2 Chronicles 20:34
Now the rest of the actes of Iehoshaphat first and last, behold, they are written in the booke of Iehu the sonne of Hanani; who is mentioned in the booke of the Kings of Israel. 2 Chronicles 20:34 (KJV)
Before we explore this particular verse, it’s essential to understand the context in which it is found. Jehoshaphat was the king of Judah, a righteous ruler who sought the Lord and followed His commandments. In 2 Chronicles 20, we read about the account of Jehoshaphat’s victory over the combined armies of Moab, Ammon, and Mount Seir. The Lord assured him of the victory, and the people of Judah praised and worshipped God for His faithfulness.
2 Chronicles 20:34 serves as a transition verse, closing the account of Jehoshaphat’s reign. It mentions that the complete acts or deeds of Jehoshaphat, both the significant and minor events, are recorded in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani. Unfortunately, this book is not available to us today, as it is not included in the Bible.
Jehu the son of Hanani was a prophet during the reigns of Baasha and Jehoshaphat. He appears in 1 Kings 16:1-7, where he delivered a prophecy against Baasha, the king of Israel, for his wickedness, and later in 2 Chronicles 19:1-3 he confronted Jehoshaphat for his alliance with Ahab. Jehu’s writings were most likely historical records or annals concerning the kings of Judah and Israel; the exact nature of his writings is unknown, but the verse indicates that a record of Jehoshaphat’s deeds was kept in his book.
Although we don’t have access to the specific contents of Jehu’s book, this verse reminds us of the importance of recording and preserving historical accounts. Throughout the Bible, we encounter various instances where historical events and deeds were recorded to pass down to future generations. These records serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, human triumphs, and failures, providing lessons and insights for our own lives.
Overall, 2 Chronicles 20:34 emphasises the historical documentation of Jehoshaphat’s reign and highlights the value of preserving records for future generations. While we may not have access to the book of Jehu today, the Bible as a whole serves as a comprehensive record of God’s work and His interactions with humanity.
