King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 20:34 Mean?

2 Chronicles 20:34 in the King James Version says “Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani,...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel. book of Jehu: Heb. words, etc is mentioned: Heb. was made to ascend”

2 Chronicles 20:34 · KJV

Context

32

And he walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it, doing that which was right in the sight of the LORD.

33

Howbeit the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers.

34

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel. book of Jehu: Heb. words, etc is mentioned: Heb. was made to ascend

35

And after this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who did very wickedly:

36

And he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish: and they made the ships in Eziongeber.

Read 2 Chronicles 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְיֶ֙תֶר֙1 of 17

“Now the rest”

H3499

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

בְּדִבְרֵי֙2 of 17

“in the book”

H1697

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

יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֔ט3 of 17

“of Jehoshaphat”

H3092

jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem

הָרִֽאשֹׁנִ֖ים4 of 17

“first”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

וְהָאַֽחֲרֹנִ֑ים5 of 17

“and last”

H314

hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western

הִנָּ֣ם6 of 17
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

כְּתוּבִ֗ים7 of 17

“behold they are written”

H3789

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

בְּדִבְרֵי֙8 of 17

“in the book”

H1697

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

יֵה֣וּא9 of 17

“of Jehu”

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

בֶן10 of 17

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

חֲנָ֔נִי11 of 17

“of Hanani”

H2607

chanani, the name of six israelites

אֲשֶׁ֣ר12 of 17
H834

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

הֹֽעֲלָ֔ה13 of 17

“who is mentioned”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עַל14 of 17
H5921

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

סֵ֖פֶר15 of 17

“in the book”

H5612

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

מַלְכֵ֥י16 of 17

“of the kings”

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃17 of 17

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 20:34 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 2 Chronicles 20:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 16:12 Chronicles 19:21 Kings 16:72 Chronicles 12:152 Chronicles 13:222 Chronicles 16:11

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