TRV
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 Kings 13:1–9. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
This general account of the reign of Jehoahaz, and of the state of Israel during his seventeen years, though short, is long enough to let us see two things which are very affecting and instructive: -
I.The glory of Israel raked up in the ashes, buried and lost, and turned into shame.
How unlike does Israel appear here to what it had been and might have been! How is its crown profaned and its honour laid in the dust!
1.It was the honour of Israel that they worshipped the only living and true God, who is a Spirit, an eternal mind, and had rules by which to worship him of his own appointment; but by changing the glory of their incorruptible God into the similitude of an ox, the truth of God into a lie, they lost this honour, and levelled themselves with the nations that worshipped the work of their own hands. We find here that the king followed the sins of Jeroboam (Kg2 13:2), and the people departed not from them, but walked therein, Kg2 13:6. There could not be a greater reproach than these two idolized calves were to a people that were instructed in the service of God and entrusted with the lively oracles. In all the history of the ten tribes we never find the least shock given to that idolatry, but, in every reign, still the calf was their god, and they separated themselves to that shame.
2.It was the honour of Israel that they were taken under the special protection of heaven; God himself was their defence, the shield of their help and the sword of their excellency. Happy wast thou, O Israel! upon this account. But here, as often before, we find them stripped of this glory, and exposed to the insults of all their neighbours. They by their sins provoked God to anger, and then he delivered them into the hands of Hazael and Benhadad, Kg2 13:3. Hazael oppressed Israel Kg2 13:22. Surely never was any nation so often plucked and pillaged by their neighbours as Israel was. This the people brought upon themselves by sin; when they had provoked God to pluck up their hedge, the goodness of their land did but tempt their neighbours to prey upon them. So low was Israel brought in this reign, by the many depravations which the Syrians made upon them, that the militia of the kingdom and all the force they could bring into the field were but fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and 10,000 footmen, a despicable muster, Kg2 13:7. Have the thousands of Israel come to this? How has the gold become dim! The debauching of a nation will certainly be the debasing of it.
II.Some sparks of Israel's ancient honour appearing in these ashes.
It is not quite forgotten, notwithstanding all these quarrels, that this people is the Israel of God and he is the God of Israel. For,
1.It was the ancient honour of Israel that they were a praying people: and here we find somewhat of that honour revived; for Jehoahaz their king, in his distress, besought the Lord (Kg2 13:4), applied for help, not to the calves (what help could they give him?) but to the Lord. It becomes kings to be beggars at God's door, and the greatest of men to be humble petitioners at the footstool of his throne. Need will drive them to it.
2.It was the ancient honour of Israel that they had God nigh unto them in all that which they called upon him for (Deu 4:7), and so he was here. Though he might justly have rejected the prayer as an abomination to him, yet the Lord hearkened unto Jehoahaz, and to his prayer for himself and for his people (Kg2 13:4), and he gave Israel a saviour (Kg2 13:5), not Jehoahaz himself, for all his days Hazael oppressed Israel (Kg2 13:22), but his son, to whom, in answer to his father's prayers, God gave success against the Syrians, so that he recovered the cities which they had taken from his father, Kg2 13:25. This gracious answer God gave to the prayer of Jehoahaz, not for his sake, or the sake of that unworthy people, but in remembrance of his covenant with Abraham (Kg2 13:23), which, in such exigencies as these, he had long since promised to have respect to, Lev 26:42. See swift God is to show mercy, how ready to hear prayers, how willing to find out a reason to be gracious, else he would not look so far back as that ancient covenant which Israel had so often broken and forfeited all the benefit of. Let this invite and engage us for ever to him, and encourage even those that have forsaken him to return and repent; for there is forgiveness with him, that he may be feared.
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Summary
This verse serves as a standard concluding formula within the Book of 2 Kings, marking the end of the narrative summary for King Jehoahaz of Israel's reign. It directs the reader to external, more comprehensive historical records—the official state annals—for a complete account of his actions, achievements, and military strength. This formulaic statement underscores the Bible's selective, theological purpose, which prioritizes God's redemptive plan and covenant dealings over an exhaustive secular history, while simultaneously affirming the historical veracity of the events it describes by referencing verifiable external sources.
Context
Literary Context
This verse concludes the biblical summary of King Jehoahaz's seventeen-year reign, which commenced in 2 Kings 13:1. It is a highly formulaic statement, consistently employed throughout the Books of Kings (e.g., 1 Kings 11:41, 2 Kings 10:34, 2 Kings 14:15) to provide a structured transition from one monarch's account to the next. The recurring nature of this formula indicates that the biblical author is drawing from and referencing external, more extensive historical documents. This consistent referencing implies that the biblical narrative itself is a divinely inspired, theologically driven summary, rather than a comprehensive chronicle of every royal deed. Immediately following this verse, 2 Kings 13:9 introduces Joash, Jehoahaz's son and successor, maintaining the chronological flow of the narrative.
