2 Chronicles 24:27

KJV

Now [concerning] his sons, and the greatness of the burdens [laid] upon him, and the repairing of the house of God, behold, they [are] written in the story of the book of the kings. And Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now concerning his sons {H1121}, and the greatness {H7235}{H7230} of the burdens {H4853} laid upon him, and the repairing {H3247} of the house {H1004} of God {H430}, behold, they are written {H3789} in the story {H4097} of the book {H5612} of the kings {H4428}. And Amaziah {H558} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

As for his sons, the heavy tribute imposed on him, and the rebuilding of the house of God, they are recorded in the commentary of the Annals of the Kings. Then Amatzyahu his son took his place as king.

Berean Standard Bible

The accounts of the sons of Joash, as well as the many pronouncements about him and about the restoration of the house of God, are indeed written in the Treatise of the Book of the Kings. And his son Amaziah reigned in his place.

American Standard Version

Now concerning his sons, and the greatness of the burdens laid upon him, and the rebuilding of the house of God, behold, they are written in the commentary of the book of the kings. And Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 24:27 serves as a concise yet profound epilogue to the reign of King Joash of Judah, encapsulating the defining characteristics of his rule: the fate of his lineage, the severe consequences and divine judgments he experienced, and his initial commendable efforts in restoring the Temple. This verse functions as a crucial historiographical note, directing the reader to broader historical records while simultaneously highlighting the Chronicler's theological agenda in presenting Joash's life as a cautionary tale of initial faithfulness followed by tragic apostasy and divine judgment, culminating in the peaceful succession of his son, Amaziah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This concluding verse of 2 Chronicles 24 brings to a somber close the narrative of King Joash's tumultuous reign, which began with great promise and divine favor under the mentorship of the High Priest Jehoiada. His early years were marked by zealous temple repair and a period of national revival, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 24:1-16](/2_chronicles/24-1-16 "2 Chronicles 24:1-16 - Joash's Early Reign and Temple Repair"). However, immediately following Jehoiada's death, Joash tragically abandoned the Lord, succumbing to wicked counsel and even orchestrating the murder of Zechariah, Jehoiada's son, who confronted him with God's word ([2 Chronicles 24:17-22](/2_chronicles/24-17-22 "2 Chronicles 24:17-22 - Joash's Apostasy and Zechariah's Martyrdom")). The chapter then details the swift divine judgment that followed, including military defeat at the hands of the Arameans and Joash's eventual assassination by his own servants ([2 Chronicles 24:23-26](/2_chronicles/24-23-26 "2 Chronicles 24:23-26 - Divine Judgment and Joash's Assassination")). Verse 27, therefore, acts as a final summary, providing a concise overview of his reign's defining characteristics before transitioning to the next king, Amaziah, whose story begins in [2 Chronicles 25:1](/2_chronicles/25-1 "2 Chronicles 25:1 - Amaziah's Reign Begins").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in 2 Chronicles 24 places Joash's reign in the 9th century BCE, a time of significant political and religious flux in Judah. Following the chaotic reign of Athaliah, Joash's ascension, preserved by Jehoiada, represented a crucial restoration of the Davidic line and a return to Yahwistic worship. The "repairing of the house of God" was a monumental undertaking, reflecting a cultural emphasis on the Temple as the center of national identity and worship, a project that required significant public and priestly cooperation. The "burdens" laid upon him would have been understood by the original audience as the direct consequences of covenant unfaithfulness, a common theme in ancient Near Eastern treaties and Israelite covenant theology, where blessings followed obedience and curses followed disobedience, as clearly outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The assassination by servants, though tragic, was not uncommon for kings who had lost divine favor or popular support, indicating a breakdown of internal stability. The reference to "the story of the book of the kings" points to the Chronicler's reliance on and synthesis of existing court annals and historical records, a standard practice for ancient historians.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, while brief, encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Chronicles. Foremost is the theme of **retribution theology**, where the well-being of the king and the nation is directly tied to their faithfulness to Yahweh. Joash's initial prosperity and success in temple repair are directly linked to his obedience under Jehoiada, while his subsequent apostasy leads directly to military defeat, personal suffering ("burdens"), and a violent end, as seen in [2 Chronicles 24:20-25](/2_chronicles/24-20-25 "2 Chronicles 24:20-25 - Joash's Downfall"). Another significant theme is the **centrality of the Temple** and proper worship. Joash's early efforts to restore the Temple underscore its importance as the dwelling place of God and the locus of national spiritual health. The Chronicler also emphasizes **righteous leadership** as vital for national flourishing; Joash's failure highlights the dangers of abandoning godly counsel and the profound impact of a leader's spiritual state on the entire kingdom. Finally, the Chronicler's **historiographical method** is evident, as he selectively presents historical facts to convey theological truths, referencing external sources ("story of the book of the kings") to affirm the historical basis of his account while focusing on the spiritual lessons.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sons (Hebrew, _bên_):** This term (H1121, בֵּן) broadly refers to male offspring, but in this context, "his sons" likely refers to the fate of Joash's lineage and family. Given the context of his assassination and the divine judgment on his house, it implies the impact of his actions on his descendants, perhaps including those who were executed or those who survived in a diminished capacity, as well as the general state of his family, which was affected by his downfall.
* **Burdens (Hebrew, _massâ'_):** The Hebrew term (H4853, מַשָּׂא) literally means a "load" or "burden," but in a theological context, it often refers to a "weighty pronouncement," particularly one of judgment or doom. In the context of Joash's life, "the greatness of the burdens laid upon him" refers not merely to physical hardships but primarily to the heavy consequences, divine judgments, and the spiritual weight of his apostasy and the murder of Zechariah. It encompasses the military defeats, the loss of health, and the internal strife that plagued his final years, all understood as God's righteous response to his unfaithfulness.
* **Repairing (Hebrew, _yᵉçôwd_):** This word (H3247, יְסֹוד) means "foundation" or "repairing." It specifically points to the work of restoration and establishment. Here, it highlights Joash's singular positive achievement: the significant and successful restoration of the Temple, which occurred during his early, faithful years. This act stands in stark contrast to the subsequent "burdens" and serves as a poignant reminder of his initial piety.
* **Story (Hebrew, _midrâsh_):** The Hebrew term (H4097, מִדְרָשׁ) is unique in the Old Testament, appearing only twice in Chronicles (here and in [2 Chronicles 13:22](/2_chronicles/13-22 "2 Chronicles 13:22 - Abijah's Reign")). It denotes a "narrative," "exposition," or "treatise." This is not a reference to the canonical books of Kings but rather to a specific collection of historical records, possibly with an interpretive or didactic bent, that the Chronicler consulted as a source. It highlights the Chronicler's scholarly approach, drawing from existing historical literature while crafting his divinely inspired narrative with a distinct theological purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now [concerning] his sons, and the greatness of the burdens [laid] upon him, and the repairing of the house of God":** This tripartite summary highlights the key aspects of Joash's reign that the Chronicler deems worthy of final mention. "His sons" likely refers to the fate of his lineage, perhaps including those who were executed or those who survived, and the general state of his family, which was affected by his downfall. "The greatness of the burdens [laid] upon him" points to the severe divine judgments and consequences that befell Joash due to his apostasy, encompassing his military defeats, his illness, and his eventual assassination. "The repairing of the house of God" recalls the singular positive achievement of his reign, a monumental act of piety and restoration that occurred during his early, faithful years, serving as a stark contrast to his later unfaithfulness.
* **"behold, they [are] written in the story of the book of the kings":** This clause functions as a historiographical note, directing the reader to a broader, non-canonical historical source. It signifies that the Chronicler's account is selective, focusing on the spiritual and theological lessons derived from Joash's life rather than providing an exhaustive historical record. The reference validates the historical basis of the Chronicler's narrative while emphasizing his theological purpose in presenting a distilled version of events.
* **"And Amaziah his son reigned in his stead":** This final clause provides the essential information regarding the royal succession, marking the end of Joash's reign and the beginning of the next chapter in the history of Judah's kings. It underscores the continuity of the Davidic dynasty, even amidst the turmoil and judgment that characterized Joash's end, ensuring the continued fulfillment of God's covenant with David.

