King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 14:15 Mean?

2 Kings 14:15 in the King James Version says “Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they ... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

2 Kings 14:15 · KJV


Context

13

And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.

14

And he took all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and hostages , and returned to Samaria.

15

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

16

And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead.

17

And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 14: Pride leads to downfall; God's mercy continues. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 14 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Amaziah of Judah and Jeroboam II) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 14 regarding pride leads to downfall; god's mercy continues?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְיֶתֶר֩1 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

יְהוֹאָ֜שׁ3 of 21

of Jehoash

H3060

jehoash, the name of two israelite kings

אֲשֶׁ֤ר4 of 21
H834

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

עָשָׂה֙5 of 21

which he did

H6213

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

וּגְב֣וּרָת֔וֹ6 of 21

and his might

H1369

force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory

וַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר7 of 21
H834

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

נִלְחַ֔ם8 of 21

and how he fought

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

עִ֖ם9 of 21
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אֲמַצְיָ֣הוּ10 of 21

with Amaziah

H558

amatsjah, the name of four israelites

לְמַלְכֵ֥י11 of 21

king

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֑ה12 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

הֲלֹא13 of 21
H3808

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

הֵ֣ם14 of 21
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

כְּתוּבִ֗ים15 of 21

are they not written

H3789

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

עַל16 of 21
H5921

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

סֵ֛פֶר17 of 21

in the book

H5612

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

דִּבְרֵ֥י18 of 21

of the acts

H1697

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

הַיָּמִ֖ים19 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

לְמַלְכֵ֥י20 of 21

king

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃21 of 21

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 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 14:15 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 Kings 14:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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