King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 14:28 Mean?

2 Kings 14:28 in the King James Version says “Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, and all that he did, and his might, how he warred, and how he recovered Damascus, ... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, and all that he did, and his might, how he warred, and how he recovered Damascus, and Hamath, which belonged to Judah, for Israel, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

2 Kings 14:28 · KJV


Context

26

For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter: for there was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel.

27

And the LORD said not that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven: but he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash.

28

Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, and all that he did, and his might, how he warred, and how he recovered Damascus, and Hamath, which belonged to Judah, for Israel, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

29

And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, even with the kings of Israel; and Zachariah his son reigned in his stead.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, and all that he did, and his might, how he warred, and how he recovered Damascus, and Hamath, which belonged to Judah, for Israel, 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 26 words
וְיֶתֶר֩1 of 26

Now the rest

H3499

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

דִּבְרֵ֥י2 of 26

of the acts

H1697

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

יָֽרָבְעָ֜ם3 of 26

of Jeroboam

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

וְכָל4 of 26
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֤ר5 of 26
H834

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

עָשָׂה֙6 of 26

and all that he did

H6213

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

וּגְבֽוּרָת֣וֹ7 of 26

and his might

H1369

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

אֲשֶׁר8 of 26
H834

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

נִלְחָ֔ם9 of 26

how he warred

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

וַֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר10 of 26
H834

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

הֵשִׁ֜יב11 of 26

and how he recovered

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶת12 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דַּמֶּ֧שֶׂק13 of 26

Damascus

H1834

damascus, a city of syria

וְאֶת14 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חֲמָ֛ת15 of 26

and Hamath

H2574

chamath, a place in syria

לִֽיהוּדָ֖ה16 of 26

which belonged to Judah

H3063

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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃17 of 26

for Israel

H3478

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

הֲלֹא18 of 26
H3808

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

הֵ֣ם19 of 26
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

כְּתוּבִ֗ים20 of 26

are they not written

H3789

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

עַל21 of 26
H5921

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

סֵ֛פֶר22 of 26

in the book

H5612

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

דִּבְרֵ֥י23 of 26

of the acts

H1697

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

הַיָּמִ֖ים24 of 26
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

לְמַלְכֵ֥י25 of 26

of the kings

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃26 of 26

for 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 14:28 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 14:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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