1 Kings 22:45

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the rest {H3499} of the acts {H1697} of Jehoshaphat {H3092}, and his might {H1369} that he shewed {H6213}, and how he warred {H3898}, 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 Y'hoshafat, all his power that he demonstrated and how he made war are recorded in the Annals of the Kings of Y'hudah.

Berean Standard Bible

As for the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, along with the might he exercised and how he waged war, 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 Jehoshaphat, and his might that he showed, and how he warred, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 22:45 serves as a conventional concluding formula for the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah, directing the reader to external, non-canonical historical records for a more comprehensive account of his "acts," "might," and military campaigns. This verse highlights the biblical authors' reliance on existing historical documentation while simultaneously underscoring the inspired narrative's selective and purposeful nature, which prioritizes theological truth and God's redemptive plan over exhaustive historical detail.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks the formal conclusion of the narrative concerning King Jehoshaphat's reign within the Book of 1 Kings. It immediately follows the detailed account of his ill-advised alliance with King Ahab of Israel, culminating in the battle at Ramoth-Gilead where Ahab met his demise. The preceding verses (1 Kings 22:41-44) provide a brief summary of Jehoshaphat's generally positive rule, noting his faithfulness to the Lord, albeit with a lingering issue of the high places. The formulaic nature of 1 Kings 22:45 signals the end of the author's primary interest in Jehoshaphat's kingship within the specific theological framework of the Books of Kings, which often evaluates monarchs based on their adherence to the Mosaic covenant. While 1 Kings offers a concise overview, the canonical Book of [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/17 "2 Chronicles 17-20 - The Reign of Jehoshaphat") provides a far more expansive and generally favorable portrayal of Jehoshaphat, detailing his religious reforms, administrative prowess, and military successes. This concluding verse thus serves as a literary bridge, acknowledging a broader historical record beyond the scope of this particular inspired narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of referencing external historical documents was a well-established convention in ancient Near Eastern historiography, including the royal courts of Judah and Israel. Kings maintained official state annals, often referred to as "the book of the chronicles of the kings," which meticulously recorded significant events of their reigns: military campaigns, building projects, administrative decrees, and diplomatic relations. These records served multiple purposes, including legitimizing the king's rule, providing a historical archive, and sometimes even functioning as propaganda. The biblical authors, while divinely inspired, were not operating in a vacuum; they were part of a literate culture that valued record-keeping. By explicitly referencing these external chronicles, the biblical narrative grounds itself in verifiable historical reality, affirming that the events described were not mythical but rooted in actual historical occurrences known to their original audience. This practice lends credibility to the biblical account, even as the inspired authors selectively utilized and interpreted these sources through a theological lens.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Kings 22:45 contributes significantly to several overarching themes found throughout the Books of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **historicity and documentation** of the biblical account, demonstrating that the authors were engaging with and referencing verifiable historical records. This reinforces the reliability of the biblical narrative as a divinely inspired interpretation of actual events, rather than a fictional creation. Secondly, the verse highlights the crucial distinction between the **completeness and exhaustiveness** of Scripture. While the Bible is complete in its divine revelation—providing all necessary truth for faith, practice, and salvation, as affirmed in [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed and Profitable")—it is not an exhaustive historical textbook. It selectively presents information pertinent to God's covenant relationship with His people and His unfolding plan of redemption, often pointing to other sources for additional details, as seen in similar references like [1 Kings 11:41](/1_kings/11-41 "1 Kings 11:41 - The Book of the Acts of Solomon") regarding Solomon. Finally, it subtly touches upon the theme of **legacy and accountability**, reminding readers that the "acts" and "might" of kings were meticulously documented, serving as a testament to their rule and impact, a concept echoed in the broader biblical emphasis on divine remembrance and judgment, as suggested in passages like [Malachi 3:16](/malachi/3-16 "Malachi 3:16 - The Book of Remembrance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **acts (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** Derived from H1697, _dâbâr_ primarily means "word," but by implication, it extends to "matter," "thing," "affair," or "deed." In this context, "acts" (or "the words of") refers to the comprehensive range of King Jehoshaphat's public and private conduct, his administrative decisions, significant undertakings, and the events that transpired during his reign. It encompasses the totality of his royal activities and their impact.
