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 14:28KJVWhat 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.