Now the rest of the acts of Abijam, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? And there was war between Abijam and Jeroboam.

1 KINGS 15:7KJV
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1 Kings 15:7 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 15:7 mean?

1 Kings 15:7 says that the rest of Abijam’s actions as king, along with everything he did, are recorded in another historical book, and that there was ongoing conflict between Abijam and Jeroboam. The verse points readers to other records for more details about Abijam’s reign and highlights the persistent warfare during his time.

This verse is part of a summary about King Abijam of Judah, written by the author of 1 Kings for readers interested in the history of Israel and Judah’s kings. It tells us that not all of Abijam’s deeds are listed here, but can be found in the “book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah,” and it notes the continued hostilities with Jeroboam, the king of Israel, giving a sense of the political tension of the period.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 15:7

  • “rest” (יֶתֶר, yether): This word means “remainder” or “what is left.” Here, it refers to the additional acts of Abijam not mentioned in this account, suggesting the biblical record is selective.
  • “acts” (דָּבָר, davar): Often translated “words,” “matters,” or “things,” this term covers both actions and events, so it includes everything significant about Abijam’s reign.
  • “written” (כָּתַב, kathav): This verb means “to write.” Its use here points to the existence of written historical records outside the biblical text, showing that the biblical authors drew from other sources.
  • “war” (מִלְחָמָה, milchamah): This word means “war” or “battle.” Its mention emphasizes that Abijam’s reign was marked by conflict, not peace, especially with Jeroboam.

Why 1 Kings 15:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the biblical account is not exhaustive and that other historical records existed, which helps readers understand the selective nature of the Bible’s historical books.
  • By mentioning the ongoing war with Jeroboam, the verse highlights the instability and division between the kingdoms of Judah and Israel during this period.
  • The reference to the “book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah” connects this verse to a broader tradition of royal record-keeping, showing that the biblical authors valued historical documentation.

Where else these words appear

“Abijam” Hebrew H38 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Kings 14:31 And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And his mother's name was Naamah an Ammonitess. And Abijam his son reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Kings 15:1 Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam the son of Nebat reigned Abijam over Judah.
  • 1 Kings 15:8 And Abijam slept with his fathers; and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead.

“rest” Hebrew H3499 · used in 95 verses

  • Genesis 49:3 Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:
  • 1 Kings 22:45 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, and his might that he shewed, and how he warred, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
  • 2 Chronicles 28:26 Now the rest of his acts and of all his ways, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.

“Jeroboam” Hebrew H3379 · used in 95 verses

  • 1 Kings 11:26 And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king.
  • 1 Kings 14:30 And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all their days.
  • 2 Kings 15:8 In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah king of Judah did Zachariah the son of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria six months.