* **might (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwrâh'_):** From H1369, _gᵉbûwrâh_ signifies "force," "valor," "strength," or "mighty acts." When attributed to a king, it specifically denotes his military prowess, the strength and effectiveness of his army, his ability to defend the kingdom, and his capacity to assert and consolidate his royal authority. It speaks to the tangible demonstrations of his power and effectiveness in governance and warfare.
* **written (Hebrew, _kâthab'_):** From H3789, _kâthab_ is a primitive root meaning "to grave" or "to write." In this verse, it refers to the act of inscribing or recording information in a document. The rhetorical question "[are] they not written?" confirms that these details about Jehoshaphat's reign were indeed recorded in official, accessible historical documents, underscoring the historical basis of the biblical narrative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat":** This phrase serves as a standard concluding formula, used frequently in the Books of Kings (e.g., [1 Kings 14:29](/1_kings/14-29 "1 Kings 14:29 - The Rest of Rehoboam's Acts"), [1 Kings 15:23](/1_kings/15-23 "1 Kings 15:23 - The Rest of Asa's Acts")) to signal the completion of a monarch's account within the biblical narrative. It implies that while the inspired text has provided a sufficient, divinely guided summary of the king's reign, a more exhaustive historical record exists elsewhere for those seeking further details.
* **"and his might that he shewed":** This clause specifically highlights Jehoshaphat's demonstrations of power, strength, and valor. This would encompass his military campaigns, the size and organization of his army, his success in fortifying cities, and his ability to maintain peace or wage war effectively, as more extensively detailed in [2 Chronicles 17:12-19](/2_chronicles/17-12-19 "2 Chronicles 17:12-19 - Jehoshaphat's Army and Fortifications"). It refers to the tangible expressions of his kingly authority.
* **"and how he warred":** This phrase narrows the focus to Jehoshaphat's specific military engagements and strategies. While 1 Kings 22 primarily details his ill-fated alliance with Ahab against Aram, other conflicts and military preparations are mentioned in the broader historical record, such as his divinely-aided victory over the Moabite, Ammonite, and Meunite coalition in [2 Chronicles 20](/2_chronicles/20 "2 Chronicles 20 - Jehoshaphat's Victory over Moab and Ammon").
* **"[are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?":** This rhetorical question functions as an emphatic affirmative statement, confirming the existence and accessibility of these external royal records. It serves to validate the historical context of the biblical narrative by directing the reader to a known, authoritative source for additional information, while simultaneously maintaining the biblical author's focus on the divinely inspired theological lessons and the overarching narrative of God's covenant with His people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that contribute to its function and meaning. Foremost is **Formulaic Language**, specifically the "rest of the acts" formula, which is a hallmark of the Books of Kings. This repetitive structure provides a consistent framework for concluding the accounts of various monarchs, signaling the end of their individual narratives within the biblical text and pointing to external documentation for further details. The phrase "[are] they not written?" functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, which is not intended to elicit an answer but rather to affirm a known truth emphatically—that these records indeed exist and are accessible. This rhetorical device lends authority and historical credibility to the biblical account by implicitly referencing external, verifiable sources. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Intertextuality** by explicitly referring to an external, non-canonical historical work ("the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah"). This direct reference highlights the biblical authors' engagement with existing historical records and their selective use of such material to construct a narrative focused on God's interaction with His people and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 22:45, though appearing as a simple concluding formula, carries profound theological implications. It firmly establishes the historical grounding of the biblical narrative, affirming that the events described are rooted in real-world occurrences and not mythical constructs. However, it simultaneously underscores the divine selectivity inherent in Scripture. The biblical authors, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, meticulously chose what to include and what to omit, not to deceive, but to serve God's ultimate purpose: to reveal His character, His unwavering covenant faithfulness, and His unfolding plan of salvation. The Bible is complete in its theological truth and sufficiency for faith and practice, even if it is not exhaustive in its historical detail. This verse implicitly teaches us to trust the Bible for what it claims to be—God's inspired Word—and to understand its unique purpose as a theological narrative that interprets history from God's perspective, rather than a comprehensive historical encyclopedia. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all of history, and His story, as told in Scripture, is the one that truly matters for our eternal destiny.

