Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash that he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse, while seemingly just a reference, highlights something powerful: the very ordinariness of Jehoash's reign is recorded in the official annals, implying his significant battle with Amaziah wasn't a world-altering event in the grand scope of Israel's history. It reminds us that while our personal dramas and victories feel immense, they are often just chapters within a much larger, divine story.
Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash that he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes at the end of a summary of King Jehoash of Israel's reign. It refers back to a significant battle Jehoash fought against King Amaziah of Judah, a conflict that had serious consequences for both kingdoms. The passage points the reader to a larger historical record for more details, highlighting that this account is just a recap of major events.
Ever wondered what history books the ancient Israelites used? This verse points to them. But what was their purpose?
The verse mentions "the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel." This wasn't just a dry history book; it was a compilation of significant events, often framed with a theological perspective. The chronicler's goal was to show God's hand in the rise and fall of kings and nations, and to teach lessons for the present.
The Purpose of Kings' Chronicles
This verse mentions a conflict between two kings. This wasn't an isolated incident, but part of a recurring theme in the divided kingdoms.
The interaction between Jehoash of Israel and Amaziah of Judah highlights the ongoing tension and warfare between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Despite being descendants of the same people, their divided kingdoms often led to conflict.
The Cycle of Conflict
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Understand the original words
geburah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the physical strength, prowess, or military power of a ruler or individual, often associated with the success or failure of a king in his administration and warfare.
dibre hayyamim · Hebrew Noun phrase
A historical record or archive kept in ancient Israel, documenting the reigns, accomplishments, wars, and spiritual states of the kings, reflecting the theological evaluation of their rule.
The verse points to specific historical events, like the military confrontation between Jehoash of Israel and Amaziah of Judah, grounding its narrative in the political realities and power struggles of the divided kingdoms.
c. 853 BC
Battle of Qarqar
A major battle where the Neo-Assyrian Empire clashed with a coalition of smaller Near Eastern states. This marks a significant point in regional power dynamics.
c. 842 BC
Jehu's Rebellion
Jehu violently overthrew the Omri dynasty in Israel, becoming king. This period saw significant upheaval and shift in Israelite leadership.
c. 800-780 BC
Reign of Jeroboam II
Jeroboam II, son of Jehoash, ruled Israel during a period of renewed prosperity and expansion, reclaiming lost territories.
c. 798 BC— this verse
Reign of Jehoash of Israel
Jehoash, father of Jeroboam II, reigned as king of Israel. His reign is characterized by conflict and the recovery of some Israelite cities.
c. 796 BC
Jehoash Fights Amaziah
King Jehoash of Israel defeated and captured Amaziah, king of Judah, at Beth-Shemesh. This victory asserted Israel's dominance over Judah at that time.
c. 782 BC
Fall of Damascus
The city of Damascus, a major regional power, fell to the Assyrian king Adad-nirari III. This event shifted the balance of power in the region.
This passage provides the Judahite perspective on the exact same battle between Jehoash of Israel and Amaziah of Judah, highlighting Amaziah's defeat and the subsequent plundering of Jerusalem's temple.
2 Kings 14:8-14This section immediately precedes our verse and details the actual conflict between Jehoash and Amaziah, including Jehoash's victory and the breaking down of Jerusalem's wall.
2 Kings 15:1-7This passage continues the history of Jehoash's son, Jeroboam II, in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, showing how Jehoash's reign laid the groundwork for further expansion and stability.
1 Samuel 8:19-20This passage reflects the people's desire for a king who would 'go out before us and fight our battles' like other nations, a desire that King Jehoash fulfilled in his conflict with Judah.
This verse, while seemingly just a reference, highlights something powerful: the very ordinariness of Jehoash's reign is recorded in the official annals, implying his significant battle with Amaziah wasn't a world-altering event in the grand scope of Israel's history. It reminds us that while our personal dramas and victories feel immense, they are often just chapters within a much larger, divine story.
This verse comes at the end of a summary of King Jehoash of Israel's reign. It refers back to a significant battle Jehoash fought against King Amaziah of Judah, a conflict that had serious consequences for both kingdoms. The passage points the reader to a larger historical record for more details, highlighting that this account is just a recap of major events.
This verse comes at the end of a summary of King Jehoash of Israel's reign. It refers back to a significant battle Jehoash fought against King Amaziah of Judah, a conflict that had serious consequences for both kingdoms. The passage points the reader to a larger historical record for more details, highlighting that this account is just a recap of major events.
"Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash that he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?" — This verse, while seemingly just a reference, highlights something powerful: the very ordinariness of Jehoash's reign is recorded in the official annals, implying his significant battle with Amazia…
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Last reviewed October 2026