2 Kings 21:25

Now the rest of the acts of Amon which he did, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

Now the rest {H3499} of the acts {H1697} of Amon {H526} which he did {H6213}, are they not written {H3789} in the book {H5612} of the chronicles {H1697}{H3117} of the kings {H4428} of Judah {H3063}?

Other activities of Amon and all he acomplished are recorded in the Annals of the Kings of Y'hudah.

As for the rest of the acts of Amon, along with his accomplishments, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?

Now the rest of the acts of Amon which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

Commentary

2 Kings 21:25 KJV serves as a concluding summary statement regarding the reign of King Amon of Judah. This verse, characteristic of the historical books of the Old Testament, indicates that the biblical account is not exhaustive but points to other contemporary records where further details about Amon's "acts" could be found.

Context

This verse marks the end of the brief and wicked reign of King Amon. Amon succeeded his father, Manasseh, who was one of Judah's most idolatrous kings. Following in Manasseh's footsteps, Amon continued to promote idolatry and evil in the sight of the Lord, showing no repentance during his two-year rule. His reign ended tragically with his assassination by his own servants (2 Kings 21:23). The reference to "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah" is a standard formula used throughout Kings and Chronicles, indicating that the biblical narrative selectively presents information for its theological and historical purposes, while acknowledging the existence of more comprehensive state annals.

Key Themes

  • Biblical Selectivity and Purpose: The verse highlights that the Bible, while historically accurate, is not an exhaustive historical record. It focuses on events and details pertinent to God's dealings with His people, particularly their obedience or disobedience to the covenant, and the consequences thereof.
  • Historical Verifiability: The consistent reference to external chronicles (e.g., 1 Kings 14:29) suggests that the biblical authors were drawing from or referencing known historical documents of their time, lending credibility to the historical framework of the narrative.
  • Consequences of Unrighteousness: Though brief, Amon's reign is characterized by evil, mirroring his father's wickedness. His violent end serves as a stark reminder of the wages of sin and the instability that results from rejecting God's ways.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "are they not written" is a rhetorical question common in ancient Near Eastern historical writings and specifically in the books of Kings and Chronicles. It is not an expression of doubt but rather a declarative statement affirming that the information exists elsewhere, in the official state records known as "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah." This formula serves to conclude a king's summary and direct the reader to further details if desired, though these specific chronicles are no longer extant.

Reflection and Application

While 2 Kings 21:25 primarily serves as a historical marker, it offers valuable insights. It reminds us that God's Word focuses on what is most crucial for our spiritual understanding and growth, emphasizing themes like obedience, faith, and the consequences of sin. Amon's life, though briefly detailed, stands as a cautionary tale of a king who chose to follow the path of the wicked. In contrast, his son, King Josiah, turned to the Lord and brought about significant spiritual reforms. This contrast underscores that even when surrounded by wickedness, individuals can choose to seek God and make a lasting positive impact, a principle relevant for all believers today.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 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 — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 21:17

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

  • 2 Kings 20:20

    And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
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