Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Kings 14:19
And the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he warred, and how he reigned, behold, they [are] written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
19. how he warred ] His war with Abijah king of Judah is spoken of in 2Ch 13:3-20. The history in that place describes Jeroboam’s defeat, and the loss of five thousand of his men, and the capture of several Israelite cities by the king of Judah. The wars of Jeroboam with Rehoboam are alluded to below (1Ki 15:6).
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
The wars of Jeroboam may be divided into:
(1) his wars with Rehoboam (see 1Ki 14:25, 1Ki 14:30); and
(2) his war with Abijam (see the marginal reference).
The book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel – (of Judah, 1Ki 14:29). See the Introduction.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 19. The rest of the acts of Jeroboam – are written in the – chronicles] For some important particulars relative to this reign, see 2Ch 13:1-20.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Heb. in the book of the words or things of the days, & c. By which you are not to understand that canonical book of the Chronicles, for that was written long after this book; but a book of civil records, the annals, wherein all remarkable passages were recorded by the kings command from day to day; out of which the sacred penman, by the direction of Gods Spirit, took those passages which were most considerable and useful for Gods honour, and mens edification.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
19. the rest of the acts ofJeroboamNone of the threatenings denounced against this familyproduced any change in his policy or government.
1Ki14:21-24. REHOBOAM’SWICKED REIGN.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he warred,…. As he did with Rehoboam, 1Ki 14:30, and with Abijam his son, who was an more than a match for him, see 2Ch 13:1
and how he reigned; over the people of Israel, whether wisely, and justly, and in clemency, or not:
behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel; not in that canonical book of Scripture, so called, for in that there is very little account of the reign of Jeroboam; but in the annals and diaries of the kings of Israel, written by persons appointed for that purpose, and out of which it is generally thought that inspired writers, by divine direction, took what was thought proper to be transmitted to future times. So with the Romans, from their very beginning to the times of Mutius, all the events of every year were committed to writing by the order of the Pontifex Maximus, and lay open to be read by the people in common; and these, as Tully l says, were what are called annals.
l De Oratore, l. 2. c. 34.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Rehoboam’s Apostasy,
Commentary on 1Ki 14:19-24 AND 2Ch 12:1; 2Ch 13:20
Although there will be other acts of Jeroboam noted in the Chronicles, which occurred during the reign of Rehoboam’s son and successor, Abijah, the inspired record of Kings closes with announcement of his death following the prediction of his ruin through the prophet Ahijah. It appears that a full record of his deeds was made in the annals of the kingdom, but of course these were uninspired and were long since destroyed. The Kings account of Jeroboam’s death simply relates that he had reigned for twenty-two years, that he slept with his fathers, and his son Nadab succeeded him as king. The Chronicles account, however, relates a war between Judah and Israel during the reign of Abijah, the son of Rehoboam, in Judah. This account will be studied below.
It is discovered from the Chronicles account that the reign of Jeroboam actually extended longer than did that of Rehoboam. That account also reveals that Jeroboam did not die of natural causes, but “the Lord struck him, and he died.” This is in keeping with the prediction of Ahijah, who said that those who perished in the city would be eaten of dogs and those in the country by the birds. It is not known whether Jeroboam was “dog food” or “buzzard bait.”
The topic deals chiefly with the course of Rehoboam’s reign in Judah. The last that was noted of him included the information that his kingdom was strengthened by immigrants from the northern kingdom. These were the priests and Levites living in their appointed cities in these tribes and many other godly people who left because of the calf religion being imposed on the country by Jeroboam. The account says that Jeroboam and Judah were made strong for three years thereby, and “they walked in the ways of David and Solomon” (2Ch 11:16-17).
Rehoboam was approaching middle age when he became king, being forty-one years of age when his reign began. It would seem that he should have been a man of mature judgment. He should have recognized the blessing of the Lord coming to him through the influx of the immigrants from the north. But he does not seem to have given the Lord the credit. 2Ch 12:1 reveals that when Rehoboam recognized that he had superior strength to Israel, and that the Lord appeared to be on his side irrevocably, making the kingdom secure to him, he forsook the law of the Lord, It almost seems that he tried to mimic Jeroboam in doing the worst possible. Perhaps one should not be greatly surprised, for his mother was one of those pagan princesses Solomon married, Naamah of the country of the Ammonites. Her people worshipped Chemosh, and Solomon had built a temple for him on the mountain east of Jerusalem (1Ki 11:7).
