2 Chronicles 9:29

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the rest {H7605} of the acts {H1697} of Solomon {H8010}, first {H7223} and last {H314}, are they not written {H3789} in the book {H1697} of Nathan {H5416} the prophet {H5030}, and in the prophecy {H5016} of Ahijah {H281} the Shilonite {H7888}, and in the visions {H2378} of Iddo {H3260} the seer {H2374} against Jeroboam {H3379} the son {H1121} of Nebat {H5028}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Other activities of Shlomo, from beginning to end, are written in the records of Natan the prophet, in the prophecy of Achiyah of Shiloh and in the visions of Ye'do the seer concerning Yarov'am the son of N'vat.

Berean Standard Bible

As for the rest of the acts of Solomon, from beginning to end, are they not written in the Records of Nathan the Prophet, in the Prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the Visions of Iddo the Seer concerning Jeroboam son of Nebat?

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 9:29 concludes the Chronicler's account of King Solomon's glorious reign, serving as a crucial bibliographical reference to external prophetic and historical sources. It meticulously notes that the comprehensive details of Solomon's "first and last" acts were recorded in the writings of Nathan the prophet, the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and the visions of Iddo the seer. Notably, the verse specifically highlights Iddo's visions "against Jeroboam the son of Nebat," thereby subtly foreshadowing the tragic division of the united kingdom of Israel that would immediately follow Solomon's death, emphasizing divine foreknowledge and the integral role of the prophetic voice in documenting and interpreting historical events.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at the very end of the Chronicler's extensive account of Solomon's reign, which began in [2 Chronicles 1](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles 1 - Solomon's Wisdom and Reign Begins"). It immediately precedes the record of Solomon's death and burial in [2 Chronicles 9:30-31](/2_chronicles/9-30-31 "2 Chronicles 9:30-31 - Solomon's Death and Burial"). Functioning as a typical concluding formula for a king's rule, similar references are found throughout Kings and Chronicles (e.g., [1 Kings 14:29](/1_kings/14-29 "1 Kings 14:29 - Rehoboam's Acts")). The Chronicler, in his theological history, selectively focuses on aspects of Solomon's reign that highlight his wisdom, wealth, and especially his pivotal role in building and dedicating the Temple. By pointing to these external sources, the Chronicler signals that his narrative is not exhaustive but rather a divinely inspired summary, yet grounded in broader historical records. The specific mention of Jeroboam also acts as a powerful narrative hinge, setting the stage for the dramatic and tragic division of the kingdom detailed in [2 Chronicles 10](/2_chronicles/10 "2 Chronicles 10 - The Kingdom Divides").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, it was common practice for scribes and historians to cite their sources, lending credibility and authority to their narratives. The biblical authors, while writing under divine inspiration, were also participating in this cultural practice, demonstrating that their accounts were rooted in verifiable historical records. Furthermore, this verse underscores the significant role of prophets in ancient Israel, not merely as divine spokespersons but also as chroniclers and interpreters of national history. Prophets like Nathan, Ahijah, and Iddo were integral to both the religious and political life of the kingdom, often serving as royal advisors or recorders of significant events. The specific mention of prophecies "against Jeroboam" reflects the political and spiritual tensions brewing during Solomon's later years, particularly his idolatry, which would lead to the divine judgment of a divided kingdom, as detailed in [1 Kings 11](/1_kings/11 "1 Kings 11 - Solomon's Apostasy and Ahijah's Prophecy").
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several key themes within Chronicles. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Record-Keeping**, illustrating that God's work in history is meticulously documented, not only within the canonical Scriptures but also through contemporary prophetic and historical writings. This highlights God's active involvement and oversight of human affairs. Secondly, it emphasizes **Prophetic Authority and the Reliability of God's Word**, demonstrating that prophets were not just speakers of God's immediate message but also guardians of historical truth, whose words and visions held significant weight and often foreshadowed future events. The mention of Ahijah and Iddo's prophecies "against Jeroboam" powerfully introduces the theme of **Judgment and Consequences for Disobedience**, directly linking Solomon's later apostasy (as implied by the impending division) to divine pronouncements. This foreshadowing of the kingdom's schism in [1 Kings 12](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Kingdom Divides") and [2 Chronicles 10](/2_chronicles/10 "2 Chronicles 10 - Rehoboam's Folly and the Kingdom's Division") underscores the Chronicler's overarching theological purpose: to explain the reasons for Judah's exile and restoration, often tracing national fortunes back to the faithfulness or unfaithfulness of its kings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Acts/Book (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_ H1697):** This versatile Hebrew term, derived from the root "to speak," can refer to a "word," "matter," "thing," or "affair." In this context, it signifies both the "acts" (deeds, events) of Solomon and the "book" (written record) in which these matters were documented. It highlights the comprehensive nature of the historical accounts, encompassing both the events themselves and their authoritative written preservation.
