1 Kings 22:39

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the rest {H3499} of the acts {H1697} of Ahab {H256}, and all that he did {H6213}, and the ivory {H8127} house {H1004} which he made {H1129}, and all the cities {H5892} that he built {H1129}, 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 Ach'av's reign, all his accomplishments, the ivory palace he built and all the cities he built are recorded in the Annals of the Kings of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

As for the rest of the acts of Ahab, along with all his accomplishments and the ivory palace and all the cities he built, 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 Ahab, and all that he did, and the ivory house which he built, and all the cities that he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 22:39 serves as a concluding summary statement regarding the reign of King Ahab of Israel, highlighting his significant material achievements, particularly the construction of his opulent "ivory house" and the cities he built. This verse functions as a standard formulaic closure to a monarch's account in the Book of Kings, pointing to a larger body of historical records for further details, just before the narrative shifts to the dramatic account of Ahab's death in battle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at the very end of the detailed account of King Ahab's reign, immediately preceding the narrative of his final, fatal battle at Ramoth-Gilead. It is part of a common concluding formula used throughout the Books of Kings, signaling the end of a monarch's rule and often referencing external historical records for a more comprehensive account. Coming after Micaiah's dire prophecy of Ahab's demise and the king's subsequent attempt to circumvent it by disguising himself, 1 Kings 22:39 acts as a final, almost administrative, summary of his earthly accomplishments before the theological and historical climax of his death, reinforcing the biblical author's focus on the spiritual and moral implications of his rule rather than merely his political or architectural achievements.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Ahab ruled Israel from approximately 874-853 BC, a period marked by significant political power and economic prosperity for the northern kingdom, largely due to his strategic alliances and military strength. However, his reign was infamous for its spiritual apostasy, primarily fueled by his marriage to Jezebel, a Phoenician princess who aggressively promoted Baal worship throughout Israel ([1 Kings 16:30-33](/1_kings/16-30 "1 Kings 16:30-33 - Ahab's Wickedness")). The "ivory house" mentioned in the verse was not built entirely of ivory, but rather a lavish palace extensively decorated with expensive ivory carvings, inlays, and furnishings, a testament to Ahab's immense wealth and a symbol of royal luxury and power in the ancient Near East. Such opulence often came at the cost of heavy taxation and oppression of the populace, as tragically exemplified by the incident of [Naboth's vineyard](/1_kings/21-1 "1 Kings 21:1 - Naboth's Vineyard"). The "book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" refers to official state annals or royal records, distinct from the biblical Book of Kings itself, which served as a source of information for the biblical author, though interpreted through a theological lens.
* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several key themes prevalent in the Books of Kings and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the stark contrast between **Earthly Legacy and Spiritual Standing**. Ahab's material achievements, like his "ivory house" and built cities, represent a worldly success that stands in direct opposition to his spiritual failure and the widespread idolatry he promoted. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Material Wealth and Pride**, often acquired through injustice. The "ivory house" symbolizes not just wealth but also the potential for corruption and oppression that accompanies it, as seen in the story of [Naboth's vineyard](/1_kings/21-19 "1 Kings 21:19 - Naboth's Murder"). Finally, the mention of the "book of the chronicles" emphasizes the **Historical Record and Divine Sovereignty**. It reminds the reader that while human history is meticulously recorded, it is ultimately subject to God's overarching plan and judgment. The biblical account, though selective, presents a theologically driven history that assesses kings not by their material accomplishments but by their faithfulness to the covenant with Yahweh, a theme consistently explored throughout [the Book of Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Reign of Kings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ivory House (Hebrew, _beit hashen_):** This phrase (בֵּית הַשֵּׁן) refers not to a structure built entirely of ivory, but a palace or significant royal residence extensively adorned with ivory. Archaeological excavations at Samaria, Ahab's capital, have indeed uncovered numerous exquisite ivory panels and carvings, confirming the existence and lavishness of such a "house." Ivory, typically imported from Africa or India, was an extremely valuable commodity, signifying immense wealth, international trade connections, and the king's power to command such luxuries. Its presence points to a period of significant economic prosperity for Ahab's kingdom, yet also implicitly critiques the source and use of such wealth in a context of spiritual decline and social injustice.
* **Book of the Chronicles (Hebrew, _sefer divrei hayyamim_):** This phrase (סֵפֶר דִּבְרֵי הַיָּמִים) refers to the official royal annals or state records kept by the scribes of the Israelite kings. These were distinct from the biblical Book of Kings itself. The biblical author frequently references these "chronicles" (or similar terms for Judahite kings) as a source of historical information, indicating that the biblical narrative is a selective, theologically interpreted account, rather than an exhaustive historical record. This rhetorical question serves to validate the biblical account by appealing to a known, comprehensive external source, while simultaneously asserting the biblical author's prerogative to focus on the spiritual and covenantal aspects of a king's reign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did":** This is a standard formulaic opening to a concluding summary in the Books of Kings, indicating that the biblical account has provided the most pertinent details of the king's reign from a theological perspective, but that other, more comprehensive records exist. It encompasses the entirety of his rule, both good and bad, though the biblical narrative has primarily focused on his spiritual failures.
* **"and the ivory house which he made":** This clause singles out Ahab's most notable material achievement. The "ivory house" serves as a synecdoche for his extensive building projects and his immense wealth, which was likely derived from trade, tribute, and potentially oppressive taxation. It highlights his worldly success and the tangible legacy he left behind.
* **"and all the cities that he built":** This further emphasizes Ahab's extensive building programs and his contribution to the physical infrastructure of his kingdom. It suggests a period of stability and prosperity under his rule, allowing for such significant urban development and expansion.
* **"[are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?":** This rhetorical question functions as an appeal to external, authoritative historical records. It assures the reader that the biblical narrative is grounded in historical fact, even as it acknowledges its selective nature. The implied answer is "yes," reinforcing the idea that Ahab's full story, beyond the theological highlights, is preserved elsewhere.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant **literary devices**. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("are they not written...?"), which engages the reader directly and serves to validate the biblical narrative by appealing to known, external historical sources. This device also subtly asserts the biblical author's authority and the selective, theological purpose of the Book of Kings, implying that while more details exist, the crucial ones for understanding God's relationship with Israel have been presented. Furthermore, the opening phrase, "Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did," functions as a **Summary Formula** or **Merism**, a common literary convention in the Books of Kings to conclude a monarch's reign, encompassing all aspects of their rule without needing to list them exhaustively. Finally, the "ivory house" serves as powerful **Symbolism**, representing not just Ahab's material wealth and power, but also the potential for human pride, extravagance, and moral decay that often accompanies such earthly achievements, especially when divorced from righteousness and justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 22:39 profoundly illustrates the biblical distinction between earthly success and divine approval. Ahab, despite his impressive material achievements—an opulent "ivory house" and numerous built cities—is ultimately remembered in Scripture for his profound wickedness and his leading Israel into deep idolatry. This verse serves as a stark reminder that human accolades, material wealth, and grand architectural projects are fleeting and hold no eternal value if not built upon a foundation of righteousness and obedience to God. The biblical author, by referencing external chronicles, acknowledges Ahab's historical impact but deliberately chooses to highlight his spiritual failures, underscoring that God's assessment of a life is based on faithfulness to His covenant, not on outward displays of power or prosperity. This theological perspective challenges us to consider what kind of legacy truly endures in God's eyes.