#### Literary Devices
2 Chronicles 24:27 employs several literary devices to achieve its purpose. The primary device is **Summary** or **Recapitulation**, as it concisely brings to a close the detailed account of Joash's reign, distilling its most significant elements into a single verse. This acts as a narrative closure for the chapter. **Referentialism** is prominent through the explicit mention of "the story of the book of the kings," which points the reader to an external, non-canonical source. This technique validates the Chronicler's historical claims while simultaneously highlighting his selective theological focus. There is also an implicit **Juxtaposition** within the summary itself: the mention of "the repairing of the house of God" (a positive, early achievement) stands in stark contrast to "the greatness of the burdens [laid] upon him" (the negative consequences of his later apostasy), subtly reinforcing the Chronicler's retribution theology without explicit commentary in this verse. Finally, the verse functions as a **Transition**, smoothly moving the narrative from Joash's reign to the succession of his son, Amaziah, setting the stage for the next chapter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This concluding verse powerfully reiterates the Chronicler's central theological message: the direct correlation between faithfulness to God and national prosperity or, conversely, apostasy and divine judgment. Joash's life serves as a poignant illustration that a good beginning does not guarantee a good end; sustained obedience and adherence to God's covenant are paramount for both individual leaders and the nation. The "burdens" he faced are not random misfortunes but the inevitable consequences of abandoning the Lord, especially after being blessed with great opportunity and divine guidance. The Chronicler's selective historiography, referencing external sources while focusing on spiritual lessons, underscores that biblical history is not merely a record of events but a divinely inspired narrative designed to teach profound truths about God's character, His covenant, and His sovereign rule over human affairs.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Galatians 6:7-8](/galatians/6-7-8 "Galatians 6:7-8 - Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of King Joash, concluded by 2 Chronicles 24:27, offers a profound and sobering lesson for believers today. It reminds us that spiritual vigilance is not a one-time decision but a lifelong commitment. Joash's initial zeal for God and the Temple was commendable, yet his later abandonment of the Lord, particularly after the death of his mentor Jehoiada, led to catastrophic personal and national consequences. This challenges us to consider who or what influences our spiritual trajectory once external accountability or guidance is removed. Are we building our faith on genuine conviction and a deep relationship with God, or are we merely performing religious duties under external pressure? The "burdens" Joash faced serve as a stark reminder that disobedience carries real, often painful, consequences, both in this life and eternally. Our actions, especially those of leaders, have ripple effects far beyond ourselves. This verse calls us to persevere in faithfulness, to cling to God's word, and to seek His wisdom consistently, ensuring that our end glorifies Him as much as our beginning.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What external influences or mentors are currently shaping your spiritual life, and how might you continue to grow if those influences were removed?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be experiencing "burdens" that could be linked to unconfessed sin or a departure from God's will?**
* **How does Joash's story challenge your understanding of perseverance and the importance of "finishing well" in your faith journey?**
* **What lessons can leaders (in any sphere) draw from Joash's initial success and ultimate failure regarding the integration of spiritual integrity and public service?**

