2 Chronicles 9 31

2 Chronicles 9:31 kjv

And Solomon slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles 9:31 nkjv

Then Solomon rested with his fathers, and was buried in the City of David his father. And Rehoboam his son reigned in his place.

2 Chronicles 9:31 niv

Then he rested with his ancestors and was buried in the city of David his father. And Rehoboam his son succeeded him as king.

2 Chronicles 9:31 esv

And Solomon slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David his father, and Rehoboam his son reigned in his place.

2 Chronicles 9:31 nlt

When he died, he was buried in the City of David, named for his father. Then his son Rehoboam became the next king.

2 Chronicles 9 verses

2 Chronicles 9 31 Meaning

2 Chronicles 9:31 marks a pivotal moment in the historical narrative, signaling the end of King Solomon's glorious reign and life. The verse notes his passing, described as "resting with his fathers," a common biblical euphemism for death, emphasizing his inclusion among his ancestors. His burial in the "city of David" (Jerusalem) reinforces his connection to the Davidic covenant and the royal lineage. Subsequently, the verse explicitly states the succession of his son, Rehoboam, to the throne, underscoring the continuity of the Davidic dynasty as established by divine promise.

2 Chronicles 9 31 Context

2 Chronicles 9 concludes the Chronicler's detailed account of Solomon's magnificent reign, highlighting his unparalleled wisdom, immense wealth, and extensive building projects, especially the construction and dedication of the Temple. The preceding verses emphasize the visit of the Queen of Sheba, symbolic of Solomon's global fame and prosperity, as well as the summary of his forty-year rule (v. 30). This verse, 9:31, acts as the closing statement on the zenith of the unified monarchy's power and glory, leading directly into the significant, tumultuous events of chapter 10 where the kingdom tragically divides under Rehoboam's reign. Historically, this transition marks the end of an era of unity and begins the narrative of the divided kingdom of Judah and Israel.

2 Chronicles 9 31 Word analysis

• So Solomon: Marks the conclusion of the previous narrative, transition from his reign's achievements to his passing. "Solomon" (שְׁלֹמֹה, Shelomoh) means "peace" or "peaceable," which characterizes much of his early reign.
• rested: A common euphemism for death, particularly for kings and patriarchs. It implies a peaceful passing after a period of labor or reign. It is often rendered from the Hebrew verb shakháv (שָׁכַב), meaning to lie down. This isn't just physical repose but a cessation of life's activity.
• with his fathers: (עִם־אֲבֹתָיו, 'im 'avotav). This phrase denotes being buried alongside or being associated with the deceased ancestors of the same family or lineage. It doesn't necessarily imply a theological belief in an afterlife where they physically meet, but rather their joining the "common lot of mankind" or specifically the family lineage in death. For kings, it connects them to the continuity of the dynasty.
• and they buried him: Refers to the standard burial rites and practices, indicating a proper funeral. The community's active participation in his burial ensured his dignified transition and commemoration.
• in the city of David his father: (בְּעִיר דָּוִיד אָבִיו, b'Ir David 'aviv). This specifically refers to Jerusalem, the capital established by King David. Burial here affirmed Solomon's place as a legitimate heir and successor within the Davidic covenant and cemented his physical link to the ancestral and divinely chosen city. It emphasized continuity of lineage and God's faithfulness to David.
• And Rehoboam his son: Highlights the direct patrilineal succession, reinforcing the theme of the Davidic dynasty's continuity, which is central to the Chronicler's theology.
• reigned in his place: Signifies a legitimate transfer of royal authority and the unbroken continuation of the throne. This phrase (וַיִּמְלֹךְ רְחַבְעָם בְּנוֹ תַּחְתָּיו, vayimlokh Rehoboam beno takhtayv) immediately establishes Rehoboam's new role, setting the stage for his subsequent actions and the pivotal events of the next chapter.

2 Chronicles 9 31 Bonus section

The Chronicler's summary of Solomon's life (2 Chron 9:29-31) is significantly briefer and less critical of Solomon compared to the parallel account in 1 Kings 11. While 1 Kings elaborates on Solomon's idolatry and foreign wives as the divine judgment for the kingdom's eventual split, 2 Chronicles minimizes or omits these details. The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic audience, emphasizes the Davidic line's legitimacy, the centrality of Jerusalem, and faithfulness to the Mosaic Law (especially Temple worship) as keys to divine blessing. Therefore, focusing on Solomon's peaceful end and legitimate succession here serves to maintain the idealized trajectory of the Davidic kingdom despite the historical realities of its fragmentation that soon follow. This strategic abridgment shapes the narrative to focus on God's enduring promises rather than the immediate consequences of human failure.

2 Chronicles 9 31 Commentary

2 Chronicles 9:31 concisely narrates the conclusion of Solomon's reign, focusing on his death and the succession of Rehoboam. From the Chronicler's perspective, this verse underscores the stability and legitimacy of the Davidic monarchy's continuation. Unlike the book of Kings, which emphasizes Solomon's apostasy as a prelude to judgment and the kingdom's division, Chronicles quickly moves past these negative aspects, prioritizing the ideal image of a glorious unified kingdom under the Davidic line. The "resting with his fathers" motif serves to confirm his place among his royal ancestors and connect him seamlessly to the covenant with David. The mention of burial "in the city of David" further solidifies this sacred continuity and highlights the central importance of Jerusalem and the Temple, which Solomon had built. The swift transition to Rehoboam's reign, as described here, sets up the next critical narrative point: the subsequent division of the kingdom, an event whose true reasons the Chronicler largely attributes to Rehoboam's foolishness rather than primarily Solomon's sin, thus maintaining the positive theological trajectory of the Davidic line. This verse marks the literal and symbolic end of the united monarchy's golden age.