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 28:26KJVWhat 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.