2 Kings 15:26

KJV

And the rest of the acts of Pekahiah, and all that he did, 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 Pekahiah {H6494}, and all that he did {H6213}, 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 P'kachyah and all his accomplishments are recorded in the Annals of the Kings of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

As for the rest of the acts of Pekahiah, along with all his accomplishments, 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 Pekahiah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse serves as a standard concluding formula for the reign of Pekahiah, the seventeenth king of Israel (the Northern Kingdom), indicating that the full details of his two-year rule and actions were recorded in an external, non-biblical historical document known as "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel." It highlights the selective nature of the biblical narrative, which focuses on theological and spiritual lessons rather than exhaustive historical accounts, while simultaneously affirming the historical grounding of the events described.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Kings 15:26 appears as the concluding statement for the reign of Pekahiah, immediately following the account of his assassination by Pekah, one of his own captains, who then usurped the throne. This formulaic closing, "And the rest of the acts of [King's Name], and all that he did, behold, they [are] written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel/Judah," is a recurring literary device throughout the books of Kings. It signifies the end of a king's narrative segment and directs the reader to a more comprehensive, external historical record for further details. This repetition establishes a consistent narrative rhythm and reinforces the biblical author's selective focus on the spiritual and covenantal aspects of each king's rule, rather than providing an exhaustive historical biography.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Pekahiah's brief reign (c. 742-740 BC) occurred during a period of intense political instability and moral decline in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Following the death of Jeroboam II, Israel experienced a rapid succession of kings, often through violent coups and assassinations, reflecting the nation's deep-seated idolatry and departure from the Mosaic covenant. The Assyrian Empire was an increasingly dominant and threatening power in the region, frequently demanding tribute and interfering in the affairs of smaller states like Israel. The "book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" refers to official state annals or royal records maintained by the Israelite monarchy, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern kingdoms to document the reigns, wars, and administrative activities of their rulers. These were distinct from the biblical books of [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - The Genealogies and Reign of David") and [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles - The Reigns of the Kings of Judah"), which were later theological histories.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though formulaic, contributes to several key themes in the book of Kings. Firstly, it underscores the **formulaic nature of biblical history**, demonstrating that the sacred text is not a comprehensive secular history but a theologically driven narrative. Secondly, it subtly points to **divine sovereignty amidst human turmoil**; despite the chaos, assassinations, and rapid succession of kings in Israel, the biblical record consistently frames these events within God's overarching plan and judgment, often as a direct consequence of national sin and disobedience to the [Mosaic covenant](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience"). Finally, Pekahiah's brief reign of two years, ending in violent overthrow, highlights the **fleeting nature of earthly power** and the precariousness of human authority without divine blessing, serving as a stark reminder of the impermanence of worldly glory, a theme echoed in passages like [Psalm 146:3-4](/psalms/146-3 "Psalm 146:3-4 - Do Not Trust in Princes").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Acts (Hebrew, _dibrê_):** This word, often translated as "words" or "matters," here refers to the "deeds," "affairs," or "events" of a king's reign. In the phrase "the rest of the acts," it encompasses all the unrecorded details of his administration, military campaigns, building projects, and general conduct that the biblical author chose not to include in the narrative. It emphasizes that the biblical account is not exhaustive but selective.
* **Chronicles (Hebrew, _hayamîm_):** Literally meaning "the days," this term in the construct phrase _sēpher divrê hayyāmîm_ (book of the words/events of the days) refers to annals or historical records. It denotes a meticulous, day-by-day or year-by-year account of significant events, similar to a royal diary or official state register. The use of this term assures the reader that the biblical narrative is grounded in verifiable historical documentation, even if those specific sources are no longer extant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the rest of the acts of Pekahiah, and all that he did":** This opening clause serves as a summary reference to the comprehensive scope of Pekahiah's two-year reign, acknowledging that the biblical text has only provided a condensed account. It implies that there were many other actions, decisions, and events during his time as king that are not detailed within the biblical narrative. The phrase "all that he did" further emphasizes the totality of his activities, both good and bad, known and unknown to the biblical reader.
* **"behold, they [are] written":** This declarative statement asserts the existence and accessibility of these additional records. The interjection "behold" (Hebrew, _hinnēh_) draws the reader's attention to the certainty and verifiability of the information. It functions as a historical validation, assuring the audience that the biblical account is not fabricated but is based on and supported by external, official documentation.
* **"in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel":** This final clause specifies the precise location of these supplementary records. It refers to a specific, official state archive maintained by the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This "book of the chronicles" was a contemporaneous historical record, distinct from the later biblical books of Chronicles, and served as the primary source for many of the historical facts presented in 1 and 2 Kings. Its mention underscores the historicity of the biblical narrative while also highlighting the biblical author's theological agenda, as they chose to extract only those details relevant to God's covenant and purposes.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Kings 15:26 is the **Formulaic Closing** or **Colophon**. This repetitive phrase, found at the conclusion of nearly every king's reign in 1 and 2 Kings, serves as a consistent structural marker. It provides narrative closure, signals the transition to the next king, and functions as an **Allusion** to an external, non-extant historical source. This allusion implies that the biblical account is not exhaustive but is a selective, theologically driven narrative, drawing upon broader historical records. This **Selectivity** is itself a literary choice, emphasizing that the biblical author's primary goal is not to provide a comprehensive political history, but to convey spiritual truths about God's interaction with His people, particularly concerning their obedience or disobedience to the covenant. The repetition of this formula also creates a sense of **Rhythm** and predictability within the historical narrative, reinforcing the idea of a divinely ordered, though often chaotic, succession of rulers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The formulaic statement in 2 Kings 15:26, though seemingly mundane, carries significant theological weight. It affirms the historicity of the biblical narrative by pointing to external, verifiable records, grounding the spiritual lessons in real-world events. Yet, by consistently referring to these "chronicles" rather than reproducing them in full, the biblical author subtly communicates that God's Word is not merely a historical ledger but a divinely inspired interpretation of history, focusing on the moral and spiritual implications of human actions and divine judgment. This highlights the transient nature of human power and the ultimate accountability of all rulers before God. While earthly kings rise and fall, and their detailed histories fade into obscurity, God's sovereign plan unfolds consistently, and His Word endures.

