The rest of the deeds of Hezekiah and all his might and how he made the pool and the conduit and brought water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to read this as just a closing statement, but it highlights that Hezekiah's secular accomplishments, like his ingenious water system, were also seen as part of God's work in his reign. This reminds us that God cares about the practical, everyday matters we accomplish, not just the overtly spiritual ones.
The rest of the deeds of Hezekiah and all his might and how he made the pool and the conduit and brought water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse concludes the account of King Hezekiah's life, following his miraculous recovery from a deadly illness and God's deliverance from the Assyrians. After detailing these major events, the historian points to Hezekiah's significant public works, like his engineering projects to secure the city's water supply, as further evidence of his strength and devotion as king. The passage then defers to the official royal records for a more complete account of his reign.
We often think of might as military power or grand palaces. But what if a king's greatest strength was something much more practical?
More Than Battles
This verse highlights Hezekiah's "might." While he was a capable military and political leader (as we see in 2 Kings 18-19), the specific example given here is ingenious water management. He didn't just win wars; he secured the survival of his people.
Engineering for Life
Hezekiah's construction of the pool and the underground conduit wasn't just a building project. It was a strategic move to ensure Jerusalem had a water supply, especially crucial during times of siege (as hinted at by Sennacherib's invasion mentioned earlier in his reign). His might was shown in foresight and resourcefulness for the well-being of his city.
Why does the Bible mention these records? What's the point of knowing that 'the rest of the deeds' are written down elsewhere?
History for the Humbled
The Chronicler (who compiled these accounts) often focused on the spiritual and moral lessons of kings. Here, by pointing to the "Chronicles of the Kings of Judah," the author signals that the full historical account exists, including all the details of Hezekiah's reign.
A Deeper Perspective
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This isn't just a historical footnote; it's a theological statement. It means that God sees the entirety of our lives and actions, not just the highlights or the parts that make it into a concise narrative. The detailed records, though not fully reproduced here, served as a testament to Hezekiah's diligence and faithfulness in all aspects of his rule.
Understand the original words
dabar · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the accomplishments, undertakings, or historical events surrounding an individual's life, often recorded for posterity to assess their moral or military legacy.
geburah · Hebrew Noun
The raw strength, valor, or military power of a king or nation. In Scripture, it is often evaluated by whether it is used in obedience to God or in self-reliance.
te'alah · Hebrew Noun
An artificial channel or watercourse designed to divert water into a city, crucial for survival during a siege. It symbolizes human ingenuity and the necessity of sustaining life in the face of impending adversity.
This verse highlights King Hezekiah's critical infrastructure project, undertaken during a period of intense geopolitical crisis with the mighty Assyrian Empire. The tunnel project was a matter of survival, demonstrating his faith and resourcefulness in the face of overwhelming odds.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Israel
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrian Empire under Shalmaneser V and Sargon II. This leaves Judah as the sole remaining Israelite kingdom, vulnerable and under increasing pressure from Assyria.
c. 705-701 BC
Sennacherib's Campaign Against Judah
Assyrian king Sennacherib invades Judah, conquering many fortified cities and besieging Jerusalem. Hezekiah pays a heavy tribute to Assyria, but the siege continues.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Hezekiah's Water Project
Facing the Assyrian siege, King Hezekiah undertakes a massive engineering project to secure Jerusalem's water supply. He digs a tunnel from the Gihon Spring to the west side of the City of David, ensuring water within the walls.
c. 700 BC
Assyrian Withdrawal
Sennacherib's army withdraws from Jerusalem under mysterious circumstances, possibly due to plague or a diversionary conflict elsewhere. Jerusalem is spared destruction, but Judah remains a vassal state.
This passage directly echoes 2 Kings 20:20, adding that Hezekiah also 'made reservoirs and brought all his water in pipes into the city,' highlighting his resourcefulness during a time of crisis.
Isaiah 36:1-3This chapter describes the Assyrian king Sennacherib's invasion and his boastful threats against Jerusalem, providing the historical context for Hezekiah's water projects as a defensive measure.
2 Chronicles 31:20-21These verses commend Hezekiah's faithfulness and his diligent execution of God's commands in all his work, suggesting his water projects were part of a larger pattern of righteous leadership.
Jeremiah 52:11Although this verse speaks of Nebuchadnezzar's actions, it mentions the king's 'house and his royal palace being plundered,' showing that the 'Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah' was a historical record referenced even after Jerusalem's fall.
It's easy to read this as just a closing statement, but it highlights that Hezekiah's secular accomplishments, like his ingenious water system, were also seen as part of God's work in his reign. This reminds us that God cares about the practical, everyday matters we accomplish, not just the overtly spiritual ones.
This verse concludes the account of King Hezekiah's life, following his miraculous recovery from a deadly illness and God's deliverance from the Assyrians. After detailing these major events, the historian points to Hezekiah's significant public works, like his engineering projects to secure the city's water supply, as further evidence of his strength and devotion as king. The passage then defers to the official royal records for a more complete account of his reign.
This verse concludes the account of King Hezekiah's life, following his miraculous recovery from a deadly illness and God's deliverance from the Assyrians. After detailing these major events, the historian points to Hezekiah's significant public works, like his engineering projects to secure the city's water supply, as further evidence of his strength and devotion as king. The passage then defers to the official royal records for a more complete account of his reign.
"The rest of the deeds of Hezekiah and all his might and how he made the pool and the conduit and brought water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?" — It's easy to read this as just a closing statement, but it highlights that Hezekiah's secular accomplishments, like his ingenious water system, were also seen as part of God's work in his reign. Th…
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Last reviewed October 2026