The phrase "he slept with his fathers" signifies a natural death after a 22-year reign. However, commentators caution against seeing this as a sign of God's approval. Despite the seemingly peaceful end, Jeroboam's legacy was one of rebellion and idolatry, which brought a divine curse upon his family and kingdom, as prophesied earlier in the chapter. His story shows that a long life does not negate a sinful legacy.