2 Chronicles 32:32

KJV

Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his goodness, behold, they [are] written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, [and] in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the rest {H3499} of the acts {H1697} of Hezekiah {H3169}, and his goodness {H2617}, behold, they are written {H3789} in the vision {H2377} of Isaiah {H3470} the prophet {H5030}, the son {H1121} of Amoz {H531}, and in the book {H5612} of the kings {H4428} of Judah {H3063} and Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Other activities of Hizkiyahu and his good deeds are recorded in the vision of Yesha'yahu the prophet, the son of Amotz, and in the Annals of the Kings of Y'hudah and Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

As for the rest of the acts of Hezekiah and his deeds of loving devotion, they are indeed written in the vision of the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel.

American Standard Version

Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his good deeds, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz, in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 32:32 serves as a crucial bibliographic note, concluding the Chronicler's extensive account of King Hezekiah's reign by directing readers to supplementary historical and prophetic records. This verse underscores the meticulous documentation of Hezekiah's "acts" and "goodness," affirming the historical veracity of the biblical narrative while highlighting the interconnectedness of Scripture and the dual role of prophets as both divine messengers and reliable chroniclers of God's work in history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at the very end of the Chronicler's detailed narrative concerning King Hezekiah, immediately following the account of his immense wealth, his prideful display to the Babylonian envoys, and his subsequent humbling before the Lord. It serves as a concluding colophon, a common literary device in ancient Near Eastern historical writings and frequently employed by the Chronicler and the authors of the books of Kings. By directing the reader to external sources, the verse signals that the Chronicler's account, while comprehensive and theologically focused, is not exhaustive but rather a curated selection from broader historical records, emphasizing particular aspects of Hezekiah's reign relevant to the Chronicler's theological agenda.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah's reign (c. 715-686 BC) was a pivotal period for the Southern Kingdom of Judah, marked by significant religious reform, a miraculous deliverance from the Assyrian siege led by Sennacherib, and a period of relative prosperity. In the ancient world, it was customary for kingdoms to maintain official court annals, state records, and prophetic archives. These records served as primary sources for later historians, including the biblical authors. The mention of "the vision of Isaiah the prophet" points to the canonical Book of Isaiah, which contains substantial historical sections paralleling events in 2 Chronicles and 2 Kings. "The book of the kings of Judah and Israel" likely refers to a non-canonical compilation of royal chronicles or official state records from which the biblical authors drew their information, underscoring the historical grounding and meticulous record-keeping practices of the era.

