What does 2 Chronicles 20:34 mean?
"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." - 2 Chronicles 20:34

The verse 2 Chronicles 20:34 from the King James Version of the Bible, "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," may seem like a simple and unremarkable verse at first glance. However, when we delve deeper into the context and themes of this passage, we can uncover its rich meaning and significance.
2 Chronicles 20:34 is the concluding verse of a chapter that chronicles the reign of King Jehoshaphat, the fourth king of Judah. During his reign, Jehoshaphat made a series of decisions that reflected his strong faith in God and his commitment to following His ways. One of the most well-known events from his reign is the story of the victory against the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites, as described in 2 Chronicles 20. In this chapter, Jehoshaphat receives word that a vast army is coming against him, and in response, he turns to God in prayer, seeking His guidance and deliverance. Through the prophet Jahaziel, God assures Jehoshaphat that He will fight for Judah, and in a remarkable display of faith, the king leads his army into battle with the musicians and singers leading the way. In a miraculous turn of events, the enemy forces turn against each other, leading to their defeat without Judah having to lift a finger.
This story serves as a powerful testament to the faithfulness of God and the importance of seeking Him in times of trouble. It also highlights the significance of obedience and worship in the life of a believer. The verse 2 Chronicles 20:34 serves as a concluding remark to this narrative, directing readers to the records of Jehu the son of Hanani, emphasizing the importance of preserving and remembering the acts of God in history.
The verse also carries a significant theme of remembrance and record-keeping. Throughout the Bible, we see a consistent emphasis on the importance of remembering God's faithfulness and the works He has done. The act of recording these deeds serves as a reminder to future generations of God's power and provision, as well as a testimony to His faithfulness and sovereignty. In this verse, the reference to the book of Jehu the son of Hanani underscores the value of preserving the history of God's interventions and the acts of faithful leaders like Jehoshaphat.
Furthermore, this verse also highlights the interconnectedness of the historical accounts within the Bible. The mention of the book of the kings of Israel ties the events of Jehoshaphat's reign to the larger narrative of God's dealings with His people throughout history. It serves as a reminder that the actions of individual kings and leaders are part of a larger story that God is unfolding, and that their deeds are recorded as a part of God's overarching plan.
Symbolically, the verse can be seen as a call to remember and document the works of God in our own lives and in the lives of those around us. Just as the acts of Jehoshaphat were recorded in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, we are called to bear witness to God's faithfulness in our own lives and to share these testimonies with others. This can serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration for those who may be facing their own battles and challenges, as they are reminded of God's power to deliver and save.
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 20:34 may at first appear to be a simple reference to historical records, but upon closer examination, it reveals profound themes of faith, remembrance, and the interconnectedness of God's plan. It stands as a testimony to the importance of preserving and sharing the acts of God, and serves as an encouragement for believers to hold fast to their faith in the midst of trials and to bear witness to God's faithfulness in their own lives.
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2 Chronicles 20:34 Artwork
2 Chronicles 20:34 - "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."
"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." - 2 Chronicles 20:34
2 Chronicles 34:20 - "And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king's, saying,"
2 Chronicles 34:19
2 Chronicles 34:19
2 Chronicles 20:37
2 Chronicles 20:28
2 Chronicles 34:29 - "¶ Then the king sent and gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem."
"And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king's, saying," - 2 Chronicles 34:20
2 Chronicles 34:5 - "And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem."
2 Chronicles 20:21
2 Chronicles 20:18
2 Chronicles 11:20
2 Chronicles 34:19 - "And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes."
1 Chronicles 2:34 - "¶ Now Sheshan had no sons, but daughters. And Sheshan had a servant, an Egyptian, whose name was Jarha."
2 Chronicles 34:2 - "And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left."
2 Chronicles 34:17 - "And they have gathered together the money that was found in the house of the LORD, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and to the hand of the workmen."
2 Chronicles 34:6 - "And so did he in the cities of Manasseh, and Ephraim, and Simeon, even unto Naphtali, with their mattocks round about."
2 Chronicles 34:1 - "Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years."
2 Chronicles 30:20 - "And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people."
2 Chronicles 34:23 - "¶ And she answered them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell ye the man that sent you to me,"
2 Chronicles 34:10 - "And they put it in the hand of the workmen that had the oversight of the house of the LORD, and they gave it to the workmen that wrought in the house of the LORD, to repair and amend the house:"
2 Chronicles 34:14 - "¶ And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of the LORD given by Moses."
2 Chronicles 34:18 - "Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king."
2 Kings 10:34 - "Now the rest of the acts of Jehu, and all that he did, and all his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
1 Chronicles 2:20 - "And Hur begat Uri, and Uri begat Bezaleel."
2 Chronicles 34:16 - "And Shaphan carried the book to the king, and brought the king word back again, saying, All that was committed to thy servants, they do it."
2 Chronicles 34:11 - "Even to the artificers and builders gave they it, to buy hewn stone, and timber for couplings, and to floor the houses which the kings of Judah had destroyed."
2 Chronicles 34:15 - "And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan."
2 Chronicles 34:32 - "And he caused all that were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand to it. And the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers."