1 Kings 14:29

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the rest {H3499} of the acts {H1697} of Rehoboam {H7346}, and all that he did {H6213}, are they not written {H3789} in the book {H5612} of the chronicles {H1697}{H3117} of the kings {H4428} of Judah {H3063}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Other activities of Rechav'am and all his accomplishments are recorded in the Annals of the Kings of Y'hudah.

Berean Standard Bible

As for the rest of the acts of Rehoboam, along with all that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?

American Standard Version

Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 14:29 serves as a classic historiographical formula within the Deuteronomistic History, concluding the biblical summary of King Rehoboam's reign over Judah. This verse directs the reader to external, comprehensive royal annals—"the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah"—for further details of his "acts" and "all that he did." It underscores the biblical author's selective, theologically driven approach to history, focusing on what is spiritually significant rather than providing an exhaustive historical record, while simultaneously affirming the historical grounding of the events described.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at the very end of the account of Rehoboam's reign (1 Kings 14:21-31), serving as a concluding colophon. It immediately follows the summary of his spiritual failures, the idolatry encouraged in Judah, the ongoing conflict with Jeroboam, and the devastating invasion by Shishak, king of Egypt. The formula "Now the rest of the acts of [King's Name], and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of [Judah/Israel]?" is a recurring literary device found at the end of nearly every king's summary in 1 and 2 Kings. Its placement here signals the transition from Rehoboam's rule to that of his son, Abijam, whose reign is introduced in the following verses. This consistent formula provides structural cohesion to the narrative of the divided monarchy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Rehoboam's reign (c. 931-913 BCE) marked the beginning of the divided kingdom, following the death of his father, Solomon. Culturally, the practice of keeping detailed royal annals was common throughout the ancient Near East, serving as official state records of a king's activities, building projects, wars, and decrees. These "chronicles" were distinct from the canonical books of the Bible, though biblical authors likely drew upon such sources. The mention of "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah" indicates that the scribes responsible for compiling the books of Kings had access to and selectively utilized these official court records. This practice lends historical credibility to the biblical narrative, demonstrating that the authors were not inventing stories but were engaging with existing historical documentation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes prevalent in 1 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it highlights **Biblical Historiography**, demonstrating the methodical and source-reliant approach of the biblical authors, who compiled and referenced existing historical documents rather than presenting an exhaustive account. Secondly, it subtly reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty over History**, suggesting that even the preservation of these historical records was part of God's overarching plan to document His dealings with His people, particularly the Davidic line. Thirdly, the formula implicitly points to the **Theological Selectivity of Scripture**. While external chronicles contained "all that he did," the biblical narrative focuses on the spiritual and covenantal implications of Rehoboam's reign, such as his failure to uphold the covenant, the introduction of idolatry, and the consequences of his actions, which led to the invasion by Shishak ([1 Kings 14:25-26](/1_kings/14-25-26 "1 Kings 14:25-26 - Shishak's Invasion")). This selective presentation ensures that the reader grasps the spiritual lessons God intended.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chronicles (Hebrew, _divrei hayyamim'_):** This phrase, literally "the words/affairs of the days," refers to official, day-by-day records or annals kept by the royal scribes. It denotes a comprehensive historical account, far more detailed than the theological summary presented in the biblical text. This is distinct from the canonical books of 1 and 2 Chronicles, though both may have drawn from similar original sources. The use of this term here affirms the existence of external, verifiable historical documentation to which the biblical author could appeal.
* **Written (Hebrew, _k'tuvim'_):** This is a passive participle, emphasizing that these records were already in existence, formally inscribed, and accessible. The rhetorical question "are they not written?" serves to confirm their reality and availability to the original audience, lending an air of factual authority to the biblical narrative by pointing to a wider body of historical evidence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam, and all that he did,"**: This opening clause serves as a clear indication that the biblical account of Rehoboam's reign is not exhaustive. It acknowledges that Rehoboam's life and rule involved many more events and actions than those detailed in the preceding verses. This immediately signals the selective nature of the biblical narrative, which prioritizes theological lessons and the unfolding of God's covenant purposes over a complete historical biography.
* **"[are] they not written"**: This is a rhetorical question, a common literary device in Hebrew. It functions not as an inquiry but as a strong affirmative statement, asserting that these additional "acts" are indeed recorded. It serves to validate the historical basis of the biblical account by pointing to external, known sources, thereby enhancing the credibility of the narrative for its original audience.
* **"in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"**: This specifies the precise location of these additional records. It refers to the official royal annals maintained by the kingdom of Judah, which would have contained a much more extensive and secularly focused account of Rehoboam's reign. The explicit mention of this external source underscores the historical grounding of the biblical narrative, even as it highlights the biblical author's theological purpose in selecting and presenting only certain aspects of the king's life.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("are they not written...?"), which, as discussed, functions as an emphatic affirmation rather than a genuine query. This device serves to underscore the historical veracity of the biblical account by appealing to a known, external body of records. Closely related is the use of **Formulaic Language**, as this exact structure appears repeatedly throughout the books of Kings (e.g., for Jeroboam in [1 Kings 14:19](/1_kings/14-19 "1 Kings 14:19 - Jeroboam's Chronicles"), for Abijam in [1 Kings 15:7](/1_kings/15-7 "1 Kings 15:7 - Abijam's Chronicles"), and for Asa in [1 Kings 15:23](/1_kings/15-23 "1 Kings 15:23 - Asa's Chronicles")). This repetitive formula provides structural consistency to the narrative, marking the end of each king's reign and directing the reader to more comprehensive historical sources. Furthermore, the verse exemplifies the nature of **Biblical Historiography**, which is not merely a secular recounting of events but a theologically interpretative history, selectively presenting information to convey spiritual truths about God's covenant with Israel and the consequences of obedience or disobedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 14:29, though seemingly a mere historical footnote, carries significant theological weight. It affirms the historical rootedness of the biblical narrative, assuring the reader that the events described are not mythical but grounded in verifiable history, even if the external sources are no longer extant. This formulaic conclusion to each king's reign underscores the Deuteronomistic author's method of compiling a theologically selective history, drawing from broader national records to highlight God's interaction with His people. It reveals that the biblical account is precisely what God deemed necessary for His people to understand His purposes, His covenant faithfulness, and the consequences of their actions, particularly concerning the kingship and the Davidic line. The "rest of the acts" were perhaps politically or economically significant but not essential for the spiritual lessons God intended to convey.