* **Key Themes:** 2 Chronicles 32:32 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **historical verification and reliability**, assuring the reader that the events described are not mere legends but are grounded in verifiable historical records. Secondly, it highlights the **divine inspiration and prophetic role**, emphasizing that prophets like Isaiah were not only conduits of God's word but also meticulous chroniclers of God's unfolding plan in history, as seen in [Isaiah's historical accounts of Hezekiah](/isaiah/36 "Isaiah 36 - Sennacherib's Invasion"). Finally, the verse subtly points to the **interconnectedness and unity of Scripture**, demonstrating how different divinely inspired books, such as [2 Kings](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18 - Hezekiah's Reign Begins") and [Isaiah](/isaiah/38 "Isaiah 38 - Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery"), complement and corroborate each other, offering a more complete understanding of God's interaction with His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vision (חזון, _chazon_):** This Hebrew term primarily refers to a prophetic revelation, often received through a divine encounter or dream, which is then communicated or recorded. In this context, "the vision of Isaiah the prophet" refers specifically to the written compilation of Isaiah's prophetic messages and historical narratives, which we know today as the canonical Book of Isaiah. It underscores that the book is a product of divine inspiration, not merely human observation.
* **Prophet (נביא, _navi'_):** A "prophet" in ancient Israel was God's chosen spokesperson, one who received and delivered divine messages. However, many prophets, including Isaiah, also played a significant role in documenting historical events from a divine perspective. This dual role highlights the intertwined nature of prophecy and history in the biblical worldview, where God's word is revealed through events and interpreted through prophetic insight.
* **Book of the kings (ספר המלכים, _sepher ha-melakhim_):** This phrase refers to official, non-canonical royal annals or court records that were maintained by the scribes of the kings of Judah and Israel. These were not the canonical books of Kings or Chronicles themselves, but rather the source material from which the biblical authors drew much of their historical data. Their mention here lends credibility and historical depth to the biblical narrative, indicating a reliance on established, contemporary sources.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his goodness":** This opening clause indicates that the Chronicler's account of Hezekiah is not exhaustive. It acknowledges that there is more to be known about Hezekiah's reign, particularly concerning his "acts" (deeds, accomplishments) and his "goodness" (his moral character, faithfulness, and righteous conduct). The Chronicler has focused on specific aspects, often highlighting Hezekiah's piety and reform, but points to other sources for a fuller picture.
* **"behold, they [are] written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz":** This phrase directly references the canonical Book of Isaiah. The Book of Isaiah indeed contains significant historical sections (e.g., [Isaiah 36-39](/isaiah/36 "Isaiah 36-39 - Historical Accounts of Hezekiah")) that parallel and supplement the accounts of Hezekiah found in 2 Chronicles and 2 Kings. This cross-reference validates the historical reliability of both texts and emphasizes Isaiah's role as a contemporary witness and recorder of these events.
* **"[and] in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel":** This refers to the official, non-canonical state archives or royal chronicles that were compiled during the reigns of the kings of both Judah and Israel. These records served as primary historical sources for the biblical authors. Their inclusion here further reinforces the historical foundation of the biblical narrative, demonstrating that the Chronicler drew upon widely recognized and authoritative historical documents of the time.

#### Literary Devices
2 Chronicles 32:32 primarily functions as a **Colophon** or **Bibliographic Note**. This literary device is a concluding statement that provides information about the composition, source, or additional content related to the preceding text. By directing the reader to "the vision of Isaiah the prophet" and "the book of the kings of Judah and Israel," the Chronicler is essentially providing a scholarly citation, affirming the historical basis of his narrative and inviting further study. This also demonstrates **Intertextuality**, as the verse explicitly references other texts, both canonical (Isaiah) and non-canonical (royal annals), within the biblical narrative itself. This practice highlights the interconnectedness of biblical literature and the way different books complement and corroborate each other. Furthermore, the verse underscores the Chronicler's **Historiography**, revealing his method of writing history—not as an independent invention, but as a carefully researched account drawing upon existing, authoritative sources, all while maintaining a distinct theological perspective.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though seemingly a mere historical footnote, carries profound theological weight. It affirms God's meticulous care in preserving the historical record of His interaction with humanity, ensuring that His mighty acts and the faithfulness (or unfaithfulness) of His people are not lost to time. The explicit reference to both prophetic revelation (Isaiah's vision) and secular state records ("book of the kings") underscores the dual nature of God's revelation – through inspired word and through observable historical events. It teaches us that God's truth is not detached from reality but is deeply embedded in the fabric of human history, verifiable through multiple lines of evidence. This should instill confidence in the reliability and trustworthiness of Scripture as a historically grounded and divinely inspired document.

