1 kings 22:45 - Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, and his might that he showed, and how he fought, aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

Generated Verse: 1 kings 22:45

What does "1 kings 22:45" mean?


This verse, 1 Kings 22:45, is a standard formula used in the Books of Kings (and Chronicles) to signal the end of the reign of a king. It essentially says:

"Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat..." This indicates that the preceding narrative has only covered some of the highlights of Jehoshaphat's reign. There were other events, deeds, and accomplishments that are not detailed in the current text.

"...and his might that he showed..." This emphasizes the king's power, strength, and significant actions, particularly those displaying his prowess and authority.

"...and how he fought..." This refers to Jehoshaphat's military campaigns and battles.

"...aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?" This is the key part. It points to another source document, "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah," as containing a more complete record of Jehoshaphat's life and reign. This implies that the Books of Kings are selective in their presentation, choosing to highlight certain aspects of a king's rule while omitting others.

In essence, the verse serves as a cross-reference, suggesting that readers interested in a more comprehensive account should consult the "book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah."

Important Considerations:

Lost Source: The "book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah" is not the same as the biblical Books of Chronicles we have today. It was a separate, likely official record of the kingdom of Judah. Unfortunately, this original source document is now lost.
Purpose: These concluding formulas serve several purposes:
Historical Referencing: They suggest a basis in historical records, lending credibility to the narrative.
Literary Device: They mark the transition to the next king's reign.
Selective History: They acknowledge that the current narrative is not exhaustive, and that other accounts may exist.
Theological Focus: The Books of Kings are not simply historical chronicles. They are theological histories, focusing on how the kings' obedience or disobedience to God affected the fate of the nation. Therefore, the accounts are selective, highlighting those aspects of a king's reign that are most relevant to this theological message.
Chronicles vs. Kings: The biblical Books of Chronicles cover some of the same historical period as Kings, but from a different perspective and with different emphases. Chronicles focuses more on the positive aspects of Judah's history, the importance of the temple, and the lineage of David. Kings, on the other hand, is more critical of the kings' shortcomings.

Therefore, this verse is not simply stating facts about Jehoshaphat, but also providing context for understanding the Books of Kings as selective and theologically driven historical accounts. It points to a larger, lost historical record that could provide further details.