2 Chronicles 20:34

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the rest {H3499} of the acts {H1697} of Jehoshaphat {H3092}, first {H7223} and last {H314}, behold, they are written {H3789} in the book {H1697} of Jehu {H3058} the son {H1121} of Hanani {H2607}, who is mentioned {H5927} in the book {H5612} of the kings {H4428} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Other activities of Y'hoshafat, from beginning to end, are written in the records of Yehu the son of Hanani, which have been inserted in the Annals of the Kings of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

As for the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, from beginning to end, they are indeed written in the Chronicles of Jehu son of Hanani, which are recorded in the Book of the Kings of Israel.

American Standard Version

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the history of Jehu the son of Hanani, which is inserted in the book of the kings of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse serves as a crucial historiographical note, concluding the account of King Jehoshaphat's reign in 2 Chronicles by directing the reader to external, comprehensive historical records. It highlights the Chronicler's meticulous method of compiling sacred history, affirming the historical grounding of the biblical narrative and underscoring the importance of prophetic voices in both delivering divine messages and preserving historical accounts from a theological perspective. Far from being a mere bibliographical reference, it subtly reinforces the reliability and depth of the ancient records upon which the inspired text is built.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at the very end of the detailed narrative concerning King Jehoshaphat's reign, immediately following a brief summary of his later years, including his alliance with Ahaziah of Israel and its subsequent failure (2 Chronicles 20:35-37). Most prominently, it follows the miraculous divine deliverance of Judah from the Moabite, Ammonite, and Edomite confederacy, a pivotal event described at length in [2 Chronicles 20](/2_chronicles/20 "2 Chronicles 20 - Judah's Miraculous Deliverance"). As a concluding statement, 2 Chronicles 20:34 functions as a colophon, signaling the end of the Chronicler's primary account of Jehoshaphat and directing the reader to more exhaustive historical sources for further information, a common literary device employed by ancient historians. It mirrors similar references found throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles, indicating that the biblical narrative is a selective, theologically-driven account drawn from broader historical archives.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah from approximately 870 to 848 BC, a period marked by both religious reform and geopolitical challenges. In the ancient Near East, it was customary for kingdoms to maintain official royal annals, chronicles, and other historical records, often compiled by court scribes or even prophets. These records documented the deeds, wars, and significant events of a king's reign. The reference to "the book of Jehu the son of Hanani" indicates the existence of such a specific, perhaps prophetic, historical work. Jehu himself was a prophet who had previously delivered a divine message against King Baasha of Israel (as noted in [1 Kings 16:1-7](/1_kings/16-1 "Jehu's Prophecy Against Baasha")), demonstrating that prophets were not only speakers of God's word but also often served as chroniclers, interpreting history from a divine perspective. The mention of "the book of the kings of Israel" further points to a broader body of historical literature, underscoring the rich documentary environment from which the biblical authors drew.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Biblical Historiography and Divine Record-Keeping**, emphasizing that the Chronicler's work is grounded in verifiable historical sources, reinforcing the factual basis of God's interaction with humanity. The practice of citing external records, such as "the book of Jehu the son of Hanani," lends credibility and depth to the biblical account, suggesting that God's actions in history are not mythical but concrete and documented. Secondly, it underscores **The Role of Prophets and Prophecy**, demonstrating that prophets like Jehu were not merely spiritual guides but also integral to the historical preservation and interpretation of national events. Their writings provided a unique, divinely-inspired perspective on the reigns of kings. Finally, it subtly contributes to the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Meticulous Plan**, implying that even the details of human history, including the "first and last" acts of kings, are known and recorded, fitting into God's overarching redemptive purpose. The Chronicler's interest in Jehoshaphat's reign, particularly his religious reforms and reliance on God for deliverance ([2 Chronicles 17:3-6](/2_chronicles/17-3 "Jehoshaphat's Devotion to the Lord")), reflects a broader theological concern for righteous leadership and its impact on the nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"acts" (Hebrew, _divrei_):** This term, often translated "words" or "matters," here refers comprehensively to the "deeds," "affairs," or "events" of Jehoshaphat's reign. It encompasses not just his personal actions but the entire narrative of his time as king, including his policies, wars, reforms, and alliances. The use of _divrei_ suggests a full account of his public life and administration.
* **"first and last" (Hebrew, _rishonim v'acharonim_):** This idiomatic phrase signifies a complete or comprehensive record, covering "from beginning to end." It emphasizes the thoroughness of the external source, "the book of Jehu," implying that it contained a full chronological account of Jehoshaphat's reign, much more extensive than the selective summary presented in 2 Chronicles.
* **"book" (Hebrew, _sepher_):** This word denotes a written document, scroll, or volume. It indicates a formal, authoritative, and preserved record, not merely an oral tradition. The mention of a "book" underscores the ancient practice of meticulous record-keeping and the reliance of biblical authors on such written sources.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last":** This introductory clause serves as a concluding summary statement, indicating that the biblical account of Jehoshaphat's reign is not exhaustive. The phrase "first and last" specifically points to a comprehensive, full-span record of his entire kingship, suggesting that the Chronicler has presented a curated, theologically focused selection from a larger body of historical data.
* **"behold, they [are] written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani":** This is a direct and specific reference to an extra-biblical historical source. The use of "behold" (Hebrew _hinneh_) draws attention to this fact, emphasizing the verifiable nature of the information. Jehu, a known prophet, lends a layer of prophetic authority and divine perspective to this historical record, implying that the events were viewed and documented through a spiritual lens.
* **"who [is] mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel":** This final clause further validates Jehu's historical existence and credibility by cross-referencing another well-known historical work. "The book of the kings of Israel" likely refers to the official royal annals or chronicles of the Northern Kingdom, or a general collection of such records, distinct from the canonical biblical books of Kings. This layered citation demonstrates the Chronicler's thoroughness and reliance on multiple, recognized historical sources.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Historiographical Notation** and **Intertextuality**. The Chronicler's explicit citation of "the book of Jehu the son of Hanani" and "the book of the kings of Israel" is a clear example of historiographical notation, a common practice in ancient historical writing. This device serves to ground the biblical narrative in verifiable historical records, lending credibility and authority to the Chronicler's account. It also highlights the selective nature of the biblical text, which, while divinely inspired, is not an exhaustive historical encyclopedia but a theologically purposeful narrative. Furthermore, the act of referencing other written works demonstrates **Intertextuality**, where one text points to or relies upon another. This creates a sense of a larger, interconnected historical and literary landscape, inviting the reader to recognize the depth and breadth of the ancient world's documentation. The verse also functions as a **Framing Device**, serving as an epilogue that formally concludes the Chronicler's account of Jehoshaphat's reign and transitions the narrative to the next king.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple historical note carries significant theological weight. It underscores the divine commitment to history and the reliability of God's engagement with humanity through time. The meticulous record-keeping, even by prophetic figures like Jehu, suggests that God's actions and human responses are not random or forgotten, but are part of a divinely orchestrated and documented plan. This affirms the historical reality of the biblical narrative, grounding faith in concrete events rather than abstract myths. It also reinforces the idea that prophets were not only conveyors of future revelation but also interpreters and chroniclers of contemporary history, providing a divine lens through which to understand national events. The Chronicler's reliance on such sources demonstrates a concern for historical accuracy, which is foundational to understanding God's faithfulness across generations.

