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.

2 CHRONICLES 28:26KJV
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2 Chronicles 28:26 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 28:26 mean?

2 Chronicles 28:26 says that the rest of King Ahaz’s actions and everything he did, from beginning to end, are recorded in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. This verse points readers to another written record for more details about Ahaz’s reign.

The writer of Chronicles is summing up the life of King Ahaz, who ruled Judah. The verse comes near the end of a section describing Ahaz’s troubled reign, marked by unfaithfulness and hardship. By mentioning the “book of the kings of Judah and Israel,” the Chronicler is letting readers know that this account is not the only source and that more information can be found elsewhere.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 28:26

  • “rest” (יֶתֶר, yether): This word means “what remains” or “the remainder.” It signals that the writer is not giving a full account but only a summary.
  • “acts” (דָּבָר, davar): Often translated as “deeds” or “matters,” this word covers both actions and events, suggesting a broad record of Ahaz’s life.
  • “ways” (דֶּרֶךְ, derekh): This word means “ways” or “conduct,” pointing to Ahaz’s character and the manner in which he ruled, not just his actions.
  • “book” (סֵפֶר, sefer): This refers to a written scroll or record, highlighting that official histories were kept and that this summary is based on those records.

Why 2 Chronicles 28:26 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the account in Chronicles is selective and that a fuller record of Ahaz’s reign exists elsewhere, which helps readers understand the limits of the narrative here.
  • By mentioning both Judah and Israel, the Chronicler connects Ahaz’s story to the broader history of both kingdoms, showing that his actions had significance beyond just Judah.
  • The verse marks a transition point, signaling the end of Ahaz’s story and preparing the reader for the next king’s account.

Where else these words appear

“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 27:7 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars, and his ways, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.