TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Chronicles 20:31–37.
We are now drawing towards the close of the history of Jehoshaphat's reign, for a further account of which those who lived when this book was published were referred to an authentic history of it, written by Jehu the prophet (Ch2 19:2), which was then extant, Ch2 20:34. This was the general character of his reign, that he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, kept close to the worship of God himself and did what he could to keep his people close to it. But two things are here to be lamented: - 1. The people still retained a partiality for the high places, Ch2 20:33. Those that were erected to the honour of strange gods were taken away (Ch2 17:6); but those where the true God was worshipped, being less culpable, were thought allowable, and Jehoshaphat was loth to disoblige the people so far as to take them away, for as yet they had not prepared their hearts to serve the God of their fathers. They complied with Jehoshaphat's reformation because they could not for shame do otherwise, but they were not hearty in it, did not direct their hearts to God in it, did not act in it from any good principle nor with any zeal or resolution: and the best magistrates cannot bring to pass what they would, in reformation, when the people are cool in it. 2. Jehoshaphat himself still retained a partiality for the house of Ahab, because he had married his son to a daughter of that family, though he had been plainly reproved for it and had like to have smarted for it. He saw and knew that Ahaziah, the son of Ahab, did very wickedly, and therefore could not expect to prosper; yet he joined himself with him, not in war, as with his father, but in trade, became his partner in an East India fleet bound for Ophir, Ch2 20:35, Ch2 20:36. There is an emphasis laid upon the time - after this, after God had done such great things for him, without any such scandalous and pernicious confederacies, given him not only victory, but wealth, yet after this to go and join himself with a wicked king was very ungrateful. After God had given him such a deliverance as this should he again break God's commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? What could he expect but that God should be angry with him? Ezr 9:13, Ezr 9:14. Yet he sends to him, to show him his error and bring him to repentance, (1.) By a prophet, who foretold the blasting of his project, Ch2 20:37. And, (2.) By a storm, which broke the ships in the port before they set sail, by which he was warned to break off his alliance with Ahaziah; and it seems he took the warning, for, when Ahaziah afterwards pressed him to join with him, he would not, Kg1 22:49. See how pernicious a thing it is to join in friendship and society with evil-doers. It is a hard matter to break off from it. A man may much better keep himself from being taken in the snare than recover himself out of it.
Continue studying 2 Chronicles 20:34 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Second Chronicles 20:34 serves as a vital historiographical reference, concluding the Chronicler's detailed account of King Jehoshaphat's reign by directing the reader to external, comprehensive historical records. This verse underscores the meticulous nature of ancient record-keeping and the Chronicler's reliance on verifiable sources, affirming the historical grounding of the biblical narrative while subtly highlighting the importance of prophetic voices not only in delivering divine messages but also in preserving historical accounts from a theological perspective. Far from being a mere bibliographical note, it reinforces the reliability and depth of the ancient archives upon which the inspired text is built, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in the unfolding and documentation of history.
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 ill-advised alliance with King Ahaziah of Israel and its subsequent failure, which resulted in the destruction of their joint fleet (2 Chronicles 20:35-37). Most prominently, it follows the miraculous divine deliverance of Judah from the combined forces of Moab, Ammon, and Mount Seir, a pivotal event described at length in 2 Chronicles 20. As a concluding statement, 2 Chronicles 20:34 functions as a colophon, a common literary device in ancient Near Eastern literature, signaling the end of the Chronicler's primary account of Jehoshaphat and directing the reader to more exhaustive historical sources for further information. This 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 significant religious reform, judicial reorganization, 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 meticulously documented the deeds, wars, and significant events of a king's reign. The specific reference to "the book of Jehu the son of Hanani" indicates the existence of such a particular, 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), 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, often connecting historical outcomes to covenant faithfulness or disobedience, as seen in Jehu's own ministry against Baasha. 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), reflects a broader theological concern for righteous leadership and its impact on the nation.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H1697), derived from a root meaning "to speak," 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 dâbâr suggests a full account of his public life and administration, indicating a "matter" or "thing" spoken of or recorded.
This idiomatic phrase (H7223 and H314) signifies a complete or comprehensive record, covering "from beginning to end." Riʼshôwn refers to what is "first, in place, time or rank," while ʼachărôwn denotes what is "hinder; generally, late or last." Together, they emphasize 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.
This word (H5612) 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 for historical verification and theological interpretation.
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. This signals to the reader that more details existed beyond what is included in the canonical text.
"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, identified by his father Hanani, was a known prophet, lending a layer of prophetic authority and divine perspective to this historical record, implying that the events were viewed and documented through a spiritual lens, connecting human history with divine purpose.
"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, bolstering the credibility of the biblical narrative.
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 and their theological implications. The Chronicler's reliance on such sources demonstrates a concern for historical accuracy, which is foundational to understanding God's faithfulness across generations and His sovereign oversight of all human affairs.
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 and the verifiable nature of God's interaction with His people. 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 and that His truth is firmly established in time.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who was Jehu the son of Hanani, and why is his book mentioned?
Jehu the son of Hanani was a prominent prophet in Israel, known for his bold prophecies against King Baasha of the Northern Kingdom (as recorded in 1 Kings 16:1-7). His father, Hanani, was also a prophet who courageously confronted King Asa of Judah (2 Chronicles 16:7-10). 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, indicating a thorough and divinely informed historical tradition.
Is "the book of the kings of Israel" the same as the biblical books of Kings?
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 refers to such a source for the reign of Rehoboam. Therefore, while the canonical 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, providing a deeper historical context for the inspired narrative.
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 foundational truth: God acts in real time and space. This historical reality prepares the way for the ultimate historical intervention of God in the person of Jesus. Just as the "acts" of Jehoshaphat were recorded for posterity, so too are the "acts" of God in Christ the most significant and historically attested events, forming the bedrock of our faith and the core of the gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). 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, giving ultimate meaning to all of God's historical dealings with humanity (Luke 24:44). 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).