Historical & Cultural Context
King Jehoahaz, son of Jehu, reigned over the northern kingdom of Israel for seventeen years, approximately from 814 to 798 BC. His rule was characterized by the nation's persistent idolatry and, as a direct consequence, severe oppression by the Arameans (Syrians) under King Hazael, as vividly recounted in 2 Kings 13:1-7. The phrase "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" does not refer to the canonical Books of Chronicles found in our modern Bibles, which were compiled much later and from a different theological perspective. Instead, it denotes the official state annals or court records meticulously maintained by royal scribes in ancient Near Eastern kingdoms. These records served as the official historical archives for the ruling dynasty, documenting daily occurrences, military campaigns, building projects, and other significant events of the kingdom. The biblical authors, while operating under divine inspiration, frequently utilized and referenced these existing historical documents, thereby grounding their theological narrative in verifiable historical realities of the ancient world.
Key Themes
This formulaic verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the Books of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the historical verifiability of the biblical account. By explicitly pointing to external historical records, the text demonstrates that the authors were aware of and referenced these documents, thus rooting their narrative in actual, verifiable events. Secondly, it underscores the theological selectivity of Scripture. The Bible's primary purpose is not to provide an exhaustive secular history but to convey profound spiritual truths, reveal God's character, and illustrate His covenant dealings with humanity. Therefore, it often summarizes or omits details deemed less crucial for its overarching theological message, directing readers elsewhere for more extensive historical data. This selectivity is a pervasive characteristic throughout the Old Testament, from the concise genealogies in Genesis 5 to the focused accounts of Israel's kings. Finally, it subtly points to divine oversight of history. Even the seemingly mundane details of historical record-keeping speak to God's comprehensive sovereignty over the affairs of nations and kings. Every act, every reign, is part of a larger divine plan, whether fully recorded in the biblical text or in other historical annals, demonstrating that God is actively involved in the unfolding of human history, even when His direct intervention is not explicitly detailed.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word, derived from a root meaning "to be hot" or "to hang over," signifies an overhanging, an excess, or a remainder. In this context, it refers to the surplus or remainder of Jehoahaz's actions and accomplishments that are not detailed in the biblical account. It emphasizes that the biblical narrative is a selective summary, implying that a more extensive record exists elsewhere.
While broadly meaning "word," dâbâr here encompasses "matter," "affair," or "deed." In the phrase "acts of Jehoahaz," it refers to his various deeds, decisions, and administrative functions during his reign. When combined with "chronicles" (as in dibrê hayyāmîm), it specifically denotes the recorded events or matters of the days, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the external historical records.
This term denotes force, power, valor, or heroic deeds. When attributed to a king, it specifically refers to his military prowess, the strength of his army, his successes in battle, or his capacity to defend and expand his kingdom. Its inclusion in the formula indicates that the secular annals would have meticulously detailed Jehoahaz's military campaigns, his victories, and perhaps even his defeats, providing a more complete picture of his reign from a human, geopolitical perspective.
Verse Breakdown
"Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz"
This introductory clause functions as a standard literary marker, signaling to the reader that the preceding biblical account of Jehoahaz's reign is not exhaustive. It explicitly states that there were numerous other deeds, decisions, and events from his time as king that are not elaborated upon within the inspired narrative.
"and all that he did, and his might"
This phrase expands upon the initial "rest of the acts," encompassing the full spectrum of Jehoahaz's activities. "All that he did" broadly includes his administrative decisions, personal conduct, and any other significant actions. The specific mention of "his might" highlights the critical importance of military power, strength, and success in the evaluation and historical recording of ancient Near Eastern monarchs.
"[are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
This rhetorical question functions as a strong affirmative statement. It unequivocally confirms the existence and accessibility of external, official historical records where a more comprehensive account of Jehoahaz's reign could be found. For the ancient reader, this served as a verifiable historical reference point, lending credibility to the biblical narrative's selective yet authoritative summary.
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Formulaic Language, a consistently recurring literary device throughout the Books of Kings. This specific concluding formula ("Now the rest of the acts of [King's Name]... are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel/Judah?") serves as a consistent structural marker, signaling the end of a king's reign summary and providing a seamless transition to the next. Its repetitive nature creates a rhythmic pattern that unifies the extensive historical narrative. Furthermore, the phrase "[are] they not written..." functions as a Rhetorical Question, which is not intended to elicit an answer but to make a strong affirmation. In this context, it emphatically confirms the existence and accessibility of the external "book of the chronicles." This device also highlights the Intertextuality or Referentiality of the biblical text, as it explicitly points beyond itself to other historical documents, demonstrating that the inspired authors were aware of and utilized broader historical records, grounding their divinely inspired account in verifiable historical reality.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse, though seemingly a mere historical footnote, carries profound theological implications. It reminds us that God's sovereign hand is actively at work in all of history, not just the parts explicitly detailed in Scripture. While the biblical narrative is undeniably selective, focusing intently on God's covenant relationship with Israel and His unfolding redemptive plan, it simultaneously affirms that the broader stream of human history—with all its kings, battles, and daily events—is also under His comprehensive knowledge and ultimate control. Every act, every decision, and every life, whether meticulously recorded in human annals or not, is intimately known to God. This profound truth encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our "chronicles" are continuously being written before the divine gaze, and that nothing escapes His all-seeing eye.
