1 Kings 16:27

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the rest {H3499} of the acts {H1697} of Omri {H6018} which he did {H6213}, and his might {H1369} that he shewed {H6213}, 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 'Omri and the power he demonstrated are recorded in the Annals of the Kings of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

As for the rest of the acts of Omri, along with his accomplishments and the might he exercised, 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 Omri which he did, and his might that he showed, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 16:27 serves as a formulaic concluding statement to the reign of King Omri of Israel, a common literary device throughout the Books of Kings. It directs the reader to external, non-biblical state annals for a more comprehensive account of his actions and military achievements, thereby signaling the end of Omri's summary within the biblical narrative while simultaneously affirming the existence of broader historical records. This verse underscores the selective nature of the biblical account, which prioritizes theological and covenantal faithfulness over exhaustive historical detail.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at the culmination of the biblical summary of Omri's reign, which began in [1 Kings 16:23](/1_kings/16-23 "1 Kings 16:23 - Omri Begins to Reign"). It is a quintessential example of the "regnal formula" used by the Deuteronomistic historian to conclude the account of nearly every king of Israel and Judah. This formula serves multiple purposes: it marks the end of a king's rule, transitions the narrative to the next monarch, and directs the reader to external, non-biblical sources for further details. The phrase "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" does not refer to the biblical books of Chronicles, but rather to official state annals or royal records that were maintained by the Israelite monarchy and were presumably accessible to the biblical authors. This consistent referencing highlights that the biblical narrative is not intended as an exhaustive secular history but as a selective theological history, focusing on the king's obedience or disobedience to God's covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Omri (c. 884-873 BC) was a highly significant, albeit wicked, monarch in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. He was a military commander who seized the throne and established the Omride dynasty, one of the most powerful and influential in Israel's history. Omri is particularly notable for building Samaria as the new capital city, a strategic and defensible location that would serve as the center of the Northern Kingdom for centuries. His military and political prowess extended beyond Israel's borders, as evidenced by his recognition in extra-biblical sources, most notably the Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone), which refers to "Omri, king of Israel." The existence of "chronicles" or royal annals was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern kingdoms, where scribes meticulously recorded the deeds, military campaigns, and building projects of their rulers. These records served both as historical archives and as propaganda, legitimizing the king's rule.
* **Key Themes:** The verse, despite its brevity, contributes to several key themes within the Books of Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it emphasizes **Historical Record and Accountability**, suggesting that all actions, even those of powerful kings like Omri who "did evil more than all who were before him" ([1 Kings 16:25](/1_kings/16-25 "1 Kings 16:25 - Omri's Wickedness")), are documented and subject to a form of historical scrutiny, even if not fully detailed in the biblical text. Secondly, it highlights **The Brevity of Earthly Rule** and the transient nature of human power. Despite Omri's significant worldly accomplishments and "might," his reign, like all human reigns, ultimately comes to an end, underscoring the temporary nature of human authority compared to God's eternal sovereignty. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it reinforces the **Selective Divine Narrative** of the Bible. While acknowledging the existence of more extensive secular records, the biblical text deliberately chooses to focus only on aspects of Omri's rule (and other kings') that are pertinent to God's plan and covenant, particularly their faithfulness or unfaithfulness to the Lord, thereby shaping a theological interpretation of history rather than a mere chronological account.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Acts (Hebrew, _d'varim'_):** This word (דְּבָרִים) literally means "words" or "matters," but in this context, it refers to the deeds, events, or affairs of a king's reign. It encompasses the totality of his administration, policies, and accomplishments. The use of "the rest of the acts" implies that the biblical account has already presented the most pertinent (theologically significant) details, and a more exhaustive record of all "matters" exists elsewhere.
* **Might (Hebrew, _gevurah'_):** The term (גְּבוּרָה) denotes strength, power, valor, or heroic deeds. When applied to a king, it specifically refers to his military prowess, successful campaigns, and the display of his authority and dominance. For Omri, this would have included his successful coup, the establishment of Samaria, and his regional influence, which was recognized by neighboring nations. The biblical text acknowledges his worldly "might" even as it condemns his spiritual wickedness.
* **Chronicles (Hebrew, _divrei hayyamim'_):** This phrase (דִּבְרֵי הַיָּמִים) literally translates to "words of the days" or "events of the days." It is the standard Hebrew term for official historical records or annals, akin to a royal diary or state archive. This is distinct from the biblical books of Chronicles (which have the same Hebrew title but are a later theological re-telling of Israel's history). The reference here is to the official, secular records of the Israelite monarchy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the rest of the acts of Omri which he did":** This opening clause immediately signals that the biblical account of Omri's reign is not exhaustive. The "rest" implies that only a selection of his deeds has been presented, primarily those relevant to the Deuteronomistic historian's theological agenda concerning covenant fidelity and the consequences of idolatry. It acknowledges the existence of a larger body of information about his rule.
* **"and his might that he shewed":** This phrase specifically highlights Omri's worldly achievements, particularly his military and political strength. It indicates that his power and influence were significant and demonstrable, leaving a tangible mark on the history of Israel and the surrounding region. The biblical author, while condemning Omri's spiritual failures, does not deny his secular accomplishments.
* **"[are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?":** This is a rhetorical question, expecting an affirmative answer. It serves as a literary device to confirm that more detailed information about Omri's reign, particularly his non-theological "acts" and "might," can be found in the official state records. It validates the biblical narrative by pointing to an external, verifiable source, while simultaneously underscoring the biblical text's own selective focus on spiritual matters.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary devices at play in [1 Kings 16:27](/1_kings/16-27 "1 Kings 16:27 - The Conclusion of Omri's Reign") are **Formulaic Language** and a **Rhetorical Question**. The entire verse is an example of the recurring "regnal formula" that marks the conclusion of almost every king's account in the Books of Kings. This consistent repetition provides structural unity to the narrative, signaling to the reader the end of one reign and the transition to the next. The use of a **Rhetorical Question** ("are they not written?") is a common Hebrew idiom that strongly implies an affirmative answer. It functions not as a genuine inquiry, but as an emphatic statement, asserting that the referenced "book of the chronicles" does indeed contain further details. This rhetorical device serves to validate the biblical narrative's selectivity, assuring the reader that while the Bible focuses on theological and covenantal aspects, a more comprehensive historical record exists for those interested in the minutiae of royal administration and military campaigns.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 16:27, though a seemingly simple concluding formula, carries profound theological implications. It reminds us that God's sovereign hand is at work even in the reigns of wicked kings like Omri, whose worldly "might" and political achievements are acknowledged but ultimately framed within a divine narrative that prioritizes spiritual obedience. The biblical author's decision to refer to external chronicles underscores that the Bible is not merely a historical record but a theological interpretation of history, focused on humanity's relationship with God and the unfolding of His covenant purposes. While human records may detail every "act" and every display of "might," God's ultimate record is concerned with the heart and faithfulness, demonstrating that true legacy is measured not by earthly power but by one's standing before the Almighty.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Ecclesiastes 1:4](/ecclesiastes/1-4 "Ecclesiastes 1:4 - Generations Come and Go")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The concise conclusion to Omri's reign in 1 Kings 16:27 offers a powerful lesson on the nature of legacy and the ultimate authority of God's perspective. Despite Omri's significant worldly accomplishments—founding a dynasty, building a capital, and achieving regional recognition—the biblical record devotes minimal space to his "might," instead highlighting his profound wickedness. This challenges our often-human tendency to value power, wealth, and worldly achievements above all else. It prompts us to consider what truly endures and what kind of "chronicles" are being written about our own lives from an eternal perspective. Are we building a legacy of earthly success that fades, or one of faithfulness to God that has eternal significance? The verse encourages us to look beyond the transient records of human history to the unchanging truth of God's Word, which alone reveals what truly matters in the grand scheme of His redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the brevity of Omri's biblical account, despite his worldly "might," challenge our own perceptions of success and legacy?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to prioritize human records or achievements over God's eternal perspective on our lives?**
* **What kind of "chronicles" are being written about our lives in God's sight, and what does this verse teach us about building a truly lasting legacy?**

