2 Kings 14:15-16
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? And Jehoash slept with his fathers and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel, and Jeroboam his son reigned in his place.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easy to miss here is the casual way this verse points us to a lost treasure trove of biblical history – the very "Chronicles of the Kings of Israel" it mentions. This isn't just a side note; it highlights that the Bible we have is a curated collection, pointing to a much larger library of God's work in the world that we don't possess today. It invites us to ponder how much more we could know about God's faithfulness if we had every single story.
This passage appears near the end of the summary of King Jehoash's reign in Israel. It's following a description of his military victory over Judah, specifically his battle with King Amaziah. The verse itself is essentially a concluding remark, pointing the reader to a more detailed historical record for further information about Jehoash's reign and his conflict with Judah.
Ever wonder where all the stories of kings went? This verse points to a vast library of ancient records.
Beyond the Bible's Pages
This verse tells us that the biblical account we have is not the only record of Israel's history. The author of 2 Kings is referring to a larger collection of historical writings, known as the "Chronicles of the Kings of Israel." Think of it like this: the Bible is a curated collection of God's inspired Word, highlighting His covenant relationship with His people and His work in history. But there were other, contemporary historical annals being kept. This verse assures us that the events described aren't fabricated; they were documented in the official records of the time. It builds confidence in the reliability of Scripture by showing its accounts were corroborated by secular or less inspired historical sources.
Purpose of the Chronicles
These "Chronicles" likely served as the official historical archives of the Israelite monarchy. They would have contained detailed accounts of reigns, battles, treaties, and royal lineages. The author of 2 Kings is essentially saying, 'If you want the details about Jehoash's reign and his fight with Amaziah, you can find them in the official royal records.' This practice of keeping detailed historical accounts was common in ancient Near Eastern kingdoms.
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When kings fought, who was really in charge? This verse reminds us that even political conflicts unfold under divine sovereignty.
A Small Kingdom's Conflict
The specific conflict mentioned here is between Jehoash, king of Israel (the northern kingdom), and Amaziah, king of Judah (the southern kingdom). These were two often-rivalrous, divided kingdoms. Their military clashes were significant events within the political landscape of their time. The fact that this conflict is deemed important enough to be recorded in both the "Chronicles" and in the books of Kings and Chronicles highlights its impact.
God's Hand in History
While the "Chronicles" might have focused on the political and military aspects, the biblical writers recorded these events within the larger narrative of God's covenant with His people. The battles and reigns of kings, even when seemingly driven by human ambition or conflict, are presented as part of God's unfolding plan. He uses human actions, both good and bad, to accomplish His purposes and to judge or bless His people according to their faithfulness. Even in the "might" and the "fighting" of kings, God's ultimate sovereignty is at work.
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.
shakhab im abotav · Hebrew Verb
The common biblical euphemism for death, signifying that a person has joined their ancestors in Sheol or the grave, and indicating the end of their earthly life and reign.
This verse highlights how specific historical events, like the military conflict between Israel and Judah, were considered important enough to be recorded in the official royal chronicles of the time.
c. 800-785 BC
Reign of Jehoash of Israel
Jehoash ruled the Northern Kingdom of Israel during a period of relative resurgence after earlier Syrian oppression. He is noted for his military strength.
c. 795-767 BC
Reign of Amaziah of Judah
Amaziah was the king of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. He sought to restore Judah's strength and also engaged in military campaigns.
c. 790 BC— this verse
War Between Israel and Judah
Jehoash of Israel fought and defeated Amaziah of Judah in a significant battle, capturing Amaziah and breaching the walls of Jerusalem.
c. 785 BC
Death of Jehoash
Jehoash's reign concluded, leaving a legacy of military success that included his pivotal victory over Judah.
This verse, like 2 Kings 14:15, points to the 'Book of the Chronicles' as a source of historical and genealogical information for the divided kingdoms.
2 Chronicles 25:17-24This passage details the very war between Jehoash of Israel and Amaziah of Judah mentioned in 2 Kings 14:15, providing the Judahite perspective and outcome.
1 Kings 14:19Similar to 2 Kings 14:15, this verse references the 'Book of the Kings of Israel' as the source for the deeds of Jeroboam, highlighting a recurring literary convention in Kings.
2 Chronicles 36:11-12This passage speaks about the unfaithfulness recorded in the historical books, echoing the sentiment that the actions of kings, even negative ones, were documented.
What's easy to miss here is the casual way this verse points us to a lost treasure trove of biblical history – the very "Chronicles of the Kings of Israel" it mentions. This isn't just a side note; it highlights that the Bible we have is a curated collection, pointing to a much larger library of God's work in the world that we don't possess today. It invites us to ponder how much more we could know about God's faithfulness if we had every single story.
This passage appears near the end of the summary of King Jehoash's reign in Israel. It's following a description of his military victory over Judah, specifically his battle with King Amaziah. The verse itself is essentially a concluding remark, pointing the reader to a more detailed historical record for further information about Jehoash's reign and his conflict with Judah.
This passage appears near the end of the summary of King Jehoash's reign in Israel. It's following a description of his military victory over Judah, specifically his battle with King Amaziah. The verse itself is essentially a concluding remark, pointing the reader to a more detailed historical record for further information about Jehoash's reign and his conflict with Judah.
"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? And Jehoash slept with his fathers and was buried in S…" — What's easy to miss here is the casual way this verse points us to a lost treasure trove of biblical history – the very "Chronicles of the Kings of Israel" it mentions. This isn't just a side note;…
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