* [John 21:25](/john/21-25 "John 21:25 - The Abundance of Jesus' Deeds")
* [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed and Profitable")
* [Luke 1:1-4](/luke/1-1-4 "Luke 1:1-4 - Luke's Purpose for Writing an Orderly Account")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly mundane verse offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It encourages us to approach the Bible with a discerning eye, understanding that its primary purpose is not to satisfy every historical curiosity but to transform our lives through the revelation of God's truth. We are invited to trust its authority and sufficiency in matters of faith and doctrine, recognizing that its selective nature is part of God's wise design to focus our attention on what is eternally significant. Just as Jehoshaphat's "acts" were recorded for posterity, our own lives are a chronicle unfolding before the divine gaze. This verse subtly prompts us to consider what "acts," "might," and "how we warred" (our struggles and triumphs, our demonstrations of spiritual strength) are being recorded in the heavenly books. It challenges us to live lives that, when reviewed, reflect a steadfast commitment to God's will, a pursuit of righteousness, and a reliance on His power, knowing that ultimately, it is God's assessment of our stewardship that truly matters.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does 1 Kings 22:45 teach us about the nature and purpose of the biblical narrative, particularly regarding its historical scope and theological focus?**
* **How does understanding the Bible's selective nature impact your trust in its authority and sufficiency for guiding your life and faith?**
* **In what ways are your "acts," "might," and "how you warred" (your life's journey, spiritual battles, and demonstrations of God's strength through you) being recorded, and what kind of legacy are you building for God's glory?**

### FAQ
**Is "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah" the same as the canonical books of 1 and 2 Chronicles in our modern Bibles?**

Answer: No, they are distinct. "The book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah" (and similar references for the kings of Israel) refers to official royal annals or state records maintained by the scribes and historians of the ancient kingdoms. These were secular historical documents, likely serving as primary sources for various ancient writers. In contrast, the canonical books of 1 and 2 Chronicles, which are part of our modern Bible, are divinely inspired theological works. While they may have drawn upon such historical sources, they reinterpret and re-present the history of Israel and Judah from a specific theological perspective, emphasizing God's covenant faithfulness, the importance of the temple and worship, and the Davidic line. Their purpose, scope, and divine inspiration set them apart from the secular royal chronicles.

**Why does the Bible frequently refer to other books or sources if it is God's complete Word?**

Answer: The Bible refers to other sources, such as "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah," not because it is incomplete or lacking in its divine revelation, but to affirm its historical grounding and to highlight its specific, divinely intended purpose. The Bible is complete in its revelation of God's character, His plan of salvation through Christ, and all truth necessary 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")). However, it is not designed to be an exhaustive historical encyclopedia covering every detail of ancient history. By referencing external records, the biblical authors implicitly state that the events they describe are historically verifiable, while simultaneously focusing the narrative on the theological lessons and redemptive arc God intends to convey. This selective approach ensures that the reader's attention remains on God's interaction with humanity and the unfolding of His divine plan, rather than on extraneous historical minutiae.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 22:45 concludes the earthly chronicle of King Jehoshaphat, pointing to external records for the full scope of his reign, it subtly directs our gaze to the ultimate King whose "acts" and "might" are not merely recorded in human annals but are eternally significant and fully revealed in the divine narrative of Scripture. Jehoshaphat, despite his generally righteous reign, was still a flawed human king whose "acts" included a regrettable alliance with wicked Ahab. His legacy, like all earthly kings, was incomplete and ultimately temporary. In contrast, Jesus Christ is the King whose "acts" of perfect obedience, miraculous power, sacrificial love, and triumphant resurrection are the very core of God's eternal plan. His "might" is not merely military or political, but the divine power that created and sustains the cosmos ([Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "Colossians 1:15-17 - The Supremacy of Christ in Creation")) and conquered sin and death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus' Victory Over Death")). The "book of the chronicles" of Jesus' life is not an external, supplemental record, but the very Gospels themselves, which, though selective, are perfectly sufficient to reveal Him as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the [Son of God who reigns forever](/hebrews/1-8 "Hebrews 1:8 - The Son's Eternal Throne"). All human history, including the reigns of kings like Jehoshaphat, ultimately points forward to the comprehensive and eternally fulfilling "acts" of Christ, in whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Our own "chronicles" are ultimately judged by His perfect standard, and it is only through faith in His completed work that our names are written in the [Lamb's book of life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Book of Life").

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 14:29

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?

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?

2 Chronicles 20:34

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they [are] written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who [is] mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel.