2 Kings 15:36

Translation
King James Version
Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
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KJV (with Strong's)
Now the rest H3499 of the acts H1697 of Jotham H3147, and all that he did H6213, are they not written H3789 in the book H5612 of the chronicles H1697 H3117 of the kings H4428 of Judah H3063?
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Complete Jewish Bible
Other activities of Yotam and all his accomplishments are recorded in the Annals of the Kings of Y'hudah.
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Berean Standard Bible
As for the rest of the acts of Jotham, along with his accomplishments, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?
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American Standard Version
Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
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World English Bible Messianic
Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all that he did, aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Concerning the rest of the acts of Iotham, and all that hee did, are they not written in the booke of the Chronicles of the kings of Iudah?
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Young's Literal Translation
And the rest of the matters of Jotham, and all that he did, are they not written on the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Judah?
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See also
2 Kings 15:62 Kings 15:72 Chronicles 27:42 Chronicles 27:9
See on the biblical-era map
Menahem's Coup and Reign
Menahem's Coup and Reign View full PDF
The Wars of Pekah
The Wars of Pekah View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 9,962 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Second Kings 15:36 serves as a standard concluding formula for the reign of King Jotham of Judah, signaling the end of the biblical author's summary of his rule and directing the reader to external, more comprehensive historical records. This verse underscores the selective nature of the biblical narrative, which focuses on theological and spiritual insights rather than providing an exhaustive historical account, while simultaneously affirming the historical grounding of the events described and the meticulous record-keeping practices of the ancient world.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse concludes the narrative of Jotham's sixteen-year reign over Judah, immediately following a brief assessment of his character and actions. It is a quintessential example of a recurring literary device found throughout the Books of Kings, serving as a formal transition from one monarch's rule to the next. The preceding verses establish Jotham as a generally righteous king who "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that his father Uzziah had done" (2 Kings 15:34), though he did not remove the high places. The subsequent verses introduce the tumultuous reign of his son, Ahaz, thereby highlighting the continuous succession of kings and the ongoing spiritual trajectory of Judah. This formulaic conclusion acts as a narrative signpost, indicating that the biblical account is drawing to a close for this particular king and that further, non-theological details are available elsewhere. It underscores the purposeful selectivity of the inspired biblical narrative.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Jotham's reign (c. 750-735 BC) was a period of relative stability and prosperity for Judah, building upon the long and successful rule of his father, Uzziah. However, the broader geopolitical landscape was rapidly shifting, with the rising power of the Neo-Assyrian Empire beginning to cast a formidable shadow over the Near East. This growing threat would become acutely pronounced during the reign of Jotham's successor, Ahaz, leading to significant political and military entanglements for Judah (as seen in 2 Kings 16). In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, it was common practice to maintain meticulous court records, annals, or "chronicles" that documented the daily activities, military campaigns, building projects, and administrative decisions of the kings. These official state archives served as primary sources for later historians and scribes, including those who compiled the Books of Kings. The explicit reference to "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah" reflects this widespread ancient practice, indicating that the biblical authors had access to and utilized such verifiable historical records.
  • Key Themes: The recurring formula in 2 Kings 15:36 contributes to several profound themes within the broader narrative of Kings. Firstly, it emphasizes the historical verifiability of the biblical account. By pointing to external, accessible records, the text asserts its grounding in actual historical events and not merely legend or myth. This bolsters the credibility of the narrative. Secondly, it highlights the selectivity of Scripture. The Books of Kings do not aim to be exhaustive historical encyclopedias; rather, they are theological narratives that select and present information relevant to God's covenant relationship with Israel and Judah, focusing intensely on the spiritual obedience or disobedience of the kings. The phrase "the rest of the acts" explicitly acknowledges that more information exists beyond what is presented, guiding the reader to understand the Bible's specific, redemptive purpose. Finally, it subtly underscores divine record-keeping and providence. While human scribes compiled these annals, their preservation and the biblical author's reference to them suggest God's oversight in ensuring that a truthful and accurate historical record was maintained, ultimately contributing to the unfolding story of redemption. This theme is further developed in the canonical Book of Chronicles, which often provides additional details about the reigns summarized in Kings, as seen in the expanded account of Jotham's reign in 2 Chronicles 27.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • rest (Hebrew, yether', H3499): From the root meaning "to be overhanging," this word properly denotes an excess, superiority, or what remains. In this context, it refers to the "remainder" or "residue" of Jotham's acts. It explicitly indicates that the biblical account is not exhaustive but a summary, implying that a more comprehensive record of his reign existed elsewhere. This highlights the selective nature of the biblical narrative, which prioritizes theological and spiritual insights over complete historical documentation.
  • acts (Hebrew, dâbâr', H1697): This versatile Hebrew word, derived from "to speak," can mean "word," "matter," "affair," "deed," or "thing." Here, in the plural ("acts"), it refers to the various deeds, events, and administrative affairs of King Jotham's reign. It encompasses all the unmentioned details of his rule, from military campaigns and building projects to daily decisions, which were considered significant enough to be recorded in official state annals. Its usage here emphasizes the factual, event-based nature of the records being referenced.
  • written (Hebrew, kâthab', H3789): This primitive root means "to grave" or "to write," implying to describe, inscribe, or prescribe. Its use here confirms that the "chronicles" were tangible, inscribed documents—physical records. This verb underscores the reliability and permanence of the historical sources to which the biblical author refers, reinforcing the idea that the events of Jotham's reign were indeed documented and verifiable, not merely oral traditions or legends.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Now the rest of the acts of Jotham,": This opening clause serves as a narrative transition, signaling the conclusion of the summary of Jotham's reign. It explicitly acknowledges that the preceding biblical account has only provided a condensed version of his rule, focusing on the most pertinent spiritual and historical elements relevant to God's covenant with Judah. It points to a larger body of information not included in the biblical text.
  • "and all that he did,": This phrase functions as an emphatic reiteration, encompassing every action, decision, and event of Jotham's rule that has not been explicitly detailed in the preceding verses. It reinforces the idea that a more comprehensive record of his entire reign existed beyond the scope of the Books of Kings.
  • "[are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?": This is a rhetorical question, functioning not as an inquiry seeking an answer, but as a strong affirmative statement. It asserts with certainty that these additional details are indeed recorded in a specific, known, and accessible source: the official royal annals of the kingdom of Judah. This serves to validate the historical claims of the biblical text and directs the reader to a place where more information could be found, even if that source is no longer extant today.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device employed in 2 Kings 15:36 is Formulaic Language. This verse is part of a standardized concluding formula used for nearly every king in the Books of Kings, signaling the end of their narrative summary and consistently pointing to external historical records. This formula provides structural cohesion to the entire historical narrative, creating a predictable rhythm and expectation for the reader, and reinforcing the consistent method of historical compilation. It also functions as a form of Intertextuality, as it explicitly references other written documents ("the book of the chronicles"), thereby grounding the biblical narrative within a broader historical and literary context and affirming its reliance on verifiable sources. The phrase "are they not written...?" is a Rhetorical Question, which functions not as a genuine inquiry but as an emphatic affirmation. It strongly asserts the existence and accessibility of these external records, lending authority and historical credibility to the biblical account by implying that its claims are verifiable and rooted in documented history.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The recurring phrase in 2 Kings 15:36, directing readers to "the book of the chronicles," profoundly illustrates the Bible's unique blend of divine inspiration and historical grounding. It assures us that the biblical narrative is not a collection of myths or fables, but a divinely guided account rooted in verifiable historical events and records. This commitment to historical truth underscores God's active involvement in human history, demonstrating His sovereignty over nations and kings, and His meticulous care in preserving the record of His covenant people. While the Bible is selective in its historical presentation, focusing on what is spiritually and theologically significant, it never divorces faith from fact. It implicitly teaches that God's work unfolds within real time and space, and that His purposes are meticulously documented, either directly in Scripture or in the historical sources it references, all contributing to His unfolding redemptive plan.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The seemingly simple concluding formula of 2 Kings 15:36 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our faith is not based on abstract philosophy or subjective feelings, but on concrete historical events, meticulously recorded and preserved. This should bolster our confidence in the trustworthiness and reliability of Scripture, knowing that its authors were drawing upon and referencing verifiable historical documents. Furthermore, it teaches us about the Bible's divine purpose: it is not an exhaustive encyclopedia of all knowledge, but a divinely curated narrative designed to reveal God's character, His plan of salvation, and His will for humanity. This encourages us to seek not just historical facts, but spiritual truth, wisdom, and transformative insight within its pages. Finally, the existence of "the rest of the acts" reminds us that God's work in the world is far vaster and more detailed than what we can fully comprehend or what is explicitly recorded in Scripture. It invites us to trust in His comprehensive sovereignty, knowing that even the unrecorded details of history are under His watchful eye, meticulously contributing to His ultimate redemptive purposes.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the Bible's reference to external historical records strengthen your confidence in its truthfulness and reliability?
  • In what ways does understanding the Bible's "selectivity" (that it doesn't tell us everything) help you appreciate its specific purpose and message for your life?
  • What does this verse teach us about God's value for history and meticulous record-keeping, and how might that impact our own approach to preserving truth and stewarding our own "acts"?

FAQ

What are "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah"?

Answer: "The book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah" refers to the official state annals or court records maintained by the royal scribes in ancient Judah. These were comprehensive, day-by-day accounts of the kings' reigns, including administrative details, building projects, military campaigns, and other significant events. They were distinct from the canonical biblical books of 1 & 2 Chronicles, though the biblical authors of Kings and Chronicles likely drew upon these very state records, among other sources, to compile their inspired narratives. The phrase in 2 Kings 15:36 indicates that the biblical account is a summary, and more extensive historical details were available to the original audience in these external archives, affirming the historical veracity of the biblical narrative.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While 2 Kings 15:36 appears to be a mere administrative note, its underlying principle of meticulous record-keeping and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan through history finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The "chronicles" of the kings of Judah, though incomplete in themselves and often detailing human failure, were part of the grand historical tapestry leading to the promised Messiah. Every king, whether righteous like Jotham or wicked like Ahaz, played a role in the lineage and historical context that would eventually produce the King of Kings. The "rest of the acts" of these earthly kings fade into obscurity and often end in judgment, but the "acts" of the true King, Jesus Christ, are eternally recorded and exhaustively revealed in the Gospels and throughout the New Testament. His birth, perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection are not merely historical events, but the pivotal moments in God's redemptive history, meticulously documented by eyewitnesses and inspired writers (Luke 1:1-4, John 20:30-31). Just as the old chronicles pointed to a broader historical reality, the entire Old Testament points forward to Christ, the one in whom all history finds its meaning and purpose (Luke 24:27). He is the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, the King whose reign has no end (Isaiah 9:6-7), and whose "acts" are not merely written in human records but are eternally inscribed in the very fabric of salvation history, culminating in His glorious return as the victorious Rider on the white horse (Revelation 19:11-16).

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Commentary on 2 Kings 15 verses 32–38

We have here a short account of the reign of Jotham king of Judah, of whom we are told, 1. That he reigned very well, did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, Kg2 15:34. Josephus gives him a very high character, stating that he was pious towards God, just towards men, and laid out himself for the public good, - that, whatever was amiss, he took care to have it rectified, - and, in short, wanted no virtue that became a good prince. Though the high places were not taken away, yet to draw people from them, and keep them close to God's holy place, he showed great respect to the temple, and built the higher gate which he went through to the temple. If magistrates cannot do all they would for the suppressing of vice and profaneness, let them do so much the more for the support and advancement of piety and virtue, and the bringing of them into reputation. If they cannot pull down the high places of sin, yet let them build and beautify the high gate of God's house. 2. That he died in the midst of his days, Kg2 15:33. Of most of the kings of Judah we are told how old they were when they began their reign, and by that may compute how old they were when they died; but no account is kept of the age of any of the kings of Israel that I remember, only of the years of their reigns. This honour God would put upon the kings of the house of David above those of other families. And by these accounts it appears that there was none of all the kings of Judah that reached David's age, seventy, the common age of man. Asa's age I do not find. Uzziah lived to be sixty-eight, Manasseh sixty-seven, and Jehoshaphat sixty; and these were the three oldest; many of those that were of note did not reach fifty. This Jotham died at forty-one. He was too great a blessing to be continued long to such an unworthy people. His death was a judgment, especially considering the character of his son and successor. 3. That in his days the confederacy was formed against Judah by Rezin and Remaliah's son, the king of Syria and the king of Israel, which appeared so very formidable in the beginning of the reign of Ahaz that, upon notice of it, the heart of that prince was moved and the heart of the people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind, Isa 7:2. The confederates were unjust in the attempt, yet it is here said (Kg2 15:37), The Lord began to send them against Judah, as he bade Shimei curse David, and took away from Job what the Sabeans robbed him of. Men are God's hand - the sword, the rod in his hand - which he makes use of as he pleases to serve his own righteous counsels, though men be unrighteous in their intentions. This storm gathered in the reign of pious Jotham, but he came to his grave in peace and it fell upon his degenerate son.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 32–38. Public domain.
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Ephrem the SyrianAD 373
ON THE SECOND BOOK OF KINGS 15:32
“In the second year of King Pekah son of Remaliah of Israel, King Jotham son of Uzziah of Judah began to reign.” After rising to power in that year, Jotham administered the government [of Judah] for sixteen years, earning great praise. While the second book of the Annals has shown all the feats illustriously accomplished by him, the Scripture never reproaches him in this passage for any error, except for his toleration of the high places, which was a fault common to all the most praised kings of Judah. In the first place, he strengthened Jerusalem with new fortifications and built towers and castles in desert places. He conquered the Ammonites, who were perpetual enemies of the Jews, and ordered them for the future to pay the kings of Judah an annual tribute.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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