2 Kings 14:15-16
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This seemingly simple historical reference actually highlights a crucial point: the availability of truth. The author points to other records, implying that a fuller understanding of Jehoash's reign, including his battles, was readily accessible to those who sought it, a testament to the importance of diligently preserving and consulting God's recorded acts. It’s a gentle reminder that history, especially God's history with His people, is meant to be known and learned from.
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)
This passage comes from a section summarizing the reigns of various kings of Israel and Judah. The author is pointing readers to the official historical records for more details about King Jehoash's military exploits, particularly his conflict with King Amaziah of Judah, indicating that this particular narrative is a prelude to a more detailed account or a transition to a new king's story.
Ever feel like your life's story is being missed or minimized? This verse touches on that feeling, reminding us that not every detail makes it into the main narrative.
The author of 2 Kings points us to another source – the Chronicles – for more details about King Jehoash's reign.
The "Main Story"
The Book of Kings often focuses on the overarching spiritual and political trajectory of Israel and Judah. It highlights kings based on their faithfulness (or lack thereof) to God's covenant.
The "Detailed Notes"
The Chronicles, on the other hand, sometimes offers more specific accounts of military campaigns, economic details, and the personal might of rulers. It's like the difference between a historical summary and a more in-depth biography.
Our Own Stories
This reminds us that even if our actions aren't recorded in the grand annals of history, they still matter. God sees the whole picture, the details and the broad strokes.
Why would the author of Kings point us to another book? It shows us the importance of consulting different perspectives to get a fuller understanding.
The Bible isn't a single, monolithic book but a library of diverse writings. When one book refers to another (or to historical records not included in our canon), it encourages us to appreciate:
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Cross-Referencing Scripture
Just as we might check multiple news sources for a story, the inspired writers sometimes directed readers to other accounts for more information. This demonstrates the interconnectedness of biblical history.
God's Providence in Preservation
While we only have the books that made it into our canon, this verse assures us that God, in His wisdom, preserved the necessary records. The fact that these specific records were preserved and referenced shows divine oversight.
Humility in Knowledge
It’s a humble reminder that our understanding is often incomplete. We should be open to learning from various parts of Scripture and trusting that God has provided what we need.
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 a specific military conflict between two Israelite kingdoms, emphasizing that the details of their clash were recorded in the official annals of the northern kingdom of Israel.
c. 835 BC
Reign of King Jehoahaz of Israel
Jehoahaz ruled Israel during a period of oppression by the Arameans (Syrians), facing significant military defeats.
c. 830-815 BC
Reign of King Jehoash of Israel
Jehoash, son of Jehoahaz, continued to rule Israel. He achieved some military successes, including victories over the Arameans, and faced challenges within his kingdom.
c. 825-797 BC
Reign of King Amaziah of Judah
Amaziah became king of Judah and initially had a successful reign, including a significant victory over the Edomites. He later became arrogant and challenged Israel.
c. 800 BC— this verse
War Between Jehoash and Amaziah
King Jehoash of Israel and King Amaziah of Judah engaged in a fierce battle at Beth-shemesh. Jehoash decisively defeated Amaziah, capturing him and plundering Jerusalem.
c. 796 BC
Death of Jehoash of Israel
Jehoash died, and his son Jeroboam II succeeded him as king of Israel. Israel entered a period of renewed strength and expansion.
c. 796 BC
Death of Amaziah of Judah
Amaziah was assassinated in Lachish after a conspiracy against him. His son Uzziah (Azariah) succeeded him as king of Judah.
This verse, like 2 Kings 14:15, points to the 'Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel' as a source for further historical details about Israel's kings.
1 Kings 15:7This passage also refers to the 'Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel' for additional information concerning the reigns of Israel's kings, mirroring the function of the source mentioned in 2 Kings 14:15.
2 Chronicles 25:25-26This passage from Chronicles, which often parallels the books of Kings, also states that the full account of King Amaziah's life and conflicts, including his fight with Jehoash, was recorded in other historical writings.
Jeremiah 17:1The mention of writing on 'hearts of stone' and 'at the horns of the altars' in this prophetic passage echoes the idea of records and divine memory, hinting at the permanence of actions even when specific chronicles are lost to us.
This seemingly simple historical reference actually highlights a crucial point: the availability of truth. The author points to other records, implying that a fuller understanding of Jehoash's reign, including his battles, was readily accessible to those who sought it, a testament to the importance of diligently preserving and consulting God's recorded acts. It’s a gentle reminder that history, especially God's history with His people, is meant to be known and learned from.
This passage comes from a section summarizing the reigns of various kings of Israel and Judah. The author is pointing readers to the official historical records for more details about King Jehoash's military exploits, particularly his conflict with King Amaziah of Judah, indicating that this particular narrative is a prelude to a more detailed account or a transition to a new king's story.
This passage comes from a section summarizing the reigns of various kings of Israel and Judah. The author is pointing readers to the official historical records for more details about King Jehoash's military exploits, particularly his conflict with King Amaziah of Judah, indicating that this particular narrative is a prelude to a more detailed account or a transition to a new king's 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? And Jehoash slept with his fathers and was buried in S…" — This seemingly simple historical reference actually highlights a crucial point: the availability of truth. The author points to other records, implying that a fuller understanding of Jehoash's reig…
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Last reviewed October 2026
