2 Chronicles 28:26

KJV

Now the rest of his acts and of all his ways, first and last, behold, they [are] written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the rest {H3499} of his acts {H1697} and of all his ways {H1870}, first {H7223} and last {H314}, behold, they are written {H3789} in the book {H5612} of the kings {H4428} of Judah {H3063} and Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Other activities of Achaz and his ways [of doing things], from beginning to end, are recorded in the Annals of the Kings of Y'hudah and Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

As for the rest of the acts of Ahaz and all his ways, from beginning to end, they are indeed written in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel.

American Standard Version

Now the rest of his acts, and all his ways, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 28:26 serves as the concluding formula for the reign of King Ahaz of Judah, a standard literary device found throughout the historical books of the Old Testament. This verse signals the end of the Chronicler's detailed account of Ahaz's wicked and idolatrous rule, directing the reader to more comprehensive state annals where the entirety of his "acts and ways" were recorded. It underscores the historical veracity of the biblical narrative while emphasizing that the divinely inspired record provides the essential spiritual and theological insights concerning this period of Judah's history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a scathing indictment of King Ahaz's reign, particularly his profound apostasy and idolatry. Chapter 28 meticulously details Ahaz's abandonment of the Lord, his adoption of pagan worship practices, his closing of the temple doors, and the devastating consequences that befell Judah, including military defeats and national humiliation. The preceding verses (2 Chronicles 28:24-25) specifically mention Ahaz's desecration of the temple, his destruction of its articles, and his establishment of idolatrous altars throughout Jerusalem and Judah. Verse 26, therefore, acts as a formal close to this grim account, transitioning the narrative from Ahaz's disastrous leadership to the impending reign of his son, Hezekiah, who would bring about significant reforms. This concluding formula is typical of the Chronicler's style, providing a concise summary and pointing to external sources for further detail, thereby validating the historical claims while focusing on the theological message.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Ahaz reigned over Judah from approximately 735 to 715 BC, a period of immense political instability and pressure from powerful Assyria. His reign was marked by a significant shift in Judah's foreign policy from reliance on God to alliances with foreign powers, particularly Assyria, which led to the introduction of pagan religious practices into Judah. Ahaz's actions, such as building altars to foreign gods and even sacrificing his own children (2 Chronicles 28:3), reflect the extreme syncretism and moral decay prevalent in the ancient Near East, which Judah was increasingly adopting. The reference to "the book of the kings of Judah and Israel" points to the existence of official state chronicles, meticulously kept by royal scribes, which served as primary historical sources for the biblical authors. Such records were common in ancient monarchies, documenting royal decrees, military campaigns, building projects, and other significant events, providing a historical framework against which the biblical narrative, with its theological interpretation, was set.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of 2 Chronicles 28, culminating in this verse, is the **consequences of unfaithfulness to God**. Ahaz's reign serves as a stark example of a king who deliberately turned away from the Lord, leading to national disaster and divine judgment. The Chronicler emphasizes the direct correlation between the king's spiritual choices and the nation's well-being, a recurring motif throughout the book of Chronicles. The mention of the "book of the kings" also highlights the theme of **historical accountability and divine oversight**. It implies that all actions, particularly those of leaders, are recorded and will ultimately be judged. This record-keeping motif reinforces the **veracity and reliability of God's dealings with His people**, even when those dealings involve severe discipline. Furthermore, the concluding formula prepares the reader for the **transition of leadership**, signaling the end of one era and the beginning of another, setting the stage for the dramatic spiritual revival under King Hezekiah, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah's Reforms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"acts" (Hebrew, _d'varim_):** This term, often translated as "words" or "matters," encompasses the totality of one's deeds, affairs, and events associated with a person or reign. In this context, it refers to the comprehensive record of King Ahaz's public and private conduct, his policies, decisions, and the significant events that transpired during his time as king. It signifies the full scope of his administration and personal life.
* **"ways" (Hebrew, _d'rakav_):** This word refers to one's path, conduct, or manner of life. It speaks to the moral and spiritual trajectory of Ahaz's reign, emphasizing his chosen course of action, which was characterized by idolatry and unfaithfulness. While "acts" might refer to specific events, "ways" points to the consistent pattern and character of his rule, underscoring his deliberate deviation from God's covenant.
* **"first and last" (Hebrew, _rishonim va'acharonim_):** This is a common Hebrew idiom signifying completeness or totality, from beginning to end. It emphasizes that the entire span of Ahaz's reign, from its commencement to its conclusion, was documented. It assures the reader that nothing significant was omitted from the larger historical record, even though the biblical account is selective in its presentation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the rest of his acts and of all his ways,"**: This introductory phrase serves as a transition, indicating that the Chronicler has completed the primary narrative concerning Ahaz's reign. "The rest" implies that while the preceding verses provided the essential, divinely inspired account, there is more extensive information available. "Acts" and "ways" collectively refer to the entirety of Ahaz's public and private life, his policies, decisions, and moral character.
* **"first and last,"**: This idiomatic expression reinforces the comprehensive nature of the external records. It means "from beginning to end," signifying that all aspects of Ahaz's rule, from its inception to its conclusion, were meticulously documented. It underscores the thoroughness of the historical archives.
* **"behold, they [are] written"**: The interjection "behold" (Hebrew, _hinneh_) draws attention to the fact that these records exist and are accessible. The passive voice "are written" emphasizes the objective reality of their existence and the fact that these accounts were officially compiled and preserved. This phrase lends authority and historical weight to the biblical narrative, indicating that its summary is based on verifiable sources.
* **"in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel."**: This specifies the precise source of the additional historical information. This "book" refers to the official royal annals, state chronicles, or court records maintained by the kingdoms of Judah and Israel. It was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern monarchies to keep such detailed records, and the biblical authors frequently cite them, demonstrating their reliance on and engagement with existing historical documentation. This reference grounds the biblical account in tangible, external historical reality.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Chronicles 28:26 is **Formulaic Language**. This verse employs a standard concluding formula used repeatedly throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles to mark the end of a monarch's reign. This consistent structure provides narrative coherence and signals to the reader that the Chronicler is drawing upon established historical records. The phrase "first and last" functions as an **Idiom**, conveying the idea of totality or completeness in a concise manner. Furthermore, the "book of the kings of Judah and Israel" can be seen as an example of **Metonymy**, where the name of the source (the book) stands for the comprehensive historical content contained within it. This device lends credibility and historical depth to the biblical account by referencing external, presumably objective, records.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This concluding formula, while seemingly mundane, carries significant theological weight. It underscores the Chronicler's commitment to historical veracity, grounding the divinely inspired narrative in verifiable records. More profoundly, it speaks to the principle of divine oversight and human accountability. Even when a king like Ahaz actively defies God, his actions are not forgotten; they are meticulously recorded, both in earthly annals and, implicitly, in God's eternal memory. This serves as a powerful reminder that all human deeds, especially those of leaders, are observed and will ultimately be brought into account before the sovereign Lord of history. The Chronicler's selective use of these sources, focusing on Ahaz's apostasy, highlights the theological purpose of the biblical narrative: to demonstrate the consequences of covenant disobedience and the unwavering faithfulness of God even amidst human rebellion.

