2 Kings 13:8

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did, and his might, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

Now the rest {H3499} of the acts {H1697} of Jehoahaz {H3059}, and all that he did {H6213}, and his might {H1369}, are they not written {H3789} in the book {H5612} of the chronicles {H1697}{H3117} of the kings {H4428} of Israel {H3478}?

Other activities of Y'ho'achaz, all his accomplishments and his power are recorded in the Annals of the Kings of Isra'el.

As for the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, along with all his accomplishments and his might, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

Commentary

This verse serves as a standard concluding formula in the Book of 2 Kings, marking the end of the summary account of King Jehoahaz of Israel's reign. It directs the reader to a more comprehensive historical record of his actions and military strength.

Historical and Cultural Context

King Jehoahaz was the son of Jehu and ruled over Israel for seventeen years (c. 814-798 BC). His reign was characterized by the nation's continued idolatry and, consequently, severe oppression from the Arameans (also known as Syrians) under Hazael. The biblical narrative in 2 Kings often provides a theological interpretation of a king's rule, focusing on their faithfulness or unfaithfulness to God's covenant. For a more detailed look at the beginning of his reign, see 2 Kings 13:1 and 2 Kings 13:2. The repeated phrase, "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?" is a literary device used by the biblical author. It indicates that the biblical account is not exhaustive but draws from and refers to other official historical records, implying the existence of more detailed state annals or court records from that period.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Historical Referencing: This verse highlights the biblical authors' reliance on and reference to external historical documents. It affirms that the biblical narrative is rooted in actual historical events and records, even while presenting a divinely inspired theological perspective.
  • Conciseness of Scripture: The Bible's primary purpose is not to provide exhaustive secular history but to convey spiritual truths, God's character, and His dealings with humanity. Thus, it often summarizes or omits details deemed less crucial for its theological message, directing readers elsewhere for more extensive historical data.
  • Divine Oversight: Even the seemingly mundane details of historical record-keeping speak to God's sovereignty over the affairs of nations and kings. Every act, every reign, is part of a larger divine plan, whether fully recorded in the Bible or in other historical annals.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "book of the chronicles" in Hebrew is sepher divrei hayyamim (ืกึตืคึถืจ ื“ึผึดื‘ึฐืจึตื™ ื”ึทื™ึผึธืžึดื™ื), which literally means "book of the matters/events of the days." This refers to official court records or annals kept by the scribes of the kings, documenting the daily occurrences and significant events of the kingdom. It is distinct from the canonical Books of Chronicles found in our modern Bibles, which are a later, divinely inspired theological history.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of the value of historical records and learning from the past. Just as the acts of kings were meticulously documented, our own lives, actions, and decisions are observed and remembered, not just by others but ultimately by God. It encourages us to live lives worthy of a good record, knowing that our "chronicles" are being written. Furthermore, it underscores the Bible's authority as a selective but true account, focusing on what is eternally significant rather than merely historically comprehensive. For a deeper understanding of God's remembrance, consider the concept of the "book of remembrance" in Malachi 3:16.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 14:19

    And the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he warred, and how he reigned, behold, they [are] written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.

  • 1 Kings 14:20

    And the days which Jeroboam reigned [were] two and twenty years: and he slept with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his stead.

  • 1 Kings 14:29

    Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam, and all that he did, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

  • 1 Kings 11:4

    For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, [that] his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as [was] the heart of David his father.

  • 2 Kings 10:34

    Now the rest of the acts of Jehu, and all that he did, and all his might, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

  • 2 Kings 10:35

    And Jehu slept with his fathers: and they buried him in Samaria. And Jehoahaz his son reigned in his stead.

  • 1 Kings 14:31

    And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And his mother's name [was] Naamah an Ammonitess. And Abijam his son reigned in his stead.
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