2 Kings 15:21

“And the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?”

This verse is part of the historical account in 2 Kings that documents the reigns of various kings of Israel. Specifically, it refers to the reign of Menahem, who was the son of Gadi. Menahem ruled over the northern kingdom of Israel for ten years, from around 752 to 742 BC.

In this verse, it mentions that the details of Menahem’s reign and his actions can be found in the “book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.” This phrase refers to a historical record or collection of writings that documented the events and actions of the kings of Israel.

The purpose of referring to this book is to direct readers to consult additional sources for more comprehensive information about Menahem and his reign. Unfortunately, the book of the chronicles mentioned in this verse is not included in the Bible as we have it today, so we don’t have direct access to those specific writings. However, the author of 2 Kings acknowledges the existence of such records, which might have been available during the time the text was written.

This verse serves as a reminder that the biblical accounts often refer to other historical sources that may have provided more detailed information about specific events or individuals. While we may not have access to those additional sources today, it highlights the fact that the biblical authors often worked with existing records and historical documents in compiling their narratives.

By studying the available accounts in the Bible, we can gain insights into the lives and actions of the kings and other historical figures mentioned in its pages, even if some of the details may be found in other lost or non-biblical sources.