2 Kings Chapter 1 · Verse 18
Now the rest of the acts of Ahaziah which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
Original Language Analysis
וְיֶ֛תֶר
Now the rest
H3499
וְיֶ֛תֶר
Now the rest
Strong's:
H3499
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
דִּבְרֵ֥י
of the acts
H1697
דִּבְרֵ֥י
of the acts
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 14
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲחַזְיָ֖הוּ
of Ahaziah
H274
אֲחַזְיָ֖הוּ
of Ahaziah
Strong's:
H274
Word #:
3 of 14
achazjah, the name of a jewish and an israelite king
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂ֑ה
which he did
H6213
עָשָׂ֑ה
which he did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הֲלוֹא
H3808
הֲלוֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כְתוּבִ֗ים
are they not written
H3789
כְתוּבִ֗ים
are they not written
Strong's:
H3789
Word #:
8 of 14
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
סֵ֛פֶר
in the book
H5612
סֵ֛פֶר
in the book
Strong's:
H5612
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
דִּבְרֵ֥י
of the acts
H1697
דִּבְרֵ֥י
of the acts
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
11 of 14
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 1 takes place during the mid-9th century BCE, around 850 BCE, during the transition from Elijah to Elisha. The chapter's theme (Ahaziah's Illness and Elijah's Final Confrontations) reflects the historical reality of prophetic succession and divine affirmation of Elisha's ministry following Elijah's remarkable translation. 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 1 regarding divine judgment on apostasy and affirmation of prophetic authority?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
Now the rest of the acts of Ahaziah which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 1: Divine judgment on apostasy and affirmation of prophetic authority. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.