2 Chronicles 27 7

2 Chronicles 27:7 kjv

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.

2 Chronicles 27:7 nkjv

Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars and his ways, indeed they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.

2 Chronicles 27:7 niv

The other events in Jotham's reign, including all his wars and the other things he did, are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.

2 Chronicles 27:7 esv

Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars and his ways, behold, they are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah.

2 Chronicles 27:7 nlt

The rest of the events of Jotham's reign, including all his wars and other activities, are recorded in The Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah.

2 Chronicles 27 verses

2 Chronicles 27 7 Meaning

2 Chronicles 27:7 concludes the summary of King Jotham's reign, affirming that the detailed accounts of his actions, military campaigns, and overall conduct are formally recorded in an official historical source titled "The Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah." This verse emphasizes the Chronicler's reliance on and reference to broader historical annals beyond the scope of this biblical narrative, validating the information presented.

2 Chronicles 27 7 Context

Verse Context: 2 Chronicles 27:7 marks the conclusion of Jotham's biographical sketch in Chronicles. It acts as a standard colophon or closing formula, redirecting the reader to more exhaustive accounts of the king's activities found in non-biblical historical records. This verse immediately follows the statement about Jotham growing mighty "because he ordered his ways before the Lord his God" (v. 6), directly preceding the transition to his son Ahaz's reign.

Chapter Context: Chapter 27 focuses entirely on Jotham's 16-year reign (27:1, 7). It introduces him as a righteous king who did "what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah had done" (27:2). Unlike his father, Jotham did not enter the temple unlawfully. The chapter highlights his achievements: building the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD, extensively building on the wall of Ophel, and constructing cities and fortresses in the Judean hills and forests (27:3-4). He fought against the Ammonites and subjected them to tribute for three years (27:5). The chapter attributes his success and might to his devotion to God (27:6). Verse 7 concludes this narrative, indicating his death and burial in the city of David, and his son Ahaz succeeding him (27:8-9).

Historical Context: Jotham reigned in Judah during the latter half of the 8th century BCE (approximately 742-735 BCE), succeeding his father Uzziah. Uzziah's reign had been long and prosperous, but he suffered from leprosy in his later years, leading to Jotham ruling as co-regent. Jotham inherited a strong and well-organized kingdom. His era was a time of significant Assyrian expansion, a major geopolitical threat that would profoundly impact Israel and Judah. Despite the external pressures, Jotham maintained Judah's strength and spiritual order, in contrast to some of his less pious predecessors and successors. The reference to the "Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah" points to the prevalent practice in the ancient Near East of maintaining official court annals, which were critical historical documents often recording military campaigns, building projects, and other state affairs.

2 Chronicles 27 7 Word analysis

• Now: (Hebrew: וְיֶתֶר, v'yeter - "and the rest/remainder"). A common transitional marker in historical narratives, especially in Chronicles and Kings, signifying a continuation or a concluding reference to fuller accounts. It often introduces a formula that points to more detailed information elsewhere.
• the rest of the acts: (Hebrew: דִּבְרֵי, divrei - "words, matters, affairs, chronicles, events"). This refers to the full body of Jotham's deeds, accomplishments, and governmental activities not exhaustively recounted in the biblical narrative. The Chronicler selects only highlights relevant to his theological and historical purpose. "Acts" often denotes events and chronicles, emphasizing the recorded nature.
• of Jotham: Clearly identifies the subject of the summary, King Jotham of Judah.
• and all his wars: (Hebrew: וְכָל מִלְחֲמֹתָיו, v'khol milchamotav - "and all his battles/wars"). Specifically mentions military campaigns. While only one conflict against the Ammonites is mentioned in 27:5, this phrase suggests he may have been involved in others, or that the details of this one war were more extensive. It underscores a key aspect of ancient kingship – military leadership.
• and his ways: (Hebrew: וּדְרָכָיו, u'drachav - "and his paths, conduct, character"). This is a broader term encompassing his moral conduct, administrative decisions, policies, and the overall manner of his rule. In a biblical context, "ways" often carries a significant ethical or religious connotation, indicating how one lives in relation to God and others.
• behold, they are written: (Hebrew: הִנָּם כְּתוּבִים, hinnam k'tuvim - "behold them written"). This emphatic phrase confirms the existence and accessibility of these historical records. "Behold" draws attention to the truth and reliability of the statement. It serves as an assertion of historical fact and the Chronicler's authority for brevity.
• in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah: (Hebrew: עַל סֵפֶר מַלְכֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וִיהוּדָה, al sefer Malkhei Yisra'el v'Yehudah - "upon the book of the Kings of Israel and Judah"). This is a citation of a specific, non-canonical historical work, often referred to by scholars as the "Royal Annals" or "Court Records." It is distinct from the biblical books of 1 & 2 Kings, though the biblical authors certainly used such sources. This "Book of Kings" would have been a comprehensive compendium of records concerning both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, affirming the unified scope of Jotham's (and other kings') actions. It legitimizes the summary by referencing a larger, presumed authoritative archive.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars, and his ways: This phrase serves as a concise summary encapsulating the full spectrum of Jotham's reign: his general achievements (acts), his specific military engagements (wars), and his character or governance (ways). It implies that the Chronicler presents only a curated selection, not a full biography. This tripartite categorization covers the public and personal aspects of his rule.
• behold, they are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah: This group of words acts as an ancient form of bibliography or historical attribution. It provides an authoritative source for anyone seeking more detailed information, affirming the factual basis of the biblical account. It highlights the Chronicler's methodical approach to history writing, demonstrating that his work is not merely narrative but is based on verifiable, albeit external, records. This formula underscores the historiographical practice of the time and the reliability of the Chronicler's claims, implying transparency in his sources.

2 Chronicles 27 7 Bonus section

The recurring "Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah" formula suggests a common body of official annals used by the biblical authors, distinct from our canonical books of Kings. This indicates that the biblical narratives themselves are selections from larger, pre-existing historical records, crafted with a specific theological purpose: to highlight Judah's spiritual faithfulness and the consequences of its departure from God's commands. The Chronicler, writing much later (likely post-exilic), uses these citations to bridge the past with the present for his audience, reminding them of God's consistent dealings with their ancestors and the historical rootedness of their faith. This method affirms the authenticity of the past and reinforces God's enduring covenant and moral law throughout the history of His people.

2 Chronicles 27 7 Commentary

2 Chronicles 27:7 provides a standard conclusion to the Chronicler's account of a king's reign, typical for both good and bad rulers in Chronicles and Kings. It signals the completion of Jotham's narrative and directs the reader to further historical documentation. Despite Jotham's brief account in 2 Chronicles (primarily praising his righteousness and construction projects), this verse ensures the reader understands that his complete reign, including details on his conduct and military activities, was fully recorded in royal annals. This emphasis on written records validates the biblical summary, placing it within a larger context of historical accuracy and reliable source material. It underlines the importance of accurate record-keeping in ancient Israel and God's sovereign oversight even over human history. This verse is not just a summary but a testimonial to the integrity of the historical process God uses.