* [1 Kings 16:7](/1_kings/16-7 "Jehu's prophecy against Baasha")
* [2 Chronicles 9:29](/2_chronicles/9-29 "Sources for Solomon's reign")
* [Luke 1:1-4](/luke/1-1 "Luke's historical methodology")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Even seemingly mundane historical references in Scripture hold profound lessons for the discerning reader. This verse reminds us that God's work in the world is not arbitrary but unfolds within the meticulously recorded tapestry of human history. The Chronicler's diligent research and citation of sources encourage us to approach God's Word with both faith and intellectual curiosity, recognizing its historical rootedness. It prompts us to consider the value of preserving our own testimonies and the stories of God's faithfulness in our lives and communities, understanding that these, too, contribute to the ongoing narrative of God's redemptive work. Just as the acts of Jehoshaphat were recorded for future generations, our lives, lived faithfully before God, become part of a legacy that can inspire and instruct others. This verse invites us to trust in God's sovereign hand, which guides and records all of history, ensuring that His purposes will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Chronicler's method of citing external sources, as seen here, strengthen your confidence in the historical reliability of the biblical narrative?**
* **What does this verse reveal about God's meticulous attention to human history and the lives of His servants, even those details not fully elaborated in the biblical text?**
* **In what ways can we, like the Chronicler, learn from and apply the lessons of past generations and historical accounts to our present walk of faith and understanding of God's character?**