* **Prophecy (Hebrew, _nᵉbûwʼâh'_ H5016):** This noun denotes a "prediction" or "inspired utterance," whether spoken or written. It specifically refers to the divinely inspired message delivered by a prophet. Ahijah's "prophecy" here emphasizes that his writings contained not merely historical facts but God's direct revelation concerning the future, particularly the impending division of the kingdom.
* **Seer (Hebrew, _chôzeh'_ H2374):** This active participle describes one who "beholds in vision" or receives divine revelation through visual means. While often synonymous with "prophet," "seer" emphasizes the mode of revelation, specifically visions. Iddo, as a _chôzeh'_, received direct divine insights, particularly those concerning Jeroboam, highlighting a direct, visual form of divine communication that was recorded.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last":** This phrase is a common historiographical marker in biblical narratives, signaling that the preceding account of Solomon's reign is not exhaustive. It implies that a more comprehensive record of all his deeds, from the beginning ("first") to the end ("last"), existed and was accessible to the Chronicler's original audience. It serves to authenticate the biblical narrative by pointing to broader historical documentation.
* **"[are] they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet":** This rhetorical question expects an affirmative answer, confirming the existence and authority of Nathan's writings. Nathan was a prominent prophet during the reigns of David and Solomon, known for his counsel, rebukes, and his role in recording the history of the monarchy (e.g., [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant") and [1 Kings 1](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - Adonijah's Rebellion and Solomon's Anointing")). His "book" likely contained significant details about Solomon's early reign and his father David's legacy.
* **"and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite":** Ahijah was a prophet from Shiloh, most famously known for his pivotal prophecy to Jeroboam, predicting the division of Solomon's kingdom due to Solomon's idolatry and the subsequent transfer of ten tribes to Jeroboam (recorded in [1 Kings 11:29-39](/1_kings/11-29-39 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam")). His "prophecy" here refers to his inspired words and possibly written accounts concerning this momentous event, which directly impacted the future of Israel.
* **"and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat?":** Iddo, identified as a "seer" (one who receives visions), also served as a prophet during the reigns of Rehoboam and Abijah ([2 Chronicles 12:15](/2_chronicles/12-15 "2 Chronicles 12:15 - Iddo's Writings for Rehoboam") and [2 Chronicles 13:22](/2_chronicles/13-22 "2 Chronicles 13:22 - Iddo's Writings for Abijah")). The specific mention of his "visions... against Jeroboam" is highly significant. It indicates that divine judgment and a prophetic warning against Jeroboam's future rebellion and idolatry were pronounced even before the full extent of his actions unfolded, underscoring God's foreknowledge and active involvement in the political landscape of Israel, setting the stage for the kingdom's schism.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in [2 Chronicles 9:29](/2_chronicles/9-29 "2 Chronicles 9:29 - Sources for Solomon's Reign"). The primary device is **Intertextuality** or **Allusion**, as the verse directly references specific external literary works—the "book of Nathan," the "prophecy of Ahijah," and the "visions of Iddo." This technique serves to ground the biblical narrative within a broader historical context, affirming its reliability and indicating that the Chronicler's account is a selective, theologically-driven summary rather than an exhaustive historical record. Secondly, the verse uses a **Rhetorical Question**: "are they not written...?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to confirm an obvious truth, compelling the reader to affirm the existence and accessibility of these records, thereby strengthening the credibility of the Chronicler's narrative. Finally, the specific mention of Iddo's visions "against Jeroboam" functions as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**. Placed immediately before the account of Solomon's death and the subsequent division of the kingdom, this detail subtly yet significantly prepares the reader for the impending national catastrophe, highlighting the prophetic voice as a key interpreter of historical events and divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly underscores the theological truth that God is sovereign over history, meticulously orchestrating and documenting its unfolding through human agents, particularly His prophets. It reveals that the biblical narrative, while divinely inspired and sufficient for faith and life, is not an isolated account but is interwoven with a richer tapestry of historical and prophetic records. The Chronicler's practice of citing these sources demonstrates a commitment to historical veracity and reinforces the idea that God's plan is not arbitrary but unfolds within a concrete, verifiable historical framework. The specific mention of prophecies concerning Jeroboam highlights God's foreknowledge and His just response to human sin, even before its full manifestation. This reminds us that God's word, delivered through His chosen messengers, serves not only to reveal His will but also to interpret the meaning of historical events, guiding His people through times of prosperity and judgment.