### FAQ
**What is "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" mentioned in 1 Kings 16:27?**

Answer: "The book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" does not refer to the biblical books of 1 and 2 Chronicles. Instead, it refers to official state annals or royal records that were maintained by the scribes and historians of the ancient Israelite monarchy. These were common in the ancient Near East, serving as comprehensive historical accounts of a king's reign, including military campaigns, building projects, administrative decisions, and other significant events. The biblical authors frequently referenced these external, secular sources to acknowledge that their own narrative was not exhaustive but selective, focusing on the theological and covenantal aspects of each king's rule. For example, similar references are made for kings like [Jeroboam in 1 Kings 14:19](/1_kings/14-19 "1 Kings 14:19 - Jeroboam's Acts") and [Ahab in 1 Kings 22:39](/1_kings/22-39 "1 Kings 22:39 - Ahab's Acts").

**Why does the Bible refer to external sources instead of providing all the details about a king's reign?**

Answer: The biblical narrative, particularly the Deuteronomistic History (Joshua through 2 Kings), is not intended to be a comprehensive secular history in the modern sense. Its primary purpose is theological: to demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel and the consequences of Israel's (and its kings') obedience or disobedience to that covenant. By referring to external "chronicles," the biblical authors acknowledge that more detailed historical information exists, but they deliberately choose to include only those events and aspects of a king's reign that are pertinent to their theological message. This selective approach highlights what God considers important—namely, the spiritual and moral standing of the king before Him—rather than merely their worldly "acts" or "might." It underscores that God's perspective on history is fundamentally different from a purely human one.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The transient reign of Omri, with its worldly "might" recorded in human "chronicles," stands in stark contrast to the eternal and unshakable kingdom of Jesus Christ. Earthly kings like Omri, despite their power and influence, ultimately pass away, and their legacies are subject to human interpretation and the ravages of time. However, Christ's kingdom is "an everlasting kingdom" ([Daniel 7:27](/daniel/7-27 "Daniel 7:27 - The Kingdom of the Saints")), and His dominion "shall not be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom")). Unlike Omri, whose "acts" were recorded in fallible human annals, the "acts" of Jesus—His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection—are eternally inscribed in the divine record and bear witness to His ultimate "might" over sin and death ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). He is the true King whose reign fulfills all prophecies and brings about a new creation, establishing a legacy not of temporary power but of eternal redemption and grace. Every earthly king, whether acknowledged in biblical or secular chronicles, ultimately points to the supreme and everlasting reign of the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), Jesus Christ, to whom "every knee should bow" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted")).

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 16:20

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?

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 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?