* [1 Kings 14:29](/1_kings/14-29 "1 Kings 14:29 - Concluding Formula for Rehoboam")
* [2 Chronicles 16:11](/2_chronicles/16-11 "2 Chronicles 16:11 - Concluding Formula for Asa")
* [Daniel 7:10](/daniel/7-10 "Daniel 7:10 - Books Opened at Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly simple statement that Ahaz's "acts and ways" are "written in the book of the kings" holds profound implications for our lives today. It reminds us that our lives, too, are being "written." Every choice, every action, every "way," whether public or private, contributes to the narrative of our existence. While we may not have royal scribes documenting our every move, we live under the watchful eye of a sovereign God who knows all things. This truth should not evoke fear in the believer, but rather a profound sense of purpose and responsibility. It calls us to live with integrity, faithfulness, and intentionality, knowing that our "first and last" acts are part of a larger story that God is weaving. It encourages us to consider the legacy we are building, not just for ourselves, but for the glory of God and the good of His kingdom. Our lives are not random; they are part of a divine narrative, and we are called to be faithful characters within it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea of our "acts and ways" being "written" influence your daily choices and long-term goals?**
* **What kind of "legacy" are you intentionally building through your life and actions, in light of God's ultimate record-keeping?**
* **How does the historical accountability of kings like Ahaz encourage or challenge your own sense of responsibility in your spheres of influence?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "book of the kings of Judah and Israel" mentioned here?**

Answer: The "book of the kings of Judah and Israel" refers to the official state annals or chronicles maintained by the royal courts of both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. These were comprehensive, secular historical records that documented the reigns of the kings, including their military campaigns, building projects, administrative decisions, and other significant events. The biblical authors, particularly the Chronicler and the author(s) of Kings, frequently cite these external sources to lend historical credibility to their narratives, indicating that their accounts were based on verifiable historical data. While the biblical narrative is selective and primarily concerned with the theological and spiritual implications of the kings' reigns, the reference to these external books underscores the historical grounding of the biblical account. It assures the reader that the "rest of his acts and of all his ways" were indeed recorded, even if not fully detailed in the inspired text, which focuses on what is most pertinent for understanding God's dealings with His people. Similar references can be found, for example, in [1 Kings 11:41](/1_kings/11-41 "1 Kings 11:41 - Solomon's Acts in the Book of the Acts of Solomon") and [2 Kings 15:6](/2_kings/15-6 "2 Kings 15:6 - Azariah's Acts in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 28:26 records the ignominious end of a wicked king whose "acts and ways" were documented for their unfaithfulness, it points forward to the ultimate King whose "acts and ways" are perfectly righteous and eternally recorded. Jesus Christ, the true King of Israel, fulfills the ideal of kingship that all earthly monarchs, including Ahaz, failed to embody. Unlike Ahaz, whose life was characterized by idolatry and self-serving alliances, Jesus's entire life—His "first and last" acts—was one of perfect obedience to God the Father. The Gospels meticulously record His sinless life, His miraculous deeds, His transformative teachings, and ultimately, His atoning death and glorious resurrection, all of which are the "acts and ways" that secure our salvation. His reign is not confined to an earthly "book of the kings" but is eternally established in the heavens, as prophesied in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Eternal Dominion"). Furthermore, while Ahaz's record served as a testimony to his judgment, Christ's perfect record is imputed to all who believe, as described in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness"). The "book of life" mentioned in [Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - The Book of Life") stands in stark contrast to the earthly annals, containing the names of those whose "ways" have been made righteous through faith in the Lamb of God, whose perfect "acts" have secured their eternal dwelling with Him.

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 Kings 16:19

Now the rest of the acts of Ahaz which he did, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

2 Kings 16:20

And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles 27:7

Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars, and his ways, lo, they [are] written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.

2 Chronicles 27:9

And Jotham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.

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.