2 Kings 14:28

KJV

Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, and all that he did, and his might, how he warred, and how he recovered Damascus, and Hamath, [which belonged] to Judah, for Israel, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the rest {H3499} of the acts {H1697} of Jeroboam {H3379}, and all that he did {H6213}, and his might {H1369}, how he warred {H3898}, and how he recovered {H7725} Damascus {H1834}, and Hamath {H2574}, which belonged to Judah {H3063}, for Israel {H3478}, are they not written {H3789} in the book {H5612} of the chronicles {H1697}{H3117} of the kings {H4428} of Israel {H3478}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Other activities of Yarov'am, all his accomplishments, all his power, how he conducted war and how he recovered Dammesek and Hamat for Y'hudah in Isra'el are recorded in the Annals of the Kings of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

As for the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, along with all his accomplishments and might, and how he waged war and recovered both Damascus and Hamath for Israel from Judah, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?

American Standard Version

Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, and all that he did, and his might, how he warred, and how he recovered Damascus, and Hamath, which had belonged to Judah, for Israel, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 14:28 serves as the concluding summary of the reign of Jeroboam II, one of the most powerful kings of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It succinctly records his significant military achievements and territorial expansions, particularly the recovery of Damascus and Hamath, which restored Israel's borders to a size not seen since the united monarchy. The verse also employs a common Deuteronomistic formula, directing the reader to external, non-biblical historical records for a more comprehensive account of his deeds, including his military prowess and successful campaigns.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as the concluding summary statement for the reign of Jeroboam II, following the typical pattern found in the Books of Kings for each monarch. It immediately follows the narrative describing his ascension, his long and prosperous reign (c. 793-753 BC), and notably, the prophecy of Jonah concerning his territorial expansion ([2 Kings 14:25](/2_kings/14-25 "2 Kings 14:25 - Jonah's Prophecy Fulfilled")). Despite Jeroboam II's military successes and the economic prosperity Israel enjoyed under his rule, the preceding verses consistently highlight his spiritual failure, stating he "did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he made Israel to commit" ([2 Kings 14:24](/2_kings/14-24 "2 Kings 14:24 - Jeroboam II's Wickedness")). The verse thus marks the end of a significant, albeit morally compromised, era for the Northern Kingdom, leading into the tumultuous period of its final decline.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeroboam II reigned during a period of relative weakness for the dominant regional power, Assyria. This temporary power vacuum allowed Israel, along with other smaller nations, to assert greater independence and expand their territories. Damascus, the capital of Aram (Syria), had long been a formidable adversary of Israel, frequently engaging in conflict and at times dominating Israelite affairs. Hamath, further north, was another significant Aramean city-state. Jeroboam II's successful campaigns against these entities, particularly the recovery of Damascus and Hamath, signify a remarkable resurgence of Israelite power, economically and militarily. This expansion brought the Northern Kingdom's borders close to their maximum extent under the united monarchy of David and Solomon, leading to a period of considerable wealth and influence, even though it was built upon a foundation of spiritual apostasy.
* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several key themes prevalent in the Books of Kings. Firstly, it highlights **Military Might and Territorial Expansion**, showcasing Jeroboam II's significant role in restoring Israel's geopolitical standing and prosperity. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and the Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jeroboam's conquests, despite his personal wickedness, were explicitly foretold by the prophet Jonah ([2 Kings 14:25](/2_kings/14-25 "2 Kings 14:25 - Jonah's Prophecy Fulfilled")). This demonstrates God's ability to work through imperfect human instruments to achieve His purposes, often out of compassion for His people, as seen in [2 Kings 14:26-27](/2_kings/14-26 "2 Kings 14:26-27 - God's Compassion for Israel"). Lastly, the concluding phrase, "are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?", points to the **Use of External Historical Records** by the biblical author. This common literary device signifies that the biblical narrative is selective, summarizing key events and theological insights, while acknowledging that more extensive historical details could be found in official state archives of the time.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Might (Hebrew, _chayil_):** This word (חַיִל) carries a broad semantic range, encompassing strength, power, wealth, army, and valor. In this context, it specifically refers to Jeroboam's military prowess and the effective strength of his kingdom, which enabled him to wage successful wars and expand Israel's territory. It speaks to his capacity as a leader to command resources and achieve significant geopolitical results.
* **Recovered (Hebrew, _shuv_):** The verb (שׁוּב) literally means "to return" or "to restore." Its use here implies that Damascus and Hamath, or at least their sphere of influence, had previously been under Israelite control or considered part of its rightful domain (perhaps from the Solomonic era or earlier Davidic conquests). Jeroboam's actions are thus presented not merely as new conquests but as a reclamation of lost territory, emphasizing a restoration of Israel's former glory.
