King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 28:26 Mean?

2 Chronicles 28:26 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Chronicles 28:26 · KJV

Context

24

And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of the LORD, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem.

25

And in every several city of Judah he made high places to burn incense unto other gods, and provoked to anger the LORD God of his fathers. to burn: or, to offer

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.

27

And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, even in Jerusalem: but they brought him not into the sepulchres of the kings of Israel: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.

Read 2 Chronicles 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Total rejection of God bringing catastrophic judgment. 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 · 13 words
וְיֶ֤תֶר1 of 13

“Now the rest”

H3499

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

דְּבָרָיו֙2 of 13

“of his acts”

H1697

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

וְכָל3 of 13
H3605

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

דְּרָכָ֔יו4 of 13

“and of all his ways”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הָרִֽאשֹׁנִ֖ים5 of 13

“first”

H7223

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

וְהָאַֽחֲרוֹנִ֑ים6 of 13

“and last”

H314

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

הִנָּ֣ם7 of 13
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

כְּתוּבִ֔ים8 of 13

“behold they are written”

H3789

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

עַל9 of 13
H5921

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

סֵ֥פֶר10 of 13

“in the book”

H5612

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

מַלְכֵֽי11 of 13

“of the kings”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֖ה12 of 13

“of Judah”

H3063

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

וְיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃13 of 13

“and 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 28:26 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 28:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 16:19-202 Chronicles 20:342 Chronicles 27:7-9

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