2 Kings 14:18-20
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This verse is a subtle reminder that even kings who stray from God's path have their deeds recorded. It pushes back on the idea that only the "good" stories are worth remembering; the consequences of disobedience are just as important to chronicle for future generations.
Now the rest of the deeds of Amaziah, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? And they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish. But they sent after him to Lachish and put him to death there. And they brought him on horses; and he was buried in Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David.
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Amaziah of Judah has just experienced a significant military victory and a subsequent act of defiance against God that led to his downfall. The historian is concluding the account of Amaziah's reign, pointing readers to a more detailed historical record for further information about his actions. This verse serves as a transition, marking the end of Amaziah's story and preparing to introduce the next king of Judah.
Ever feel like some stories get lost or forgotten? This verse reminds us that history is so much bigger than what we see in our Bibles.
The Bible is inspired and sufficient for our salvation and spiritual life, but it doesn't record every single detail about every person. When the Bible says "are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?", it's referencing a larger historical record that existed at the time. Think of it like an appendix or a detailed biography that's no longer available to us. This acknowledges that while the spiritually significant parts of Amaziah's life are preserved for us, there were other events, perhaps less spiritually critical but still historically relevant, that were documented elsewhere. It highlights that the biblical authors were aware of other sources and drew from them.
Why does the Bible choose these stories and leave others out? It's not an oversight; it's intentional divine guidance.
The books of Kings and Chronicles are not meant to be exhaustive historical encyclopedias. Their purpose is theological: to show God's hand at work in history, to reveal His covenant faithfulness, and to instruct His people on obedience and its consequences. The details included are those that serve this divine purpose.
What's Included:
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What's Left Out:
The omission of Amaziah's other deeds from this record doesn't make them unimportant historically, but it signifies they weren't essential for the spiritual and theological lesson the biblical author intended to convey to us.
Understand the original words
sefer dibre hayyamim · Hebrew Noun phrase
A formal record or historical account of events, typically documenting the reigns of monarchs or the history of a people, often cited in the Bible as a source for further historical detail.
qesher · Hebrew Noun
A secret plot or unlawful agreement by a group to overthrow, harm, or depose a person in authority, often resulting in violence or treason.
Yerushalayim · Hebrew Noun
The central city of Judah, the seat of the Davidic monarchy, and the holy site where the Temple of the Lord was located; it served as the political and spiritual capital of the kingdom.
ir Dawid · Hebrew Noun phrase
Often called the 'City of David,' it refers specifically to the fortress of Zion, the original core of Jerusalem captured from the Jebusites and the burial place of the kings of the Davidic line.
This verse points to the existence of comprehensive royal chronicles in ancient Judah, serving as the primary source for the Deuteronomistic historian's narrative, highlighting the importance of official records in preserving history.
c. 796-767 BC— this verse
Reign of Amaziah of Judah
Amaziah ruled as king of Judah, succeeding his father Joash. He had a long reign marked by both military success and spiritual failure.
c. 790 BC
Victory over Edom
Amaziah achieved a significant military victory over the Edomites in the Valley of Salt. He even adopted their gods after the triumph.
c. 788 BC
Conflict with Israel
Amaziah rashly challenged King Jehoash of Israel, leading to a disastrous defeat for Judah. Jerusalem's walls were breached.
c. 770s BC
Assassination of Amaziah
Following a conspiracy, Amaziah fled to Lachish but was eventually assassinated there, ending his troubled reign.
This passage provides more detail about Amaziah's reign and his eventual downfall, directly referencing actions hinted at in 2 Kings 14:18.
2 Kings 15:1-7This section continues the narrative after Amaziah's reign, showing the consequences of his actions and the subsequent history of Judah, which contextualizes the incomplete account in the earlier verse.
1 Kings 14:29This verse uses the same phrasing, 'Are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?', indicating a common historiographical practice in ancient Israel for recording royal deeds.
Jeremiah 17:1-4This prophetic passage critiques the kings of Judah for their sins, including setting up high places and offering incense to other gods, reflecting the broader spiritual condition that often marked the reigns of kings like Amaziah.
This verse is a subtle reminder that even kings who stray from God's path have their deeds recorded. It pushes back on the idea that only the "good" stories are worth remembering; the consequences of disobedience are just as important to chronicle for future generations.
King Amaziah of Judah has just experienced a significant military victory and a subsequent act of defiance against God that led to his downfall. The historian is concluding the account of Amaziah's reign, pointing readers to a more detailed historical record for further information about his actions. This verse serves as a transition, marking the end of Amaziah's story and preparing to introduce the next king of Judah.
King Amaziah of Judah has just experienced a significant military victory and a subsequent act of defiance against God that led to his downfall. The historian is concluding the account of Amaziah's reign, pointing readers to a more detailed historical record for further information about his actions. This verse serves as a transition, marking the end of Amaziah's story and preparing to introduce the next king of Judah.
"Now the rest of the deeds of Amaziah, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? And they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish. But they sent after him to Lachish and put him to…" — This verse is a subtle reminder that even kings who stray from God's path have their deeds recorded. It pushes back on the idea that only the "good" stories are worth remembering; the consequences of…
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Last reviewed October 2026
