1 Kings 14:19

KJV

And the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he warred, and how he reigned, behold, they [are] written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the rest {H3499} of the acts {H1697} of Jeroboam {H3379}, how he warred {H3898}, and how he reigned {H4427}, behold, they are written {H3789} in the book {H5612} of the chronicles {H1697}{H3117} of the kings {H4428} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Other activities of Yarov'am, how he fought and how he ruled are recorded in the Annals of the Kings of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

As for the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he waged war and how he reigned, they are indeed written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel.

American Standard Version

And the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he warred, and how he reigned, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 14:19 serves as a pivotal concluding statement for the reign of Jeroboam I, the inaugural king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This verse reveals that while the inspired biblical narrative selectively focuses on the profound theological and spiritual ramifications of Jeroboam's rule—especially his grievous establishment of idolatrous worship—the broader political, military, and administrative details of his kingship were comprehensively documented in external, non-canonical state archives, explicitly referred to as "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel." It profoundly underscores the unique, divinely guided selectivity of biblical history, which prioritizes God's covenant relationship with His people, their obedience or disobedience to His commands, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan, rather than providing an exhaustive, secular account of every royal endeavor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse functions as a characteristic concluding formula for Jeroboam's reign within the Deuteronomistic History, specifically in the book of 1 Kings. It immediately follows the somber fulfillment of the prophet Ahijah's dire prophecy concerning the demise of Jeroboam's dynasty and the death of his son Abijah ([1 Kings 14:1-18](/1_kings/14-1-18 "1 Kings 14:1-18 - Ahijah's Prophecy Against Jeroboam")). The preceding chapters meticulously detail Jeroboam's rise to power and, crucially, his profound spiritual apostasy in establishing golden calves at Dan and Bethel, thereby leading Israel into widespread idolatry ([1 Kings 12:25-33](/1_kings/12-25-33 "1 Kings 12:25-33 - Jeroboam's Sin of Idolatry")). The narrative framework throughout [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings") consistently evaluates kings based on their fidelity to the Mosaic covenant, frequently employing this formulaic summary to mark the end of a monarch's individual historical account. This literary device signals to the reader that the biblical author has conveyed the essential theological message of that reign, preparing for the succession of the next king.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeroboam I ascended to power following the seismic division of the united monarchy after the death of Solomon, becoming king over the ten northern tribes (Israel), while Rehoboam retained control of Judah in the south ([1 Kings 12:1-24](/1_kings/12-1-24 "1 Kings 12:1-24 - The Division of the Kingdom")). His 22-year reign (c. 931-910 BC) was strategically marked by significant political and religious innovations designed to secure the northern kingdom's independence from Jerusalem and the Davidic dynasty. The mention of "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" reflects a pervasive practice in ancient Near Eastern kingdoms: the meticulous maintenance of official court annals or royal archives. These state records, often kept by royal scribes, would have meticulously documented military campaigns, administrative decrees, diplomatic relations, building projects, and other significant state affairs—precisely the "acts" and "wars" that the biblical text often omits or only briefly references. Such archives served as the official, though often biased, historical accounts of a king's rule, providing a comprehensive record from a human perspective.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it profoundly underscores the **theological purpose of Scripture**; the biblical narrative is not a secular, exhaustive history, but a divinely inspired account primarily focused on God's covenant, human obedience or disobedience, and the resultant consequences. While Jeroboam's "wars" and "reign" were historically verifiable, the biblical author's paramount concern is his spiritual failure and its enduring impact on Israel, which became infamously known as "the sin of Jeroboam" ([1 Kings 14:16](/1_kings/14-16 "1 Kings 14:16 - Jeroboam's Sin")). Secondly, it highlights the **selectivity of divine revelation**, assuring the reader that more historical data existed, yet only what was pertinent to God's redemptive plan, moral instruction, and the unfolding drama of salvation was included. Thirdly, the consistent reference to these external chronicles throughout [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings") reinforces the **historical grounding of the biblical narrative**, even as it steadfastly maintains its unique theological focus. It implicitly suggests that the biblical writers were aware of and drew upon existing historical records, thereby validating the reality of the events described, even if their interpretive lens was profoundly distinct and divinely guided.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **acts (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this word, often translated as "word" or "thing," here refers to "matters," "affairs," or "deeds." It encompasses the totality of Jeroboam's public life and actions as king, including his policies, decisions, and significant events that transpired during his reign. It signifies the comprehensive scope of his rule, extending beyond mere military engagements to include all aspects of governance and administration.
* **warred (Hebrew, _lâcham'_):** From H3898, this term specifically denotes military conflicts, battles, and campaigns. Warfare was an intrinsic and defining characteristic of ancient Near Eastern kingship, essential for maintaining national borders, expanding territory, and asserting regional dominance. The mention here indicates that Jeroboam engaged in significant military activity, even if the biblical account does not provide detailed descriptions of each engagement.
* **reigned (Hebrew, _mâlak'_):** From H4427, this term signifies the exercise of royal authority and the entire duration of a king's rule. It encompasses the administrative, judicial, and political dimensions of kingship, including the governance of the kingdom, the establishment of laws, and the maintenance of order and stability. Together with "warred," it forms a comprehensive description of a monarch's responsibilities and activities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the rest of the acts of Jeroboam":** This introductory phrase serves as a clear signal that the biblical narrative is concluding its account of Jeroboam's reign and that the preceding details are not an exhaustive record of his entire rule. It implicitly acknowledges that a vast array of other events and activities occurred during his time as king, beyond what is specifically presented in the sacred text.
* **"how he warred, and how he reigned":** This clause specifies the particular categories of "acts" being referenced—namely, his military engagements and the general administration and exercise of his royal power. These were the typical concerns and contents of secular historical records, encompassing the full scope of a king's public life, responsibilities, and achievements from a human perspective.
* **"behold, they [are] written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel":** This concluding statement provides the authoritative source for these unrecorded details. It points to a specific, identifiable external historical document, assuring the reader that these events were indeed recorded and verifiable in the official state archives of the Northern Kingdom. This serves as a crucial historical reference point, affirming the reality of the events while simultaneously highlighting and reinforcing the Bible's distinct theological selectivity and purpose.

