Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, first and last, behold, are they not written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel?

2 CHRONICLES 25:26KJV
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2 Chronicles 25:26 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 25:26 mean?

2 Chronicles 25:26 states that the rest of King Amaziah’s deeds, from the beginning to the end of his reign, are recorded in another historical source called the “book of the kings of Judah and Israel.” This verse signals to the reader that more details about Amaziah’s life and actions can be found in that record.

This statement comes near the end of Amaziah’s story in the book of 2 Chronicles. The writer is wrapping up the account of Amaziah, the king of Judah, by pointing readers to another source for further information. This was a common way for biblical writers to close a king’s biography, showing that their account is a summary and that fuller records existed at the time.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 25:26

  • “rest” (יֶתֶר, yether): This word often means “the remainder” or “what is left.” Here, it refers to all the other events and deeds of Amaziah not detailed in this book.
  • “acts” (דָּבָר, davar): While often translated as “acts” or “deeds,” this word can also mean “words” or “matters.” It covers everything significant about Amaziah’s reign, not just his actions.
  • “written” (כָּתַב, kathav): This verb means “to write.” The verse emphasizes that these records were formally documented, not just passed down orally.
  • “book” (סֵפֶר, sefer): This refers to a written scroll or record, highlighting that there were official archives or histories kept for the kings of Judah and Israel.

Why 2 Chronicles 25:26 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the biblical account is selective and not exhaustive, pointing readers to other historical records for more information about Amaziah.
  • It shows that the chronicler valued historical sources and wanted readers to know that the events of the kings were carefully documented.
  • By mentioning both Judah and Israel, the verse connects Amaziah’s story to the broader history of both kingdoms, emphasizing the shared and recorded legacy of the people.

Where else these words appear

“Amaziah” Hebrew H558 · used in 39 verses

  • 2 Kings 12:21 For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 15:1 In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign.
  • 2 Chronicles 25:15 Wherefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand?

“last” Hebrew H314 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 33:2 And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost.
  • 1 Kings 17:13 And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.
  • Psalms 78:6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:

“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.