* [1 Kings 11:29-39](/1_kings/11-29-39 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam")
* [2 Samuel 7:1-17](/2_samuel/7-1-17 "2 Samuel 7:1-17 - Nathan's Covenant Prophecy to David")
* [2 Chronicles 12:15](/2_chronicles/12-15 "2 Chronicles 12:15 - Iddo's Writings for Rehoboam")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Chronicler's careful citation of external prophetic sources in [2 Chronicles 9:29](/2_chronicles/9-29 "2 Chronicles 9:29 - Sources for Solomon's Reign") offers profound lessons for us today. It reminds us that God's work in the world is expansive, meticulously recorded, and ultimately reliable, even when we don't possess every detail of His historical operations. This verse encourages a deep trust in the trustworthiness of God's overarching narrative, as presented in Scripture, knowing it is grounded in verifiable events and divine revelation. Furthermore, it highlights the enduring importance of prophetic voices—those who speak God's truth into their generation, whether through direct proclamation or through the diligent recording of events. For us, this means valuing the inspired Word of God as our primary guide, while also recognizing that God continues to work through various means, including the historical witness of His people and the ongoing work of the Spirit in our lives. It calls us to discern God's hand in our own history, understanding that even our failures and the consequences of sin are part of a larger divine plan that ultimately points to His redemptive purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Chronicler's reference to external sources affirm the reliability of the biblical narrative for us today?**
* **What is the significance of prophetic voices in interpreting and shaping historical events, both then and now?**
* **How does God's foreknowledge of future events, like the kingdom's division, impact our understanding of His sovereignty and justice?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible refer to books that are not part of the canonical Scripture?**

Answer: The Bible often refers to external sources that were contemporary historical records or prophetic writings, such as "the book of Nathan the prophet" or "the book of the annals of the kings of Judah." These references serve several purposes. Firstly, they demonstrate that the biblical narrative is rooted in actual historical events and was often compiled using existing records, lending it historical credibility. Secondly, they indicate that the biblical authors, guided by the Holy Spirit, were selective in what they included. The canonical Scriptures contain everything necessary for faith and salvation, providing a theologically focused account of God's redemptive plan, rather than an exhaustive historical encyclopedia. These non-canonical sources were often supplementary, providing more detailed historical or political information that was not essential for the core theological message of the inspired text.

**Who were Nathan, Ahijah, and Iddo, and what was their significance?**

Answer: These were prominent prophets during the early monarchy of Israel, each playing a crucial role in documenting and interpreting the divine will concerning the kings. Nathan the prophet was a key figure during the reigns of David and Solomon. He famously delivered God's covenant promise to David concerning his dynasty (see [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant")) and later rebuked David for his sin with Bathsheba (see [2 Samuel 12](/2_samuel/12 "2 Samuel 12 - Nathan Rebukes David")). His writings likely contained significant historical details about both kings. Ahijah the Shilonite is best known for his dramatic prophecy to Jeroboam, foretelling the division of Solomon's kingdom and the transfer of ten tribes to Jeroboam (recorded in [1 Kings 11:29-39](/1_kings/11-29-39 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam")). His prophecy was a direct consequence of Solomon's idolatry and set the stage for the political and spiritual schism of Israel. Iddo the seer (or prophet) is mentioned as having visions "against Jeroboam," indicating his prophetic activity concerning the future king of the northern tribes. He also authored historical accounts concerning the reigns of Rehoboam and Abijah (see [2 Chronicles 12:15](/2_chronicles/12-15 "2 Chronicles 12:15 - Iddo's Writings on Rehoboam") and [2 Chronicles 13:22](/2_chronicles/13-22 "2 Chronicles 13:22 - Iddo's Writings on Abijah")). These prophets were not just speakers of God's word but also diligent chroniclers, ensuring that God's actions and judgments in history were recorded for future generations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous record-keeping and prophetic foreshadowing in [2 Chronicles 9:29](/2_chronicles/9-29 "2 Chronicles 9:29 - Sources for Solomon's Reign") ultimately point to the person and work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of all prophecy and the perfect King. While Solomon's reign, despite its unparalleled glory, ended with the tragic foreshadowing of a divided kingdom due to his unfaithfulness, Christ's kingdom is eternal and undivided. The prophets Nathan, Ahijah, and Iddo, though focused on the immediate history of Israel, are part of the larger prophetic stream that ultimately culminates in Jesus. He is the true "Son of David" ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")), whose reign will have no end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Christ's Eternal Kingdom")), unlike Solomon's temporary and flawed monarchy. The divine judgment against Jeroboam and the subsequent division of the kingdom highlight the brokenness of humanity and the need for a perfect mediator and a new covenant. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfills the Law and the Prophets ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He is the "Word made flesh" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the ultimate divine communication, whose life, death, and resurrection are the definitive and perfectly recorded acts of God's redemptive plan, establishing a spiritual kingdom that transcends all earthly divisions and unites all believers in Him ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")).

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 Chronicles 29:29

Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they [are] written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer,

1 Kings 11:41

¶ And the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, [are] they not written in the book of the acts of Solomon?

1 Kings 11:43

And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.

1 Kings 11:29

And it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way; and he had clad himself with a new garment; and they two [were] alone in the field:

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.

2 Samuel 12:1

¶ And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.