#### Literary Devices
1 Kings 14:19 employs several characteristic literary devices found throughout the Deuteronomistic History. **Formulaic Language** is exceptionally prominent, as this precise concluding statement ("And the rest of the acts of [King X], how he warred, and how he reigned, behold, they [are] written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel/Judah") is consistently applied to nearly every monarch in [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings"). This repetition provides a robust structural framework for the historical narrative, clearly signals the end of a king's individual account, and powerfully emphasizes the consistent theological perspective applied to each reign. **Merism** is evident in the phrase "how he warred, and how he reigned," which combines two contrasting yet complementary aspects—military prowess and civil administration—to encompass the totality of a king's activities and responsibilities. This literary pairing signifies the comprehensive nature of the external records being referenced. Finally, the direct **Reference** to "the book of the chronicles" functions as a form of intertextuality, pointing the reader to external, non-canonical sources. This device simultaneously lends historical credibility to the biblical account by acknowledging its broader historical context, while also underscoring its own unique, divinely inspired, and selective theological purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 14:19 serves as a profound illustration of the inherent nature and ultimate purpose of biblical history. Unlike modern historical texts that strive for exhaustive detail and objective neutrality, the Bible is fundamentally a theological history, meticulously curated and inspired by divine wisdom to reveal God's character, His unwavering covenant faithfulness, and humanity's response to His divine initiatives. The explicit mention of external "chronicles" profoundly underscores that the biblical authors were fully aware of more extensive historical data, yet they deliberately chose to include only what was absolutely essential for understanding God's redemptive relationship with Israel and the unfolding of His grand plan of salvation. This divinely guided selective approach ensures that the primary focus remains steadfastly on spiritual truths, profound moral lessons, and the overarching narrative of redemption, rather than becoming mired in every administrative detail or military skirmish. It implicitly teaches us that what God has chosen to reveal in His authoritative Word is entirely sufficient for our faith, instruction, and spiritual nourishment, guiding us toward obedience and a deeper, more intimate knowledge of Him, rather than merely satisfying every historical curiosity.

* [John 21:25](/john/21-25 "John 21:25 - The World Cannot Contain the Books")
* [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-Breathed and Profitable")
* [Deuteronomy 29:29](/deuteronomy/29-29 "Deuteronomy 29:29 - The Secret Things Belong to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profoundly important lessons for how we are to approach, interpret, and ultimately value the Holy Scriptures. It serves as a powerful reminder that the Bible is not merely an ancient history book or a collection of moral anecdotes, but rather a divinely inspired, living revelation designed by God to transform our lives, shape our worldview, and deepen our intimate relationship with Him. While our natural human curiosity might prompt us to desire every minute detail of biblical events or the daily lives of its characters, this verse masterfully redirects our focus to the Bible's supreme and primary purpose: to reveal God's unchanging character, His sovereign will, and His magnificent plan of salvation. It encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in the absolute sufficiency of what God, in His infinite wisdom, has chosen to reveal, knowing with certainty that every word is purposeful, profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. Instead of lamenting what is not explicitly detailed or exhaustively explained, we are called to immerse ourselves wholeheartedly in what *is* revealed, recognizing that these divinely inspired truths are what truly matter for our spiritual growth, our understanding of God's redemptive narrative, and our eternal destiny. Our faith is built not upon exhaustive secular historical records, but upon the authoritative, inerrant, and living Word of God, which faithfully recounts His dealings with humanity and unerringly points us to His ultimate, glorious purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Bible's selective historical approach, as powerfully evidenced in this verse, shape our understanding of God's priorities for His divine revelation to humanity?**
* **In what specific ways might we be tempted to seek "more" information or clarification beyond what God has chosen to reveal in the sacred Scriptures, and how can this verse help us cultivate a deeper trust in its inherent sufficiency?**
* **How does understanding the profound theological purpose of the Bible, rather than a purely secular historical one, impact your personal study, your daily application of its truths, and your overall spiritual walk?**

