“Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel.”
My Notes
What Does 2 Chronicles 20:34 Mean?
This archival reference preserves an important historical note: the acts of Jehoshaphat were recorded by the prophet Jehu son of Hanani, and this record was included in the larger book of the kings of Israel. The Chronicler is citing his source — a prophetic historical document that no longer exists independently.
The fact that Jehoshaphat's record was "mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel" (the northern kingdom's records) rather than Judah's suggests a complex literary history. Jehoshaphat's alliances with the northern kings, particularly Ahab, meant his story intersected with Israel's narrative. His acts couldn't be told in isolation from the broader story.
The phrase "first and last" (literally "former and latter") indicates that Jehu's account covered Jehoshaphat's entire reign comprehensively. This wasn't a highlight reel but a complete record — the early reforms and the later missteps, the faith and the foolish alliances, the victories and the rebukes.
Reflection Questions
- 1.If your spiritual life were recorded 'first and last,' what would both chapters include?
- 2.How do you balance celebrating your growth with honestly acknowledging your missteps?
- 3.Why do you think Scripture preserves both the faith and failure of people like Jehoshaphat?
- 4.Are you comfortable with a God who sees and remembers everything — not just your best moments?
Devotional
Jehoshaphat's story was recorded "first and last" — the beginning and the end, the good and the bad. The prophet who wrote his history didn't cherry-pick the inspiring moments and skip the embarrassing ones. He told the whole story.
There's a principle here about honest self-assessment. Your life story has both first and last chapters — early faith and later compromise, bold obedience and foolish alliances. A faithful account includes both. The temptation is to tell only the version that makes you look good, to curate your testimony like a social media feed. But the Chronicler values the complete record.
Jehoshaphat's life is a mixture of genuine greatness and real failure. He sent teachers throughout the land and allied himself with one of the worst kings in Israel's history. He cried out to God in battle and ignored prophetic warnings. Both things are true about him. Both are recorded.
The same God who celebrated Jehoshaphat's reforms also sent prophets to rebuke his alliances. The record includes both because both are true, and only the full picture is honest. How would the full record of your faith look — first and last, reforms and missteps? And are you comfortable with a God who sees and records both?
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
And after this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel,.... Meaning, not after the…
Who is mentioned ... - Words which are now generally thought to mean “whose work was inserted into the Book of the…
In the book of Jehu - This is totally lost, though it is evident that it was in being when the books of Chronicles were…
We are now drawing towards the close of the history of Jehoshaphat's reign, for a further account of which those who…
in the book of Jehu R.V. in the history of Jehu.
Jehu See 2Ch 19:2 (note).
who is mentioned R.V. which is inserted.…
Cross References
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