Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, and all that he did, and his might, how he warred, and how he recovered Damascus, and Hamath, which belonged to Judah, for Israel, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

2 KINGS 14:28KJV
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2 Kings 14:28 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 14:28 mean?

2 Kings 14:28 states that the rest of King Jeroboam’s deeds—including his military strength, his battles, and how he regained control of Damascus and Hamath for Israel—are recorded in another historical book called the chronicles of the kings of Israel. This verse points readers to another source for more details about Jeroboam’s reign.

This verse comes near the end of a summary about Jeroboam II, who ruled the northern kingdom of Israel. The writer is wrapping up Jeroboam’s story by mentioning his notable achievements and directing readers to a now-lost record for further information. The verse highlights that Jeroboam managed to recover important cities that had once belonged to Judah, showing his power and influence during his reign.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 14:28

  • The word “rest” (יֶתֶר, yether) means what remains or what is left over. Here, it refers to all the other acts of Jeroboam not detailed in this book.
  • “Acts” (דָּבָר, davar) is a broad word that can mean words, matters, or deeds, emphasizing the full range of Jeroboam’s activities.
  • “Recovered” (שׁוּב, shuv) means to return or bring back. The verse notes that Jeroboam brought Damascus and Hamath back under Israel’s control, which had once belonged to Judah.
  • “Chronicles” (דָּבָר, davar; יָמִים, yamim) literally means “words” or “matters of days,” pointing to a historical record or annals, not the biblical book of Chronicles but a separate record of the kings’ reigns.

Why 2 Kings 14:28 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the biblical account is selective and that more information about Jeroboam II was available to ancient readers, showing the Bible’s focus on key events rather than exhaustive history.
  • The mention of recovering Damascus and Hamath shows Jeroboam’s military success and hints at a period of political strength for Israel, which contrasts with the instability often described elsewhere in Kings.
  • By referencing the “book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel,” the verse connects this passage to a larger tradition of royal records, reminding readers that the biblical narrative is part of a broader historical context.

Where else these words appear

“Hamath” Hebrew H2574 · used in 35 verses

  • Numbers 13:21 So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath.
  • 2 Kings 23:33 And Pharaohnechoh put him in bands at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem; and put the land to a tribute of an hundred talents of silver, and a talent of gold.
  • Isaiah 37:13 Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arphad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah?

“Damascus” Hebrew H1834 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 14:15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
  • 2 Kings 16:11 And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus: so Urijah the priest made it against king Ahaz came from Damascus.
  • Isaiah 17:3 The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts.

“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.

“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.