, because their good deeds and character shine brightly.
• Practical Example 2: When Christian leaders pass away, the outpouring of grief and testimonials about their spiritual impact, selfless devotion, and faithful teaching, serves as a "doing honor" at their death, confirming the fruit of their walk with Christ.