* [1 Kings 14:19](/1_kings/14-19 "1 Kings 14:19 - Jeroboam's Chronicles")
* [1 Kings 15:7](/1_kings/15-7 "1 Kings 15:7 - Abijam's Chronicles")
* [1 Kings 15:23](/1_kings/15-23 "1 Kings 15:23 - Asa's Chronicles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly simple verse offers profound insights for the contemporary believer. It encourages a robust trust in the historical reliability of Scripture, reminding us that the biblical authors were meticulous in their work, drawing from and referencing historical sources that were known and accessible to their original audiences. This grounding in real history means that the lessons derived from the reigns of kings like Rehoboam—his spiritual failures, the consequences of his idolatry, and the impact of his choices on the nation—are not abstract fables but concrete examples from which we can learn. It prompts us to consider that God is sovereign over all history, meticulously overseeing the recording of events, both those included in Scripture and those preserved in external records, to accomplish His divine purposes. Our lives, too, are part of a larger divine narrative, and our "acts" are known to God, whether recorded in human annals or simply in the book of life. We are called to learn from the past, trusting in the God who faithfully preserves His truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the biblical author's reference to external historical records strengthen your trust in the historical accuracy and divine inspiration of Scripture?**
* **What specific lessons can we glean from Rehoboam's reign, particularly regarding leadership and spiritual fidelity, that are relevant to our lives today?**
* **Considering that the biblical account is selective, what does this tell us about God's priorities in revealing His story to humanity?**