* [Isaiah 36:1-22](/isaiah/36-1 "Isaiah 36:1-22 - Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah") - A parallel account of the Assyrian invasion, demonstrating the historical overlap between Isaiah and Chronicles.
* [2 Kings 20:1-11](/2_kings/20-1 "2 Kings 20:1-11 - Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery") - Another canonical account of Hezekiah's illness and miraculous recovery, showing how different biblical books provide complementary perspectives.
* [Luke 1:1-4](/luke/1-1 "Luke 1:1-4 - Luke's Purpose in Writing an Orderly Account") - Luke's dedication to writing an "orderly account" based on eyewitness testimonies and careful investigation, mirroring the biblical authors' reliance on historical sources.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 32:32, in its unassuming role as a bibliographic note, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that the biblical narrative is not a collection of fables but a divinely inspired account firmly rooted in verifiable history. This should deepen our trust in the Bible's reliability and encourage us to approach its study with both intellectual rigor and spiritual reverence. Just as the Chronicler directs us to further sources for a more complete understanding of Hezekiah, so too are we encouraged to diligently explore the entirety of God's Word, recognizing its interconnectedness and the way different books illuminate one another. Furthermore, reflecting on Hezekiah's "goodness," as recorded across these various sources, provides a timeless model of leadership and faithfulness, prompting us to consider how our own lives might reflect such devotion and reliance on God in the face of adversity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Bible's reliance on historical records strengthen your faith in its truthfulness and divine inspiration?**
* **In what ways can understanding the "interconnectedness" of Scripture (how different books relate to each other) enrich your personal study and understanding of God's plan?**
* **What aspects of King Hezekiah's "goodness," as highlighted in Scripture, challenge or inspire you in your own walk of faith today?**

### FAQ
**What is "the book of the kings of Judah and Israel" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The book of the kings of Judah and Israel" (ספר המלכים, _sepher ha-melakhim_) refers to official, non-canonical royal annals or state records maintained by the scribes and historians of the ancient kingdoms of Judah and Israel. These were comprehensive historical documents that served as primary source material for the biblical authors of Kings and Chronicles. It is distinct from the canonical books of 1 and 2 Kings or 1 and 2 Chronicles, which are divinely inspired theological histories that drew upon these earlier, broader records. The mention of these external sources underscores the historical grounding and meticulous research behind the biblical narratives.

**Why does the Bible refer to other books or sources for information?**

Answer: The Bible frequently refers to other books or sources for several reasons. Firstly, it reinforces the **historical veracity** of the biblical narrative, demonstrating that the events described are not isolated accounts but are corroborated by contemporary records. Secondly, it highlights the **completeness and depth** of the historical context, acknowledging that the biblical account, while divinely inspired and theologically focused, is often a selective narrative that points to broader historical details available elsewhere. Thirdly, it illustrates the **intertextual nature** of Scripture, showing how different parts of God's revelation, both canonical and non-canonical (as source material), relate to and affirm one another, providing a richer and more comprehensive understanding of God's unfolding plan. This practice encourages readers to trust in the Bible's historical foundation and its reliance on reliable documentation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 32:32 is a historical and bibliographic note, it subtly points forward to Christ in its affirmation of God's meticulous preservation of truth and the reliability of His historical and prophetic word. The "goodness" of Hezekiah, though commendable, was imperfect and temporary, foreshadowing the ultimate and perfect "goodness" found in Jesus Christ, who alone lived a life of complete righteousness and faithfulness to God. The Chronicler's reliance on "the vision of Isaiah the prophet" reminds us that all prophecy ultimately finds its "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ, who is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law and Prophets")). Just as the historical records of kings pointed to the unfolding of God's plan, so too does all history ultimately converge on Christ, the true King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). He is the ultimate "goodness" revealed, the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), whose life, death, and resurrection are the most thoroughly attested historical events, providing the bedrock for our faith and the ultimate fulfillment of God's saving purposes for humanity.

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

Isaiah 36:1

¶ Now it came to pass in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah, [that] Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the defenced cities of Judah, and took them.

Isaiah 36:22

Then came Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, that [was] over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, to Hezekiah with [their] clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.

2 Kings 18:1

¶ Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, [that] Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign.

2 Kings 18:20

Thou sayest, (but [they are but] vain words,) [I have] counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?

2 Chronicles 31:20

And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought [that which was] good and right and truth before the LORD his God.

2 Chronicles 31:21

And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did [it] with all his heart, and prospered.