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?
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just a rhetorical question; it points to the whole story. By referencing the "Chronicles," it implies that Rehoboam's reign, even his failures, was part of God's unfolding plan, recorded for all to see. It shows that even ordinary historical accounts, when viewed through God's lens, become a testament to His faithfulness and His judgment.
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?
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse appears at the end of a narrative about Rehoboam, the first king of Judah after the united kingdom split. It follows an account of his reign which was marked by idolatry and conflict, largely seen as a consequence of his own pride and poor decisions, leading to divine judgment. The verse essentially serves as a concluding statement, pointing readers to a more detailed historical record for further information about Rehoboam's actions.
Ever wonder why the Bible includes so many historical accounts? It's not just to tell us what happened.
The books of Chronicles in the Old Testament (and the 'Chronicles of the Kings' mentioned here) served a vital purpose beyond mere record-keeping. They were theological history, interpreting past events through the lens of God's covenant faithfulness and His judgment based on obedience to His law.
When the Chronicler mentions 'the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah,' he's referring to the official royal annals. However, the biblical Chronicles are divinely inspired accounts that highlight God's hand in history, focusing on the consequences of following or forsaking Him. This verse points us to those deeper insights available in the full record.
Every leader leaves a mark. What does this verse say about how we track that impact?
This verse acts as a concluding statement for Rehoboam's reign, directing readers to the official records for further details. This highlights a crucial biblical principle: accountability.
Leaders, whether in the home, church, or public square, are accountable for their actions. The existence of these chronicles, even the secular ones, suggests a societal or divine expectation that deeds will be recorded and remembered. The Bible consistently emphasizes that our actions have consequences and contribute to our legacy, which is ultimately known by God, and often, by others through His providential ordering of history.
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sēpher / dabbār (yamiym) · Hebrew Noun phrase
An official royal record kept in ancient Israel and Judah, documenting the public affairs, wars, and administration of the monarchs. These books reflect the theological interpretation of history, evaluating kings by their obedience to God's covenant.
This verse points to the existence of official court records, the 'Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah,' which served as the primary source for the biblical author. It highlights that the biblical narrative is grounded in historical documentation of the time.
c. 975 BC
Death of King Solomon
Solomon's long and prosperous reign ends, leading to a succession crisis. His son Rehoboam is set to inherit the throne.
c. 975 BC
The Kingdom Divides
The northern tribes of Israel, led by Jeroboam, rebel against Rehoboam's harsh policies. The United Monarchy splits into two kingdoms: Israel (North) and Judah (South).
c. 975-959 BC— this verse
Rehoboam's Troubled Reign
Rehoboam rules the southern kingdom of Judah from Jerusalem. His reign is marked by spiritual compromise and conflict with the northern kingdom of Israel.
c. 959 BC
Rehoboam Dies
Rehoboam's reign concludes, and his son Abijah succeeds him as king of Judah.
This passage also refers to the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah, confirming its existence and use as a historical record for the southern kingdom.
2 Samuel 8:17This verse mentions the role of a chronicler or scribe (Seraiah the scribe) in recording the deeds of King David, showing that the practice of keeping official chronicles was established earlier in Israel's history.
1 Chronicles 29:29-30This passage directly references the writings of Samuel the seer, Nathan the prophet, and Jeroboam the seer as historical accounts, similar to how the Book of Chronicles of the Kings of Judah is cited in 1 Kings 14:29.
Nehemiah 7:5Nehemiah refers to the 'book of the genealogy of those who came up first,' indicating that these official records were consulted centuries later, emphasizing their importance and continuity.
This verse isn't just a rhetorical question; it points to the whole story. By referencing the "Chronicles," it implies that Rehoboam's reign, even his failures, was part of God's unfolding plan, recorded for all to see. It shows that even ordinary historical accounts, when viewed through God's lens, become a testament to His faithfulness and His judgment.
This verse appears at the end of a narrative about Rehoboam, the first king of Judah after the united kingdom split. It follows an account of his reign which was marked by idolatry and conflict, largely seen as a consequence of his own pride and poor decisions, leading to divine judgment. The verse essentially serves as a concluding statement, pointing readers to a more detailed historical record for further information about Rehoboam's actions.
This verse appears at the end of a narrative about Rehoboam, the first king of Judah after the united kingdom split. It follows an account of his reign which was marked by idolatry and conflict, largely seen as a consequence of his own pride and poor decisions, leading to divine judgment. The verse essentially serves as a concluding statement, pointing readers to a more detailed historical record for further information about Rehoboam's actions.
"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?" — This verse isn't just a rhetorical question; it points to the whole story. By referencing the "Chronicles," it implies that Rehoboam's reign, even his failures, was part of God's unfolding plan, re…
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Last reviewed October 2026