This verse, 2 Kings 10:34, is a concluding statement that summarizes Jehu's reign and directs the reader to another source for more information. Let's break down what it means:
"Now the rest of the acts of Jehu, and all that he did...": This indicates that the preceding chapters in 2 Kings have only covered a portion of Jehu's life and reign as king. There were more events, accomplishments, and decisions that are not included in the biblical account so far.
"...and all his might...": This emphasizes Jehu's power, strength, and achievements as a leader. It suggests he was a significant figure in the kingdom of Israel.
"...aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?": This is the key part of the verse. It points to an external historical record called "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel." This was presumably a formal record-keeping document kept by the royal court of Israel. The author is suggesting that a more complete account of Jehu's reign could be found in that book.
In essence, the verse is saying:
"The story of Jehu's reign in this book (2 Kings) is not exhaustive. If you want to know more about his reign, including details of his other actions and the extent of his power, you can find it recorded in the official historical records of the kingdom of Israel."
Key Implications:
Acknowledges Incompleteness: The biblical author is aware that the account in 2 Kings is not a complete biography of Jehu. The focus is on specific events that have theological or historical significance.
References External Sources: It demonstrates that the biblical writers were drawing upon other sources for their information. The Chronicles of the Kings of Israel was likely a real historical document.
Historical Context: It provides insight into the practice of record-keeping in ancient Israelite society.
Lost Source: Unfortunately, "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" (and the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah) is no longer extant. These books were important sources for the authors of 1 and 2 Kings, but they have not survived to the present day. This fact means we are reliant on what is recorded for us in the Bible.
In summary, the verse is a bridge connecting the specific narrative of Jehu's life in 2 Kings to a broader historical context, acknowledging the existence of more detailed records that are unfortunately lost to us today.
This verse, 2 Kings 10:34, is a concluding statement that summarizes Jehu's reign and directs the reader to another source for more information. Let's break down what it means:
"Now the rest of the acts of Jehu, and all that he did...": This indicates that the preceding chapters in 2 Kings have only covered a portion of Jehu's life and reign as king. There were more events, accomplishments, and decisions that are not included in the biblical account so far.
"...and all his might...": This emphasizes Jehu's power, strength, and achievements as a leader. It suggests he was a significant figure in the kingdom of Israel.
"...aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?": This is the key part of the verse. It points to an external historical record called "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel." This was presumably a formal record-keeping document kept by the royal court of Israel. The author is suggesting that a more complete account of Jehu's reign could be found in that book.
In essence, the verse is saying:
"The story of Jehu's reign in this book (2 Kings) is not exhaustive. If you want to know more about his reign, including details of his other actions and the extent of his power, you can find it recorded in the official historical records of the kingdom of Israel."
Key Implications:
Acknowledges Incompleteness: The biblical author is aware that the account in 2 Kings is not a complete biography of Jehu. The focus is on specific events that have theological or historical significance.
References External Sources: It demonstrates that the biblical writers were drawing upon other sources for their information. The Chronicles of the Kings of Israel was likely a real historical document.
Historical Context: It provides insight into the practice of record-keeping in ancient Israelite society.
Lost Source: Unfortunately, "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" (and the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah) is no longer extant. These books were important sources for the authors of 1 and 2 Kings, but they have not survived to the present day. This fact means we are reliant on what is recorded for us in the Bible.
In summary, the verse is a bridge connecting the specific narrative of Jehu's life in 2 Kings to a broader historical context, acknowledging the existence of more detailed records that are unfortunately lost to us today.