King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 35:27 Mean?

2 Chronicles 35:27 in the King James Version says “And his deeds, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And his deeds, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.”

2 Chronicles 35:27 · KJV

Context

25

And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and the singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and made them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they are written in the lamentations.

26

Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his goodness, according to that which was written in the law of the LORD, goodness: Heb. kindnesses

27

And his deeds, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.

Read 2 Chronicles 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And his deeds, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Greatest worship celebration since Samuel's time. 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 · 10 words
וּדְבָרָ֕יו1 of 10

“And his deeds”

H1697

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

הָרִֽאשֹׁנִ֖ים2 of 10

“first”

H7223

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

וְהָאַֽחֲרֹנִ֑ים3 of 10

“and last”

H314

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

הִנָּ֣ם4 of 10
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

כְּתוּבִ֔ים5 of 10

“behold they are written”

H3789

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

עַל6 of 10
H5921

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

סֵ֥פֶר7 of 10

“in the book”

H5612

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

מַלְכֵֽי8 of 10

“of the kings”

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל9 of 10

“of Israel”

H3478

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

וִֽיהוּדָֽה׃10 of 10

“and Judah”

H3063

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

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 35:27 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 35:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 32:322 Chronicles 33:192 Chronicles 20:342 Kings 10:342 Kings 20:202 Chronicles 24:27

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