* [1 Kings 14:19](/1_kings/14-19 "1 Kings 14:19 - Jeroboam's Reign Conclusion")
* [1 Kings 15:31](/1_kings/15-31 "1 Kings 15:31 - Nadab's Reign Conclusion")
* [2 Kings 1:18](/2_kings/1-18 "2 Kings 1:18 - Ahaziah's Reign Conclusion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Kings 15:26, despite its brevity, offers profound insights for contemporary readers. It reminds us that every life, and especially every leadership, leaves a record, whether in human annals or, more importantly, in the divine ledger. The biblical author's selectivity in detailing Pekahiah's reign, focusing only on its brevity and violent end, underscores that what truly matters in God's eyes is not the quantity of "acts" but their quality in relation to His covenant and purposes. This calls us to consider the enduring legacy of our own lives and actions, recognizing that true significance is found not in worldly power or fleeting accomplishments, but in faithfulness to God. It also reinforces the truth that while human kingdoms are unstable and their records perishable, God's kingdom is eternal, and His Word, which interprets history, remains forever.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Bible's selective historical reporting, as seen in this verse, challenge our modern desire for exhaustive detail, and what does it prioritize instead?**
* **What does Pekahiah's brief and violent reign, concluded with this formula, teach us about the ultimate futility of earthly power pursued apart from God?**
* **In what ways does the enduring nature of the biblical narrative, contrasting with the lost "book of the chronicles," affirm the authority and preservation of God's Word?**

### 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 an official, non-biblical state archive or royal annals maintained by the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It contained detailed historical records of the reigns of its kings, including administrative decisions, military campaigns, and other significant events. These chronicles were distinct from the biblical books of [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - The Genealogies and Reign of David") and [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles - The Reigns of the Kings of Judah"), which were later theological histories written from a different perspective, primarily focusing on the Davidic line and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The mention of these external records in Kings serves to affirm the historical grounding and verifiability of the biblical narrative.

**Why does the Bible frequently refer to external books like this instead of providing all the details itself?**

Answer: The biblical authors frequently refer to these external chronicles (e.g., [1 Kings 14:19](/1_kings/14-19 "1 Kings 14:19 - Jeroboam's Reign Conclusion") for Jeroboam, [2 Kings 1:18](/2_kings/1-18 "2 Kings 1:18 - Ahaziah's Reign Conclusion") for Ahaziah) for several key reasons. Firstly, it provides a historical validation, assuring the reader that the events recounted are rooted in verifiable historical accounts and not merely fictional narratives. Secondly, it highlights the biblical text's selective nature. The purpose of the books of Kings is not to provide an exhaustive secular history but to offer a theological history, interpreting events through the lens of God's covenant with Israel. The authors chose to include only those details relevant to God's interaction with His people, their obedience or disobedience, and the consequences thereof, leaving other political or administrative details to the official state records. This selectivity underscores the spiritual and moral lessons God intends to convey.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The recurring formula of 2 Kings 15:26, marking the end of yet another transient, often unrighteous, king's reign in Israel, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. The "book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" recorded the fleeting "acts" of human rulers whose power was precarious and whose reigns often ended in violence and instability, reflecting the brokenness of a world under the curse of sin. These earthly chronicles, now lost to history, stand in stark contrast to the eternal "chronicles" of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the person and work of Jesus. While Pekahiah's reign was brief and his legacy one of continued decline, Jesus, the true [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of Kings"), establishes a kingdom that is not of this world and will never end ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")). His "acts" were not merely recorded in human annals but were the very acts of God incarnate—healing the sick, casting out demons, and ultimately offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). The instability and moral decay of Israel's monarchy, so evident in Pekahiah's time, underscore humanity's desperate need for a perfect, righteous ruler whose reign brings true peace and justice, a need perfectly met in the [Messiah](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Rule"). Jesus is the fulfillment of all the promises to David, the King whose kingdom is everlasting and whose "chronicles" are written not in perishable scrolls, but in the hearts of those He redeems and in the eternal counsels of God ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Prophecy of Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")).

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.