### FAQ
**What was "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel"?**

Answer: "The book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" refers to official state annals or royal archives meticulously maintained by the scribes in the royal courts of the Israelite kings. These were comprehensive historical records documenting the military campaigns, administrative decisions, building projects, diplomatic relations, and other significant events of each king's reign. It is crucial to distinguish these ancient state records from the canonical biblical books of [1 and 2 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "The Books of 1 and 2 Chronicles"), which were written much later from a distinct theological and interpretive perspective, focusing on the Davidic covenant and the temple. The biblical authors referenced these external records to indicate that more detailed historical information existed, even though their own narrative focused primarily on the theological and spiritual aspects of the kings' reigns, particularly their obedience or disobedience to God's covenant.

**Why doesn't the Bible include all of Jeroboam's acts, wars, and details of his reign?**

Answer: The Bible is not intended to be an exhaustive secular history book, but rather a theological history. Its primary purpose is to reveal God's character, His covenant relationship with humanity, and His unfolding plan of salvation. Therefore, the biblical authors, guided by the Holy Spirit, were divinely selective in what they included. They focused on events and details that illuminated God's dealings with Israel, highlighted the profound consequences of obedience and disobedience, and pointed toward God's ultimate redemptive purposes. While Jeroboam's "wars" and "reign" were historically real, the biblical narrative prioritizes his spiritual failures—most notably his establishment of idolatry at [Dan and Bethel](/1_kings/12-29 "1 Kings 12:29 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves")—because these actions had profound theological and covenantal implications for the entire nation of Israel, setting a pattern of sin for subsequent northern kings.

**Does this verse imply that the biblical narrative is incomplete or lacking?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that the biblical narrative is incomplete or lacking for its intended divine purpose. Instead, it powerfully affirms the historical reality of the events while simultaneously emphasizing the Bible's divine selectivity. The Bible is absolutely complete and entirely sufficient for its God-given purpose: to reveal God, His sovereign will, and the path to salvation. The Holy Spirit guided the biblical authors to record precisely what was necessary for humanity's spiritual instruction, moral guidance, and comprehensive understanding of God's redemptive plan. While external historical records might provide more factual details about Jeroboam's secular rule, the Bible provides the essential spiritual truths and the overarching narrative of God's interaction with His people, which is what truly matters for faith and life ([2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-Breathed and Profitable")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly mundane historical note in 1 Kings 14:19, referencing "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel," subtly yet profoundly points to the far greater "chronicles" of God's redemptive history that find their glorious and ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The earthly kings of Israel, like Jeroboam, had their records of "wars" and "reigns," but these were inherently temporary, often deeply flawed, and ultimately served to highlight the desperate need for a perfect, eternal King. The very failures of kings like Jeroboam, meticulously recorded in the biblical narrative despite the existence of more comprehensive secular annals, powerfully underscore humanity's inherent inability to perfectly "war" against sin or to "reign" in true righteousness. This ceaseless cycle of human kingship, with its fleeting victories and persistent idolatry, inexorably sets the stage for the coming of the true King, the Messiah. Jesus Christ is the promised Son of David, the one whose "acts" and "reign" are not merely recorded in transient human annals but possess eternal and cosmic significance. He perfectly "warred" against sin, death, and the devil on the cross, achieving a definitive and decisive victory that no earthly king could ever accomplish ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). His "reign" is not confined to a specific earthly territory or a limited period of time, but is an eternal, universal dominion over all creation ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20-22 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Supremacy and Authority")). The true "chronicles" of God's redeemed people are ultimately inscribed, not in perishable human records, but in the [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Lamb's Book of Life"), a divine and eternal record of those who belong to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Thus, this seemingly simple verse, by highlighting the inherent limitations and selective nature of human historical records, implicitly directs our gaze to the one whose life, death, resurrection, and eternal reign are the true culmination of all history and the ultimate, perfect revelation of God's saving purpose, eternally recorded in the heart of God and perfectly revealed through His living Word, [Jesus Christ](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 13:2

He reigned three years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also [was] Michaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.

2 Chronicles 13:20

Neither did Jeroboam recover strength again in the days of Abijah: and the LORD struck him, and he died.

1 Chronicles 27:24

Joab the son of Zeruiah began to number, but he finished not, because there fell wrath for it against Israel; neither was the number put in the account of the chronicles of king David.

1 Kings 22:39

Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did, and the ivory house which he made, and all the cities that he built, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

1 Kings 16:27

Now the rest of the acts of Omri which he did, and his might that he shewed, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

Esther 6:1

¶ On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

1 Kings 16:14

Now the rest of the acts of Elah, and all that he did, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?