1 Kings 16:20

KJV

Now the rest of the acts of Zimri, and his treason that he wrought, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the rest {H3499} of the acts {H1697} of Zimri {H2174}, and his treason {H7195} that he wrought {H7194}, are they not written {H3789} in the book {H5612} of the chronicles {H1697}{H3117} of the kings {H4428} of Israel {H3478}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Other activities of Zimri and his conspiracy are recorded in the Annals of the Kings of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

As for the rest of the acts of Zimri and the treason he committed, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?

American Standard Version

Now the rest of the acts of Zimri, and his treason that he wrought, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 16:20 serves as a concise editorial conclusion to the remarkably brief and violent seven-day reign of King Zimri of Israel. This formulaic statement directs the reader to the "book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" for further details regarding Zimri's actions, particularly his treacherous coup against King Elah and the subsequent events that led to his swift demise. It underscores the biblical narrative's selective nature while affirming the historical grounding of the account, emphasizing the divine judgment inherent in the rise and fall of unrighteous rulers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic account of Zimri's short-lived reign, which is detailed in [1 Kings 16:9-19](/1_kings/16-9 "1 Kings 16:9-19 - Zimri's Coup and Death"). Zimri seized the throne by assassinating King Elah while he was intoxicated, a treacherous act described in [1 Kings 16:9](/1_kings/16-9 "1 Kings 16:9 - Zimri's Conspiracy"). His subsequent actions included the ruthless extermination of the entire house of Baasha, Elah's predecessor, fulfilling the prophetic word against Baasha's dynasty (cf. [1 Kings 16:1-4](/1_kings/16-1 "1 Kings 16:1-4 - Prophecy Against Baasha")). However, Zimri's reign was cut short when Omri, the commander of the army, besieged Tirzah. Rather than surrender, Zimri committed suicide by burning the royal palace around himself, as recorded in [1 Kings 16:18](/1_kings/16-18 "1 Kings 16:18 - Zimri's Suicide"). Verse 19 explicitly attributes his downfall to "the sins which he sinned in doing evil in the sight of the LORD," setting the stage for the concluding editorial note of verse 20, which is a standard Deuteronomistic formula used throughout the books of Kings to mark the end of a king's reign and point to external historical records.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Israelite monarchy, particularly after the division of the kingdom, was marked by political instability, frequent coups, and a succession of short-lived dynasties in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Zimri's reign (c. 885 BCE) exemplifies this turbulent era. The assassination of a king and the subsequent extermination of his lineage (known as *damnatio memoriae* or dynastic purge) were common, albeit brutal, practices in the ancient Near East to prevent future claims to the throne. The "book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" refers to official court annals or state records, meticulously kept by scribes in royal archives. These were not necessarily the biblical books of Chronicles, but rather comprehensive historical documents from which the biblical authors selectively drew information. The practice of referring to such external sources lends historical credibility to the biblical narrative, situating it within the broader historical record of the time, even as its primary purpose remains theological.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and the Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it highlights the **fleeting nature of unrighteous power** and the **instability of human kingship** when it deviates from divine appointment and covenant faithfulness. Zimri's seven-day reign is the shortest in Israelite history, serving as a stark illustration of the consequences of seizing power through violence and treachery, echoing the principle that "the way of the wicked will perish" (cf. [Psalm 1:6](/psalms/1-6 "Psalm 1:6 - The Way of the Wicked")). Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **divine judgment and consequences**, as Zimri's swift and violent end is presented as a direct result of his "treason" and "sins" (as stated in [1 Kings 16:19](/1_kings/16-19 "1 Kings 16:19 - Zimri's Sins and Demise")). Lastly, the recurring reference to the "book of the chronicles" underscores the **biblical historiography**, demonstrating that the biblical narrative is not exhaustive but selective, focusing on God's interaction with His people and the theological implications of their actions, while acknowledging the existence of broader historical records.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Acts (Hebrew, דְּבָרִים, _d'varim_):** While often translated "words," in this context, _d'varim_ refers to "matters," "affairs," or "deeds." It encompasses the totality of Zimri's actions and events during his brief reign, including his coup, his purge of Baasha's house, and his ultimate demise. The use of this term here is a standard way to refer to the full scope of a king's activities.
* **Treason (Hebrew, קֶשֶׁר, _qesher_):** This term specifically denotes a conspiracy, rebellion, or plot against the established authority. Zimri's act of assassinating King Elah (1 Kings 16:9) and seizing the throne constitutes a clear act of _qesher_. This word carries strong negative connotations, highlighting the illegitimate and violent nature of his ascent to power.
* **Chronicles (Hebrew, דִּבְרֵי הַיָּמִים, _divrei hayyamim_):** Literally "the words of the days," this phrase refers to official state annals or historical records kept by the royal scribes. These were comprehensive documents detailing royal decrees, military campaigns, building projects, and other significant events of a king's reign. The biblical authors frequently cite these "chronicles" to indicate that their narrative is a selective, theologically-driven account, not an exhaustive historical record, yet one grounded in verifiable historical sources.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the rest of the acts of Zimri":** This phrase signals that the biblical account of Zimri's reign is not exhaustive. It implies there were other details, perhaps administrative or minor events, that were not deemed essential for the theological message of the book of Kings. The brevity of his reign makes this phrase almost ironic, as there was little "rest" to his acts beyond the initial coup and subsequent self-immolation.
* **"and his treason that he wrought":** This clause explicitly highlights the most significant and defining act of Zimri's reign: his violent and illegitimate seizure of power. His "treason" (Hebrew: _qesher_) against King Elah is singled out as the pivotal event that set the course for his brief and condemned rule. This emphasizes the moral and theological judgment on his actions.
* **"[are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?":** This is a recurring Deuteronomistic formula used to conclude the account of a king's reign in the Northern Kingdom. It serves as an editorial note, directing the reader to external, more comprehensive historical records. The rhetorical question implies that these records exist and are accessible, thereby grounding the biblical narrative in historical reality while simultaneously asserting its theological selectivity.