* **Chronicles (Hebrew, _divrei hayyamim_):** This phrase (דִּבְרֵי הַיָּמִים) literally translates to "the words/affairs of the days," referring to official state annals or historical records. It signifies that the biblical author is drawing upon and referencing a known, more extensive historical source for the details of the king's reign, indicating the selective nature of the biblical narrative which focuses on theological interpretation rather than exhaustive historical documentation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, and all that he did, and his might, how he warred,"**: This opening clause serves as a comprehensive summary statement, typical of the concluding remarks for Israelite and Judahite kings in the Books of Kings. "The rest of the acts" implies that the biblical account is not exhaustive but provides a theological distillation. "All that he did" is an inclusive phrase, encompassing every aspect of his reign, while "his might" (referring to his military strength and valor) and "how he warred" specifically highlight his significant military achievements, which were a hallmark of his rule.
* **"and how he recovered Damascus, and Hamath, [which belonged] to Judah, for Israel,"**: This clause specifies the pinnacle of Jeroboam II's military success: the reclamation of key Aramean cities. Damascus and Hamath were strategically vital and had been sources of conflict. The KJV's parenthetical "[which belonged] to Judah" is an interpretive addition by the translators, suggesting that these territories might have been part of the broader Davidic kingdom's reach in earlier times, thus implying a restoration of a unified Israelite sphere of influence, though now for the Northern Kingdom specifically. This recovery significantly expanded Israel's northern borders and economic reach.
* **"are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"**: This rhetorical question is a standard colophon or closing formula used throughout the Books of Kings. It serves multiple purposes: it affirms the historical basis of the biblical narrative by pointing to external, official records; it indicates that the biblical account is a condensed, theologically focused summary; and it invites the reader, implicitly, to consult these more detailed (though now lost) historical archives for further information about the king's reign.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant **Literary Devices**. The phrase "the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, and all that he did" utilizes **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting or complementary parts are used to represent a whole. Here, "the rest of the acts" (implying specific, notable deeds) combined with "all that he did" (implying the totality of his actions) comprehensively covers his entire reign. The concluding question, "are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?", is a classic **Rhetorical Question**. It is not posed to elicit an answer, but to affirm a known fact and to direct the reader's attention to the existence of external, corroborating historical documentation. This formula also functions as a **Summary Formula** or **Colophon**, a conventional ending for the account of a king's reign in the Deuteronomistic History, signaling the transition to the next king's narrative while providing a sense of historical completeness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Kings 14:28, while a seemingly straightforward historical summary, carries profound theological implications. It underscores the theme of God's **Sovereignty over History**, demonstrating His ability to work through and even grant success to leaders who do not personally adhere to His covenant, like Jeroboam II. This is a testament to God's **Common Grace** and His enduring **Compassion for His People** ([2 Kings 14:26-27](/2_kings/14-26 "2 Kings 14:26-27 - God's Compassion for Israel")), even when they are steeped in idolatry. The prosperity and territorial expansion under Jeroboam II were not a reward for his righteousness but a temporary reprieve for Israel, a demonstration of God's patience before the inevitable judgment. The reference to the "chronicles" also highlights the biblical author's understanding of history as a divinely ordered narrative, where even secular records bear witness to God's unfolding plan. It reminds us that God's purposes are often achieved through complex human actions, both righteous and unrighteous, always moving towards His ultimate ends.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules in the Kingdom of Men")
* [Romans 9:15-16](/romans/9-15 "Romans 9:15-16 - God's Sovereign Mercy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Jeroboam II's reign, culminating in this summary verse, offers a complex picture of success and spiritual failure. It challenges us to consider what true "might" entails and how we measure success. Jeroboam II achieved significant military and economic prosperity, yet the biblical narrator consistently qualifies this by noting his adherence to the sins of Jeroboam I. This reminds us that earthly achievements, no matter how impressive, are ultimately fleeting and insufficient if not aligned with God's will and righteousness. It prompts us to look beyond superficial indicators of prosperity and to evaluate our lives, our leaders, and our nations through a spiritual lens. God's patience and common grace are evident in His allowing Jeroboam II's success, even for a wicked king, demonstrating His desire for His people's well-being despite their rebellion. This should inspire both gratitude for God's undeserved kindness and a sober recognition of our ultimate accountability to Him, regardless of our worldly accomplishments. We are called to seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness, understanding that true and lasting flourishing flows from obedience and devotion to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we tend to define "might" or "success" in our own lives or in society, and how does Jeroboam II's story challenge those definitions?**
* **In what ways might God be working through imperfect or even unrighteous leaders in our world today to accomplish His broader purposes?**
* **What does God's patience and common grace, as evidenced in Jeroboam II's reign, teach us about His character and His dealings with humanity?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible frequently refer to "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" or Judah?**