### FAQ
**What is "the story of the book of the kings" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The story of the book of the kings" (Hebrew: _midrāš sepher ham-melakhim_) refers to a specific historical source or collection of records that the Chronicler consulted when compiling his history of Judah. It is not the canonical books of 1 and 2 Kings that we have in our Bibles, although those books also drew from various royal annals. The term _midrāš_ here suggests a narrative or exposition, possibly with an interpretive element, indicating that the Chronicler was drawing from detailed historical accounts, perhaps court records or other chronicles, that provided more extensive information than he chose to include in his divinely inspired and theologically focused narrative. This practice highlights the Chronicler's method of validating his account by referencing known historical documents, while simultaneously exercising divine inspiration in selecting and shaping the material to convey specific spiritual truths, particularly concerning the Davidic covenant and the consequences of obedience or disobedience. The Chronicler frequently refers to such sources, for instance, [the book of the kings of Israel and Judah](/2_chronicles/27-7 "2 Chronicles 27:7 - Jotham's Reign").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic end of King Joash, summarized in 2 Chronicles 24:27, stands in stark contrast to the perfect and enduring reign of Jesus Christ, the true King of Israel and the world. Joash's initial zeal for the "repairing of the house of God" ultimately faltered, leading to apostasy and the "greatness of the burdens" of divine judgment. In contrast, Jesus did not merely repair a physical temple but declared Himself to be the ultimate Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection, the Temple of His Body")). His mission was not to restore a decaying structure but to build His eternal Church, which is His body, a spiritual temple not made with human hands ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - The Church as a Holy Temple")). While Joash faced "burdens" as a consequence of his own sin, Jesus willingly bore the ultimate burden—the sin of the entire world—on the cross, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), thereby fulfilling the curses of the law and offering true redemption. Unlike Joash, whose reign ended in assassination and was succeeded by another flawed human king, Jesus' reign is eternal, without end, and He has no successor, for He is the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), whose story is perfectly recorded in the Gospels and whose kingdom shall never pass away ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Never End")). His life, unlike Joash's, is a testament to perfect faithfulness, culminating in His resurrection and ascension, guaranteeing that all who trust in Him will find eternal life and true rest from their burdens ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")).

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

2 Chronicles 25:1

¶ Amaziah [was] twenty and five years old [when] he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 9:29

Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, [are] they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat?

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.

1 Chronicles 3:12

Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son,

2 Kings 12:21

For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles 24:12

And the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of the LORD, and also such as wrought iron and brass to mend the house of the LORD.

2 Kings 12:18

And Jehoash king of Judah took all the hallowed things that Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold [that was] found in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and in the king's house, and sent [it] to Hazael king of Syria: and he went away from Jerusalem.