#### Literary Devices
The concluding formula in 1 Kings 16:20 employs several literary devices. Most prominently, it utilizes **Formulaic Language**, specifically the recurring phrase "are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?" This repeated phrase serves as a structural marker throughout the books of Kings, signaling the end of a king's narrative and pointing to external historical sources. This creates a sense of **Verisimilitude**, lending an air of historical authenticity to the biblical account by acknowledging a broader historical record beyond the scope of the immediate narrative. There is also an element of **Ironic Understatement** given the extreme brevity of Zimri's reign (only seven days). To speak of "the rest of the acts of Zimri" when his entire rule was so short and tumultuous subtly highlights the futility and insignificance of his power grab. This formula also functions as a form of **Intertextuality**, implicitly inviting the reader to consult other historical documents, even if those specific "chronicles" are no longer extant or identifiable with later biblical books.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The brief mention of Zimri's reign and its conclusion in 1 Kings 16:20, though seemingly a mere historical footnote, carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty over human affairs, even in the midst of political chaos and violent usurpation. Zimri's swift rise and fall illustrate the principle that power gained through treachery and unrighteousness is inherently unstable and ultimately subject to divine judgment. His demise, explicitly linked to his sins in the preceding verse, underscores the consistent biblical theme that actions have consequences, and no human ruler, regardless of their perceived might, can escape the accountability before the Lord. This theological lens interprets historical events not as random occurrences but as manifestations of God's justice and His overarching plan for His people.

* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Humbles")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules Over Kingdoms")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Zimri, though compressed into a few verses and concluded by this editorial note, offers a timeless warning about the allure and ultimate futility of power pursued through unrighteous means. His fleeting reign, marked by violence and treachery, reminds us that true authority and lasting influence are not found in ruthless ambition or the accumulation of worldly power, but in integrity, faithfulness, and a humble submission to God's will. For us today, Zimri's rapid downfall serves as a stark reminder that our actions, especially those driven by selfish ambition or a disregard for justice, have consequences, both temporal and eternal. It challenges us to examine our own motivations for seeking influence or leadership, urging us to pursue righteousness and service rather than self-aggrandizement. The biblical narrative's willingness to record even such a brief and ignominious reign, while pointing to a larger historical record, affirms that God is sovereign over all history, and every human story, no matter how short or seemingly insignificant, is ultimately part of His grand narrative.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Zimri's brief reign challenge our understanding of power and ambition in our own lives or in society?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to pursue goals through "treasonous" or unrighteous means, even subtly?**
* **What does the swiftness of Zimri's judgment teach us about the consequences of sin and the nature of divine justice?**
* **How can we ensure that our pursuit of influence or leadership is rooted in integrity and service, rather than self-interest?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible refer to "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" so often?**

Answer: The frequent references to "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" (and Judah) serve multiple purposes. Firstly, they act as an editorial device, signaling the conclusion of a king's reign and indicating that the biblical narrative is not exhaustive. The authors of [1 & 2 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Books of 1 and 2 Kings") were not writing a comprehensive political history but a theological history, interpreting events through the lens of God's covenant with Israel. Secondly, these references lend historical credibility to the biblical account by pointing to external, contemporary royal archives or state records. This demonstrates that the biblical narrative is grounded in historical reality, even though its primary focus is on the spiritual and moral lessons derived from that history. It implies that a more detailed historical record existed for those who wished to consult it, reinforcing the authenticity of the events described.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tumultuous and ultimately futile reign of Zimri, concluded by a reference to human historical records, stands in stark contrast to the eternal and righteous reign of Jesus Christ. While earthly kings like Zimri grasp for power through treachery and violence, leading to brief, unstable rule and inevitable judgment (as seen in [1 Kings 16:19](/1_kings/16-19 "1 Kings 16:19 - Zimri's Sins")), Christ's kingship is established not by human might but by divine appointment and self-sacrificial love. His kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), yet it is a kingdom that will never end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Christ's Eternal Kingdom")). The "chronicles of the kings of Israel" record a lineage of flawed rulers, many of whom led their people astray, but the ultimate "chronicle" of redemptive history culminates in the perfect King, Jesus, who "takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and whose reign brings true justice, peace, and eternal life. His is the only reign that truly matters in the divine record, fulfilling all the hopes and promises that human kings so consistently failed to deliver.

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 16:5

Now the rest of the acts of Baasha, and what he did, and his might, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

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?

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?

1 Kings 15:31

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

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 22:39

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?