2 Kings 15:15

KJV

And the rest of the acts of Shallum, and his conspiracy which he made, behold, they [are] written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the rest {H3499} of the acts {H1697} of Shallum {H7967}, and his conspiracy {H7195} which he made {H7194}, behold, they are written {H3789} in the book {H5612} of the chronicles {H1697}{H3117} of the kings {H4428} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Other activities of Shalum and the conspiracy he formed are recorded in the Annals of the Kings of Isra'el

Berean Standard Bible

As for the rest of the acts of Shallum, along with the conspiracy he led, they are indeed written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel.

American Standard Version

Now the rest of the acts of Shallum, and his conspiracy which he made, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 15:15 serves as the concluding summary of Shallum's exceptionally brief and violent reign in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Characteristic of the Deuteronomistic History, this verse employs a standard regnal formula, directing the reader to a larger, external historical record—"the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel"—for a more exhaustive account of Shallum's actions, particularly his "conspiracy" and other deeds not fully detailed within the biblical narrative. It underscores the biblical author's reliance on verifiable historical sources while highlighting the brevity and tragic end of a king who seized power through assassination.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at a point of extreme political volatility in the book of [2 Kings](/2_kings/15 "2 Kings 15 - Instability in Israel"). The immediate preceding verses recount Shallum's usurpation of the throne by assassinating King Zechariah, the last descendant of Jehu, thereby ending a dynasty that had reigned for over a century ([2 Kings 15:10](/2_kings/15-10 "2 Kings 15:10 - Shallum Kills Zechariah")). Shallum's own reign is then dramatically cut short, lasting only a single month before he is overthrown and killed by Menahem ([2 Kings 15:13-14](/2_kings/15-13 "2 Kings 15:13-14 - Shallum's Brief Reign and Menahem's Coup")). Verse 15, therefore, functions as the standard concluding formula for Shallum's account, typical of the book of Kings, signaling the end of one king's narrative and preparing for the next. The rapid succession of kings and violent coups from [2 Kings 15:8 through 15:31](/2_kings/15-8 "2 Kings 15:8-31 - Rapid Succession of Kings") illustrates a period of profound internal decay and instability in Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period covered in [2 Kings 15](/2_kings/15 "2 Kings 15 - The Decline of Israel") represents the final, tumultuous decades of the Northern Kingdom of Israel before its fall to Assyria. Internally, the nation was plagued by political assassinations, coups, and a succession of weak and unrighteous kings. This instability was exacerbated by the rising power of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which was increasingly asserting its dominance over the Syro-Palestinian region. Kings like Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah, and Pekah navigated a treacherous geopolitical landscape, often resorting to desperate measures to secure their thrones or appease foreign powers. The "conspiracy" mentioned in the verse was a common feature of this era, reflecting a culture where power was seized through violence rather than legitimate succession or divine appointment, leading to a cycle of bloodshed and short-lived reigns.
* **Key Themes:** Shallum's fleeting reign and violent end powerfully illustrate several key themes within [2 Kings](/2_kings/15 "2 Kings 15 - The Decline of Israel") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it highlights **the fleeting nature of unrighteous power**. Power gained through violence and rebellion against God's established order, as seen in Shallum's assassination of Zechariah, is inherently unstable and short-lived. His one-month reign serves as a stark warning against ambition pursued through ungodly means, contrasting sharply with the enduring reign promised to David's lineage ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David")). Secondly, the explicit mention of Shallum's "conspiracy" underscores **the destructive cycle of betrayal and violence** that plagued the later Israelite monarchy, leading to internal fragmentation and weakening the nation from within. Finally, the consistent reference to external historical records, such as "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel," emphasizes **divine judgment and the meticulous nature of historical record-keeping**. While not directly stated as judgment in this verse, the rapid and violent turnover of kings in the Northern Kingdom was understood as a direct consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry and disobedience to God's covenant ([Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Curses for Disobedience")). The biblical narrative's grounding in verifiable historical records affirms God's meticulous oversight and documentation of history, even the briefest and most inglorious reigns.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Acts (Hebrew, _divrei_):** The Hebrew word דִּבְרֵי (_divrei_), often translated as "acts" or "matters," refers to the summary of events, deeds, or affairs of a king's reign. It's a standard term used in the regnal formula throughout Kings and Chronicles. In this context, it encompasses all the significant events, policies, and actions Shallum undertook during his brief time on the throne. The implication is that the biblical account provides only a selective, theologically-driven narrative, while the "chronicles" contain a more comprehensive, secular record.