### FAQ

**Who was Jehu the son of Hanani, and why is his book mentioned?**

Answer: Jehu the son of Hanani was a prophet in Israel, known for his bold prophecies against King Baasha of the Northern Kingdom (as recorded in [1 Kings 16:1-7](/1_kings/16-1 "Jehu's Prophecy Against Baasha")). His father, Hanani, was also a prophet who confronted King Asa of Judah ([2 Chronicles 16:7-10](/2_chronicles/16-7 "Hanani's Rebuke of Asa")). The Chronicler mentions "the book of Jehu the son of Hanani" because it was a recognized and authoritative historical source for the reign of King Jehoshaphat. This highlights that prophets were not only deliverers of divine messages but also often served as chroniclers, documenting historical events from a theological perspective. By citing Jehu's work, the Chronicler reinforces the historical veracity of his own account and points to a more comprehensive record of Jehoshaphat's "first and last" acts.

**Is "the book of the kings of Israel" the same as the biblical books of Kings?**

Answer: No, "the book of the kings of Israel" (or variations like "the book of the kings of Judah," or "the book of the kings of Israel and Judah") mentioned frequently in the biblical books of Kings and Chronicles, is generally understood to refer to the official royal annals or state chronicles. These were comprehensive, non-canonical historical records maintained by the scribes and historians of the respective kingdoms. The biblical authors, including the Chronicler, drew upon these extensive sources, selectively extracting and interpreting events to construct their divinely inspired narratives. For example, [1 Kings 14:29](/1_kings/14-29 "Reference to the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah") refers to such a source for the reign of Rehoboam. Therefore, while the biblical books of Kings (and Chronicles) contain accounts *of* the kings, they are distinct from the fuller, non-canonical "books of the kings" that served as their source material.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous historical record-keeping, even of seemingly minor details and external sources like "the book of Jehu the son of Hanani," points to God's sovereign oversight of history and His purposeful unfolding of a redemptive plan culminating in Christ. The Old Testament's emphasis on verifiable history, from the reigns of kings like Jehoshaphat to the prophecies of figures like Jehu, establishes a foundation for the historical reality of God's ultimate intervention in the person of Jesus. Just as the "acts" of Jehoshaphat were recorded, so too are the "acts" of God in Christ the most significant and historically attested events, forming the bedrock of our faith ([1 Corinthians 15:3-8](/1_corinthians/15-3 "The Resurrection of Christ")). The prophets, who documented the history of Israel and Judah, also consistently pointed forward to the coming Messiah, whose life, death, and resurrection fulfill the Law and the Prophets ([Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Jesus Explains the Scriptures")). The very fact that God meticulously records human history, including the lives of His servants and the unfolding of His covenants, demonstrates His faithfulness and His commitment to His grand narrative of salvation, which finds its ultimate meaning and completion in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the true King of Israel whose reign is eternal ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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 16:1

¶ Then the word of the LORD came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying,

2 Chronicles 19:2

And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore [is] wrath upon thee from before the LORD.

1 Kings 16:7

And also by the hand of the prophet Jehu the son of Hanani came the word of the LORD against Baasha, and against his house, even for all the evil that he did in the sight of the LORD, in provoking him to anger with the work of his hands, in being like the house of Jeroboam; and because he killed him.

2 Chronicles 16:11

And, behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, lo, they [are] written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.

2 Chronicles 13:22

And the rest of the acts of Abijah, and his ways, and his sayings, [are] written in the story of the prophet Iddo.

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.