Reflection and Application
The seemingly dry historical note in 2 Kings 13:8 offers a powerful invitation to personal reflection and practical application. Just as the acts and might of King Jehoahaz were meticulously recorded in official chronicles, our own lives are continuously being "written." Every decision we make, every word we speak, every deed we perform—whether public or private, significant or mundane—contributes to the unfolding narrative of our existence. This personal "chronicle" is not only observed by those around us but, more profoundly, is known fully and intimately by God. Understanding that God sees and remembers all our "acts" should inspire us to live with greater intentionality, unwavering integrity, and a deep, abiding commitment to faithfulness in every sphere of life. Furthermore, the Bible's selective focus on what is eternally significant—God's character, His covenant, and His redemptive work—challenges us to critically evaluate and prioritize spiritual truths over transient worldly achievements or fleeting human accolades. What kind of "chronicle" are we diligently creating with our lives? Are we striving for a record that genuinely honors God and reflects His divine purposes, or are we merely accumulating deeds that, in the grand scheme of eternity, ultimately hold no lasting weight?
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" mentioned in this verse?
"The book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" (and its counterpart for Judah, "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah") refers to official, secular state annals or court records maintained by royal scribes in ancient Israel and Judah. These were comprehensive historical documents that meticulously recorded the daily events, administrative decisions, military campaigns, and significant occurrences during each king's reign. They were essentially the official archives of the kingdom, providing a detailed, often year-by-year, account of royal activities. It is crucial to distinguish these ancient state records from the canonical biblical books of 1 and 2 Chronicles, which are part of our modern Bible. The biblical Books of Chronicles are a later, divinely inspired theological history of Israel, written from a different perspective and with a distinct purpose, primarily focusing on the Davidic covenant, the temple worship, and the lineage of the kings. The references in 2 Kings, like 2 Kings 13:8, indicate that the biblical authors were aware of and utilized these existing secular historical records, grounding their divinely inspired narrative in verifiable historical facts.
Why does the Bible refer to other books if it is divinely inspired and sufficient?
The Bible's references to external "books of the chronicles" serve several important purposes, even though it is divinely inspired and entirely sufficient for faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Firstly, it affirms the historical grounding of the biblical narrative. By pointing to verifiable external records, the biblical authors demonstrate that the events they describe are rooted in actual history, not myth or legend, thereby bolstering its credibility. Secondly, it highlights the theological selectivity of Scripture. The Bible's primary purpose is not to provide an exhaustive secular history of every king's reign or every national event. Instead, it focuses on God's unfolding redemptive plan, His covenant relationship with humanity, and the spiritual lessons derived from historical events. Therefore, it often summarizes or omits details not directly pertinent to its overarching theological message, directing readers to other sources for more comprehensive historical data. This demonstrates that God works through and within human history, even the parts not explicitly detailed in His revealed Word. Finally, it underscores the authority and trustworthiness of the biblical text; the authors were not fabricating stories but presenting a divinely guided interpretation of real events, often drawing from established historical records, thus reinforcing the Bible's reliability as God's authoritative Word.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While 2 Kings 13:8 appears to be a simple historical reference, it subtly points to the ultimate "chronicle" of God's redemptive work, which finds its glorious culmination in Jesus Christ. The "acts" and "might" of earthly kings, however significant or celebrated in their time, are but faint shadows compared to the supreme "acts" and divine "might" of the Son of God. All human history, including the reigns of kings like Jehoahaz and the detailed records kept about them, ultimately points forward to or backward from the pivotal moment of Christ's incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and triumphant resurrection. He is the true and eternal King, whose reign is everlasting and whose "might" is not merely military or earthly, but spiritual, triumphing decisively over sin, death, and the powers of darkness (Colossians 2:15). The ultimate "book of chronicles" is God's eternal plan of salvation, fully revealed and perfectly accomplished in Christ, who is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the one who sovereignly holds all history in His hands. Our greatest hope and ultimate security are not found in our earthly deeds being recorded in human annals, but in the profound truth that our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life, a testament to the ultimate act of God's boundless grace in Christ. His story is the true, comprehensive chronicle that gives eternal meaning and purpose to all other histories.