* **Conspiracy (Hebrew, _qesher_):** The Hebrew word קֶשֶׁר (_qesher_) specifically denotes a "conspiracy" or "rebellion." This term carries a strong negative connotation, implying treachery and an illegal, often violent, overthrow of legitimate authority. In Shallum's case, it refers to his plot and execution of King Zechariah, which brought him to power. The repeated use of this term in [2 Kings](/2_kings/15 "2 Kings 15 - The Decline of Israel") highlights the pervasive political instability and moral decay within the Northern Kingdom, where power was frequently seized through such illicit means.
* **Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel (Hebrew, _sepher divrei hayyamim lemalchei Yisrael_):** This recurring phrase refers to official court annals or state records kept by the Israelite monarchy. These were not the biblical books of Chronicles but rather secular historical documents that served as the primary sources for the biblical authors of Kings. The mention of these external records lends historical credibility to the biblical narrative, indicating that the events described were grounded in verifiable, contemporary accounts, even if the biblical narrative selectively presents details relevant to God's redemptive plan and Israel's spiritual state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the rest of the acts of Shallum":** This opening phrase signifies that the preceding biblical account of Shallum's reign, though concise, is not exhaustive. It acknowledges that there were other "acts" or events during his time as king that are not detailed in the biblical text. This formula is a common literary device in the books of Kings, serving as a transition and a pointer to more extensive historical records.
* **"and his conspiracy which he made":** This specific mention highlights the most significant and defining "act" of Shallum's reign: the violent coup by which he seized power. The "conspiracy" refers to his assassination of Zechariah, which ended the Jehu dynasty. By explicitly calling attention to this act, the biblical author underscores the illegitimate and violent nature of Shallum's accession, which ultimately led to his swift downfall.
* **"behold, they [are] written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel":** This concluding clause directs the reader to an external, presumably more detailed, historical source. It serves to authenticate the biblical narrative by grounding it in contemporary records and to manage the scope of the biblical text, which focuses on the theological implications of the kings' reigns rather than providing a comprehensive historical biography. It implies that the biblical account is a distilled, divinely inspired interpretation of these broader historical records.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs the **Regnal Formula**, a recurring literary convention throughout the books of Kings. This formula typically includes an introduction (accession, age, length of reign, mother's name), a theological assessment (did he do good or evil?), and a concluding summary that points to external historical sources for further details. In [2 Kings 15:15](/2_kings/15-15 "2 Kings 15:15 - Shallum's Acts Recorded"), the formula is abbreviated, focusing on the "rest of the acts" and the reference to the "book of the chronicles." This formula serves several purposes: it provides structural coherence to the narrative of successive kings, authenticates the biblical account by referencing external records, and implicitly suggests that the biblical narrative is selective, focusing on the spiritual and theological significance of each reign. There is also an element of **Irony** in the brevity of Shallum's reign being recorded in a "book of chronicles," suggesting that even the most insignificant and violent reigns are part of God's overarching historical plan and judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Shallum, though brief, is rich in theological implications. His violent seizure of power and rapid demise illustrate the principle that power gained through unrighteous means is inherently unstable and ultimately subject to divine judgment. This narrative underscores God's sovereignty over human history, even over the chaotic and seemingly random acts of wicked kings. The reference to the "book of the chronicles" not only authenticates the historical account but also subtly reinforces the idea that all human actions, whether good or evil, are recorded and will ultimately be brought to account. God is the ultimate historian, overseeing and documenting the rise and fall of nations and rulers, ensuring that His purposes prevail despite human rebellion.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Judges")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Shallum's story, though a mere blip in the grand sweep of biblical history, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a stark reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and ambition, especially when pursued through ungodly means. Shallum's one-month reign, marked by conspiracy and violence, highlights the futility of seeking lasting significance in worldly status or influence. For us, this narrative encourages a reorientation of our desires: rather than striving for fleeting power or recognition, we are called to seek enduring significance in faithfulness to God and His eternal kingdom. It reinforces the truth that all actions, whether public or private, are noted and have consequences, urging us to live with integrity, accountability, and a deep awareness that ultimately, all of history unfolds under the watchful eye of a sovereign God who judges justly. Our ultimate chronicle is not in human records, but in the book of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Shallum's brief and violent reign challenge our own pursuit of power or influence in personal or professional spheres?**
* **What does the reference to "the book of the chronicles" imply about God's oversight of history and the ultimate accountability for our actions?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to engage in "conspiracies" (small or large, literal or figurative) to achieve our goals, and what does Shallum's fate warn us against?**
* **How can the instability of the Northern Kingdom, as exemplified by Shallum, encourage us to seek stability and security in God's unchanging character and promises?**