Answer: The recurring phrase "are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel/Judah?" serves several important functions. Firstly, it affirms the historical grounding of the biblical narrative, indicating that the biblical authors drew upon and referenced official state annals or historical records of the time. This lends credibility to the historical claims made in Kings. Secondly, it signals that the biblical account is not an exhaustive history but a selective, theologically driven narrative. The biblical writers focused on events and details that illuminated God's covenant relationship with Israel, His judgment, and His faithfulness, leaving other historical specifics to these external (now lost) chronicles. It implicitly invites the reader to consult these fuller accounts for more secular or administrative details, while the biblical text provides the divine perspective and interpretation of history. This device underscores that the Bible is primarily a theological history, not merely a secular one.

**How could God grant such military success to a wicked king like Jeroboam II?**

Answer: Jeroboam II's military successes, including the recovery of Damascus and Hamath, were not a divine endorsement of his personal wickedness or his idolatrous practices. Rather, they were a demonstration of God's **compassion** and **common grace** towards His people, Israel, despite their persistent sin. As [2 Kings 14:26-27](/2_kings/14-26 "2 Kings 14:26-27 - God's Compassion for Israel") explains, "For the LORD saw that the affliction of Israel was very bitter... and the LORD had not said that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, but he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam son of Joash." God used Jeroboam II as an instrument to provide a temporary reprieve and prosperity for Israel, not because Jeroboam was righteous, but because God, in His mercy, had not yet determined to completely abandon His covenant people. This illustrates God's sovereign ability to work through any individual, regardless of their spiritual standing, to achieve His broader purposes for His people and His plan of salvation. It also highlights that earthly success is not always an indicator of divine approval or spiritual righteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The reign of Jeroboam II, marked by impressive earthly "might" and territorial expansion, ultimately points to the greater and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. Jeroboam's recovery of Damascus and Hamath, restoring Israel's borders to a Solomonic scale, was a temporary and incomplete restoration, achieved by human strength and followed by spiritual decline. This earthly king, despite his power, could not address the root problem of Israel's sin, which continued to plague the nation and eventually led to its downfall. In contrast, Jesus Christ, the true King of Israel and the world, came not to recover physical territories for a temporal kingdom, but to achieve a far greater and eternal "recovery"—the redemption of humanity from sin and death ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Saves His People from Sins")). His "might" is not merely military but divine, demonstrated in His power over sin, sickness, and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). While Jeroboam's reign was a fleeting period of prosperity before judgment, Christ's kingdom is an everlasting one, bringing true and lasting peace, righteousness, and salvation ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Never End")). The "chronicles" of Jeroboam's reign are lost to history, but the "acts" of Christ are eternally recorded and celebrated, culminating in His glorious return to establish His perfect and final reign, where He will truly "recover" all things and make them new ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Am Making All Things New")).

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.