2 Kings 14:29

And Ieroboam slept with his fathers, euen with the kings of Israel, and Zachariah his sonne reigned in his stead. 2 Kings 14:29 (KJV)

To fully understand 2 Kings 14:29, it is essential to look at the broader context of the verse. The book of 2 Kings belongs to the historical books of the Old Testament and records the succession of the kings of Israel and Judah, providing a backdrop for the events described.

Jeroboam’s reign is the focal point of this passage. He was the son of Joash (also called Jehoash) and ruled the northern kingdom of Israel for approximately twelve years, from about 798 to 786 BC. Although he achieved some military successes, the biblical record notes that he “did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD” (2 Kings 14:23‑24) and permitted idolatry to persist throughout the nation.

The phrase “slept with his fathers” indicates that Jeroboam died and was buried among the previous kings of Israel in Samaria. His death marked the end of his short but turbulent rule.

His son Zechariah succeeded him. Zechariah’s reign was brief—only six months according to 2 Kings 15:8‑9. He continued in the sinful ways of his father, and his rule ended violently when he was slain by Shallum, one of his officials (2 Kings 15:10‑12).

The spiritual implications of these successive reigns are clear. The narrative illustrates the deepening spiritual decline and pervasive idolatry that afflicted the northern kingdom during this period. The failure of both Jeroboam and Zechariah to obey God’s commands led to political instability, internal conflict, and ultimately contributed to the downfall of Israel.

Overall, 2 Kings 14:29 serves as a concise reminder of the historical events surrounding the reigns of Jeroboam and his son Zechariah, highlighting how persistent disobedience to God brought severe consequences for the nation of Israel.