### FAQ

**What was the "book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" was not the biblical book of [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - Genealogies and Early History") or [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles - Solomon to Exile"), but rather a collection of official state annals or court records maintained by the Israelite monarchy. These were secular historical documents that served as primary sources for the biblical authors of Kings. The biblical narrative, while drawing upon these records, selectively presents information to highlight theological truths and God's interaction with His people, rather than providing a comprehensive historical account. Similar "chronicles" were also kept for the kings of Judah, as seen in references like [1 Kings 14:29](/1_kings/14-29 "1 Kings 14:29 - Rehoboam's Acts Recorded").

**Why is Shallum's reign so brief, and what is its significance?**

Answer: Shallum's reign lasted only one month, making it one of the shortest in Israelite history ([2 Kings 15:13](/2_kings/15-13 "2 Kings 15:13 - Shallum's One-Month Reign")). Its brevity is highly significant, symbolizing the extreme political instability and moral decay that plagued the Northern Kingdom in its final decades. Shallum gained power through a violent conspiracy, assassinating King Zechariah ([2 Kings 15:10](/2_kings/15-10 "2 Kings 15:10 - Shallum Kills Zechariah")), but was swiftly overthrown by Menahem. This rapid succession of violent coups illustrates the consequences of rejecting God's covenant and seeking power through human ambition rather than divine appointment, foreshadowing the ultimate downfall of the Northern Kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The brief, violent, and ultimately futile reign of Shallum stands in stark contrast to the eternal, righteous, and sovereign reign of Jesus Christ. Shallum's "conspiracy" to seize a temporal throne through bloodshed highlights the brokenness of human kingship and the desperate measures taken by those who seek power apart from God. In direct opposition, Christ's kingship is not gained through human conspiracy or violence, but through divine appointment and self-sacrificial love, culminating in His atoning death and glorious resurrection ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). While Shallum's "acts" are recorded in earthly chronicles, pointing to a fleeting legacy, the "acts" of Christ establish an eternal kingdom, written not in human books but in the hearts of those He redeems ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). Shallum's reign ended in death and obscurity, but Christ's reign is everlasting, offering true stability, peace, and justice to all who bow the knee to Him ([Hebrews 1:8](/hebrews/1-8 "Hebrews 1:8 - The Son's Eternal Throne")). He is the true King, whose "conspiracy" was not against man, but against sin and death, ultimately leading to the liberation of His people and the establishment of an unshakable kingdom ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")).

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

2 Kings 15:11

And the rest of the acts of Zachariah, behold, they [are] written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.

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 22:39

Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did, and the ivory house which he made, and all the cities that he built, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

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?