2 Chronicles 20:34
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It's easy to overlook that Jehoshaphat's reign wasn't a perfect, uninterrupted success; this verse points to less flattering or more complex events being documented elsewhere. The mention of the "chronicles of Jehu the son of Hanani" hints that even godly kings had their struggles and their stories told by more critical historians. This reminds us that Scripture gives us the full picture, not just the highlights.
Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, from first to last, are written in the chronicles of Jehu the son of Hanani, which are recorded in the Book of the Kings of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a stunning victory won not by Israel's might but by God's direct intervention, King Jehoshaphat's reign is being summarized. The chronicler points readers to a fuller, more detailed account of Jehoshaphat's entire life and reign, noting that it’s preserved in other historical records. This verse essentially serves as a concluding remark for a significant portion of Jehoshaphat's story within Chronicles, directing us to further, perhaps more candid, historical writings.
Ever wonder how we know what ancient kings did? This verse points to a fascinating practice.
This verse highlights that the 'acts' of King Jehoshaphat weren't just his reign, but his entire story. The Bible often refers to 'chronicles' or 'annals' – official records kept by scribes or historians.
This verse isn't just a closing statement; it's a literary bridge connecting different parts of Scripture.
The Bible is a vast library, and sometimes, understanding one part requires seeing how it connects to others. This verse points us to other ancient sources that, while not fully preserved as part of our current Bible, contained information that the Holy Spirit inspired the biblical authors to draw upon.
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This verse points to the existence of comprehensive historical records kept by both Israel and Judah. The 'Book of the Kings' mentioned here likely refers to a combined or cross-referenced set of annals, now lost to us, that chronicled the deeds of rulers across both divided kingdoms.
c. 931 BC
Kingdom Divides
After King Solomon's death, the united kingdom of Israel splits into two: the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). This division marks a new political and religious landscape.
c. 873-848 BC— this verse
Reign of Jehoshaphat
Jehoshaphat rules as king of Judah, known for his reforms and initial alliance with the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which unfortunately involved intermarriage with the wicked house of Ahab.
c. 841 BC
Jehu's Coup in Israel
Jehu, an army commander, leads a violent rebellion and seizes the throne of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, executing the ruling king and the prophets of Baal.
c. 840 BC
Jehu's Chronicle Recorded
Following his bloody ascension to the throne, Jehu likely begins or commissions the recording of his reign and significant events, possibly incorporated into existing historical records.
This passage introduces Jehu, son of Hanani, the chronicler mentioned in 2 Chronicles 20:34, highlighting his prophetic role against King Baasha.
2 Kings 1:1This verse also references the 'book of the kings of Israel' and mentions that the acts of King Ahaziah were recorded in it, showing consistency in how historical records were kept and referenced.
1 Kings 15:29-30This shows a prior instance where the 'chronicles of the kings of Israel' were used to record the actions of King Baasha, indicating that Jehu's chronicles were likely part of this larger historical compilation.
2 Chronicles 16:11This verse demonstrates that the 'book of the kings of Israel and Judah' was a common source for recording the history of rulers, reinforcing the context for Jehu's chronicles.
It's easy to overlook that Jehoshaphat's reign wasn't a perfect, uninterrupted success; this verse points to less flattering or more complex events being documented elsewhere. The mention of the "chronicles of Jehu the son of Hanani" hints that even godly kings had their struggles and their stories told by more critical historians. This reminds us that Scripture gives us the full picture, not just the highlights.
After a stunning victory won not by Israel's might but by God's direct intervention, King Jehoshaphat's reign is being summarized. The chronicler points readers to a fuller, more detailed account of Jehoshaphat's entire life and reign, noting that it’s preserved in other historical records. This verse essentially serves as a concluding remark for a significant portion of Jehoshaphat's story within Chronicles, directing us to further, perhaps more candid, historical writings.
After a stunning victory won not by Israel's might but by God's direct intervention, King Jehoshaphat's reign is being summarized. The chronicler points readers to a fuller, more detailed account of Jehoshaphat's entire life and reign, noting that it’s preserved in other historical records. This verse essentially serves as a concluding remark for a significant portion of Jehoshaphat's story within Chronicles, directing us to further, perhaps more candid, historical writings.
"Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, from first to last, are written in the chronicles of Jehu the son of Hanani, which are recorded in the Book of the Kings of Israel." — It's easy to overlook that Jehoshaphat's reign wasn't a perfect, uninterrupted success; this verse points to less flattering or more complex events being documented elsewhere. The mention of the "chr…
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Last reviewed October 2026
