King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 15:7 Mean?

1 Kings 15:7 in the King James Version says “Now the rest of the acts of Abijam, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Now the rest of the acts of Abijam, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? And there was war between Abijam and Jeroboam.

1 Kings 15:7 · KJV


Context

5

Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.

6

And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of his life.

7

Now the rest of the acts of Abijam, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? And there was war between Abijam and Jeroboam.

8

And Abijam slept with his fathers; and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead.

9

And in the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel reigned Asa over Judah.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now the rest of the acts of Abijam, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? And there was war between Abijam and Jeroboam.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of judah and israel: abijam, asa, nadab, baasha, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. This period (c. 930-850 BCE) saw rapid succession and instability, especially in the northern kingdom.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
  2. What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְיֶ֨תֶר1 of 21

Now the rest

H3499

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

דִּבְרֵ֥י2 of 21

of the acts

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲבִיָּ֖ם3 of 21

between Abijam

H38

abijam (or abijah), a king of judah

וְכָל4 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂ֔ה6 of 21

and all that he did

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הֲלוֹא7 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֵ֣ם8 of 21
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

כְּתוּבִ֗ים9 of 21

are they not written

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

עַל10 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

סֵ֛פֶר11 of 21

in the book

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

דִּבְרֵ֥י12 of 21

of the acts

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַיָּמִ֖ים13 of 21
H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

לְמַלְכֵ֣י14 of 21

of the kings

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֑ה15 of 21

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וּמִלְחָמָ֥ה16 of 21

And there was war

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

הָֽיְתָ֛ה17 of 21
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בֵּ֥ין18 of 21
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

אֲבִיָּ֖ם19 of 21

between Abijam

H38

abijam (or abijah), a king of judah

וּבֵ֥ין20 of 21
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

יָֽרָבְעָֽם׃21 of 21

and Jeroboam

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 15:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 15:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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