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?

1 KINGS 22:45KJV
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1 Kings 22:45 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 22:45 mean?

1 Kings 22:45 points readers to a separate record for more information about King Jehoshaphat’s reign. The writer treats Jehoshaphat’s achievements and wars as part of a larger account than the one given here.

The question “are they not written” directs the original audience toward a known record rather than asking for an answer. Near the end of the account of Jehoshaphat’s reign, the question marks a move from the selected events in Kings to a fuller source.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 22:45

  • “acts” — דָּבָר (davar): This word can mean a matter, event, or thing. Here it covers the events and deeds associated with Jehoshaphat’s reign, not just a list of his personal actions.
  • “chronicles” — דָּבָר (davar) and יוֹם (yom): These words refer to matters or events and days. Together they describe a record of events over time.

Why 1 Kings 22:45 matters

  • The named source is not necessarily the biblical books called 1 and 2 Chronicles. The verse calls it “the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah,” a royal record to which the writer points.
  • The reference to “his might” and “how he warred” shows an interest in Jehoshaphat’s strength as a king, including his military activity. Verse 44 has just mentioned his peace with the king of Israel, so relations with another kingdom remain part of the surrounding account.

Where else these words appear

“might” Hebrew H1369 · used in 61 verses

  • Exodus 32:18 And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear.
  • Job 26:14 Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?
  • Proverbs 8:14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

“Jehoshaphat” Hebrew H3092 · used in 75 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:16 And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;
  • 2 Kings 3:7 And he went and sent to Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, saying, The king of Moab hath rebelled against me: wilt thou go with me against Moab to battle? And he said, I will go up: I am as thou art, my people as thy people, and my horses as thy horses.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:31 And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.

“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 22:39 Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did, and the ivory house which he made, and all the cities that he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
  • 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.