2 Kings 15:36 Meaning and Explanation
“Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jotham's full reign is preserved in Judah's historical records, inviting us to recognize what is not here recorded.
The Context of 2 Kings 15:36
Kings typically closes the account of each reign with this formula, directing readers to other sources for additional detail. The chronicler (the author of 1 and 2 Chronicles) did preserve more information about Jotham.
What Does 2 Kings 15:36 Mean?
For the second time in this passage, we encounter the formula of summary: the acts of a king are written elsewhere, filed away in the chronicles. The text invites us to recognize that this book of Kings is not comprehensive; it is selective, highlighting the moments that matter most for understanding God's work in history. Jotham's reign was long, his rule stable, his deeds numerous, yet here we receive only the essential points: he was twenty-five when he began, he reigned sixteen years, he did right before the Lord, the high places remained, and he built the temple gate. Everything else is in the chronicles, available to those who wish to study deeper.
This repeated formula teaches us something crucial about how God communicates with us through Scripture. The Bible is not a total history; it is a purposeful history, designed to show us God's nature and our relationship to Him. Some kings are given extensive narrative treatment because their choices illuminate spiritual truth; others, like Jotham, are treated briefly because their faithfulness, while real, does not require the extended examination that rebellion or reform demands. We are invited to trust that what is recorded is what we most need to know.
How to Apply 2 Kings 15:36 Today
We live in an age of information overload, yet we are not called to know everything. Scripture teaches us to focus on what God has chosen to reveal. Trust that the record preserved for you is sufficient for your faith and obedience. There may be deeper things to study, but you are not condemned for not knowing them.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Kings 15:36
What does 2 Kings 15:36 mean?
Jotham's full reign is preserved in Judah's historical records, inviting us to recognize what is not here recorded.
What is the context of 2 Kings 15:36?
Kings typically closes the account of each reign with this formula, directing readers to other sources for additional detail. The chronicler (the author of 1 and 2 Chronicles) did preserve more information about Jotham.
How can I apply 2 Kings 15:36 today?
We live in an age of information overload, yet we are not called to know everything. Scripture teaches us to focus on what God has chosen to reveal. Trust that the record preserved for you is sufficient for your faith and obedience. There may be deeper things to study, but you are not condemned for not knowing them.