* [Proverbs 10:2](/proverbs/10-2 "Proverbs 10:2 - Treasures of Wickedness Do Not Profit")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The summary of Ahab's reign in 1 Kings 22:39, with its emphasis on his "ivory house" and built cities, offers a poignant lesson for contemporary believers. It compels us to critically examine our own priorities and the nature of the legacy we are striving to build. In a world that often measures success by material accumulation, outward achievements, and public recognition, this verse challenges us to consider what truly matters in the eternal scheme of things. Ahab's magnificent "ivory house" was a monument to his earthly power and wealth, yet it could not save him from divine judgment or secure a lasting, positive spiritual remembrance. For us, this means evaluating whether our efforts are primarily directed towards building "houses" of earthly comfort, prestige, or financial security, or towards investing in the eternal kingdom through acts of faith, love, and obedience to God. True lasting value is found not in what we accumulate for ourselves, but in how we honor God and serve others, reflecting the values of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What defines true success in God's eyes, as opposed to the world's standards?**
* **How do I balance pursuing earthly responsibilities and provision with investing in eternal treasures and spiritual growth?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be building an "ivory house" that is impressive to others but holds little or no eternal significance before God?**

### FAQ
**What was the "ivory house" of Ahab?**

Answer: The "ivory house" (Hebrew: *beit hashen*) of Ahab was not a structure built entirely of ivory, which would have been impractical and impossible. Rather, it was a magnificent royal palace or significant building within the palace complex that was extensively decorated with lavish ivory inlays, carvings, and furnishings. These ivory pieces, often imported from distant lands, would have adorned walls, furniture, and possibly even floors, serving as a stunning display of King Ahab's immense wealth, power, and his kingdom's economic prosperity. Archaeological discoveries at Samaria, Ahab's capital, have unearthed numerous exquisite ivory fragments, confirming the biblical description and providing tangible evidence of the opulence of his reign. This house symbolized his worldly achievements and luxury, often acquired through oppressive means, as highlighted by the incident of [Naboth's vineyard](/1_kings/21-19 "1 Kings 21:19 - Naboth's Vineyard").

**What is the "book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" refers to official state records, royal annals, or court histories maintained by the scribes of the Israelite kings. It was a non-biblical historical document, distinct from the biblical Book of Kings itself. Throughout the Books of Kings, the biblical author frequently refers to these "chronicles" (or similar records for the kings of Judah) as a source for more detailed information about the kings' reigns, particularly regarding their military campaigns, building projects, and other administrative acts not fully elaborated in the biblical text. This reference serves two purposes: it validates the historical accuracy of the biblical narrative by appealing to known, comprehensive external records, and it underscores the biblical author's theological selectivity, choosing to focus on aspects of the kings' reigns that were most relevant to their covenant faithfulness and God's sovereign plan, rather than providing an exhaustive historical account.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The earthly legacy of King Ahab, epitomized by his "ivory house" and built cities, stands in stark contrast to the eternal and spiritual legacy established by Jesus Christ. Ahab built monuments to his own power and wealth, often through injustice and leading his people into idolatry, ultimately leaving a legacy of spiritual ruin. In profound antithesis, Jesus, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He built no physical empire, no lavish palace, and accumulated no earthly wealth. Instead, Christ declared, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Christ Builds His Church")). His "house" is not one of ivory and human extravagance, but a spiritual house built of living stones—believers united in Him ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Believers as Living Stones")). While Ahab's kingdom was of this world, destined to crumble, Christ proclaimed, "My kingdom is not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Christ's Kingdom Not of This World")), establishing an eternal, spiritual dominion. His ultimate "building project" was the redemption of humanity through His sacrifice on the cross, securing a lasting inheritance for all who believe, a treasure far surpassing any earthly "ivory house" and enduring for eternity.

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

Amos 3:15

And I will smite the winter house with the summer house; and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall have an end, saith the LORD.

1 Kings 10:18

Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the best gold.

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 16:5

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?

Ezekiel 27:6

[Of] the oaks of Bashan have they made thine oars; the company of the Ashurites have made thy benches [of] ivory, [brought] out of the isles of Chittim.

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.

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?