### FAQ
**Is "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah" the same as the biblical books of 1 and 2 Chronicles?**

Answer: No, they are not the same. "The book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah" (and Israel) refers to official, non-canonical state annals or court records that were kept by scribes in the ancient kingdoms. These were comprehensive historical documents, likely much more detailed than what we find in the Bible. The biblical books of 1 and 2 Chronicles, while they may have drawn upon similar source material, are canonical Scripture written from a distinct theological perspective, often emphasizing the Davidic covenant, the temple, and the priesthood. The authors of Kings and Chronicles both used these older, external "chronicles" as sources, but they selected and interpreted the information for their specific theological purposes.

**Why does the Bible refer to other books it doesn't include in its canon?**

Answer: The Bible refers to external sources like "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah" for a few key reasons. Firstly, it provides historical validation, assuring the original audience that the events recounted were verifiable and widely known. Secondly, it highlights the selective nature of the biblical narrative. The biblical authors, guided by the Holy Spirit, were not writing exhaustive histories but rather theologically driven accounts. They included precisely what was necessary to convey God's character, His covenant dealings with humanity, and the spiritual lessons He intended. The "rest of the acts" were deemed less relevant to the divine message being communicated. This practice demonstrates the Bible's engagement with real-world history while maintaining its unique focus on God's redemptive plan.

**What is the purpose of this recurring formula at the end of each king's reign?**

Answer: The recurring formula serves several crucial purposes. Structurally, it provides a consistent framework for the narrative of the kings, marking the conclusion of one reign and preparing for the next. Historically, it acts as a reference point, indicating that more extensive records existed and were accessible, thus lending credibility to the biblical account. Theologically, it subtly reinforces the idea that the biblical narrative is a divinely curated history, not an exhaustive one. It emphasizes that the biblical author's primary concern was not simply to list every event but to interpret history through a covenantal lens, focusing on how each king's reign related to God's law and His ongoing plan for Israel and Judah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 14:29 is a historiographical note about a flawed king, it subtly contributes to the overarching narrative that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Rehoboam, though a king from the Davidic line, failed significantly in his spiritual leadership, leading Judah into idolatry and weakness. Yet, the very act of meticulously recording his reign, and the reigns of subsequent kings, even those who were unfaithful, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David. The "book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah" implicitly points to the divine preservation of a lineage—a royal family line—through which the promised Messiah would eventually come. Despite human failure and the division of the kingdom, God's sovereign hand was at work, ensuring the continuation of the Davidic dynasty, however imperfect its immediate representatives. This painstaking historical record-keeping, therefore, ultimately serves to trace the path to Jesus, the true and perfect King, the Son of David, whose coming was guaranteed by God's faithfulness, not human merit. He is the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, the one whose "acts" are truly exhaustively and perfectly recorded in the Gospels, and whose reign is eternal and righteous, unlike any earthly king ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ"); [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Davidic Kingship"); [Acts 2:29-31](/acts/2-29-31 "Acts 2:29-31 - David's Prophecy of Christ")). The very existence of these chronicles, and their selective use in Scripture, testifies to God's providential oversight of history to bring forth the Lamb of 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

1 Kings 11:41

¶ And the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, [are] they not written in the book of the acts of Solomon?

1 Kings 14:19

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.

1 Kings 22:45

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, and his might that he shewed, and how he warred, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

2 Chronicles 12:15

Now the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, [are] they not written in the book of Shemaiah the prophet, and of Iddo the seer concerning genealogies? And [there were] wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually.

2 Chronicles 12:16

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

1 Kings 15:23

The rest of all the acts of Asa, and all his might, and all that he did, and the cities which he built, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? Nevertheless in the time of his old age he was diseased in his feet.