The people of Judah joined their king in his apostasy, becoming morally as bad as the people of the northern kingdom. They built high places in competition with the temple, following Solomon’s precedent, they worshipped images, set aside groves for the prostitutes, in every high hill and under every green tree. This term simply means that such false worship was very widespread in Judah. Besides the grove prostitutes there was also sodomy, such things as the law demanded should be curbed by stoning the offender. The New Testament describes them (Rom 1:24-32).
Why did not the Lord predict the doom of Judah as He did that of Israel? Eventually He did, but Judah maintained themselves longer, partially because of the Lord’s promise to David, and also because of the core of godly people in the land. These still maintained the temple worship in spite of the sinful course of the king and his counselors (cf. Mat 5:13).
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
D. CONCLUDING NOTE ON THE REIGN OF JEROBOAM 14:1920
TRANSLATION
(19) And the rest of the acts of Jeroboam how he fought and how he reigned, behold they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. (20) And the length of Jeroboams reign was twenty-two years, and he slept with his fathers, and his son Nadab ruled in his stead.
COMMENTS
In closing the account of Jeroboam, the historian mentions sources to which the reader of his book might turn for further information about this reign. Not much is said about the exploits of Jeroboam as the attention has been focused almost entirely on the sin which he committed. The full account of Jeroboams reign was recorded in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel, which seems to have been a record of daily occurrences during this reign (1Ki. 14:19). Jeroboam died after a reign of twenty-two years. Elsewhere it is recorded that the Lord smote him, and this certainly suggests that he died as a result of some kind of divine visitation. Be that as it may, he was succeeded on the throne by his son Nadab (1Ki. 14:20).
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(19) And the rest.The preceding verse closes the detailed record of Jeroboams reign. His exaltation and the promise to him, his idolatry and its punishment, are all that the historian cares to narrate. All else is summed up in the words how he warred (see below, 1Ki. 14:30, and 1Ki. 15:6) and how he reigned. It is probable that his reign was prosperous enough in peace and war, though his attempt to subdue Judah failed. (See 2 Chronicles 13) But all this the Scriptural record passes over, and only commemorates him as Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
CLOSE OF JEROBOAM’S REIGN, 1Ki 14:19-20.
19. How he warred With Rehoboam (1Ki 14:30, and 1Ki 15:6) and Abijam, (1Ki 15:7,) and perhaps with others.
Book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel Literally, book of the words of the kings of Israel. This book was doubtless the public official state papers containing all the annals of the kings as prepared and kept by the scribe and recorder. See notes on 2Sa 8:16-17, and Introduction. 20.
Nadab See at 1Ki 15:25.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Summary of The Acts Of Jeroboam, And Of His Reign And Death ( 1Ki 14:19-20 ).
We have here the usual stereotyped summary which, with variations, will sum up of the reign of each king, as it did the reign of Solomon (1Ki 11:41-43). Jeroboam’s reign could be summed up in the fact that ‘he warred and reigned’. But the sad thing was that his ‘warring’ was mainly against his brothers in Judah (1Ki 14:30; compare 1Ki 15:6). If only he had sought YHWH and the way of peace all this might have been avoided. As it was it would bring Israel to its knees.
Analysis.
And the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he warred, and how he reigned, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel (1Ki 14:19).
And the days which Jeroboam reigned were two and twenty years (1Ki 14:20 a).
And he slept with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his stead (1Ki 14:20 b).
1Ki 14:19
‘ And the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he warred, and how he reigned, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.’
Jeroboam’s reign was taken up with ‘warring and reigning’, typical of a petty king of the day. The warring would appear to have been mainly against Israel, a situation which continued both throughout the reign of Rehoboam (1Ki 14:30; 1Ki 15:6), and that of Abiyah and Asa. The only hope of peace between them had ceased with Jeroboam’s apostasy. There was now no covenant tie which might have united them, and YHWH was for the present at odds with Israel. Thus YHWH had no more interest in Jeroboam. He had written him off. The recording of the details of his life was left in the hands of secular historians, in a history that is unknown to us but was clearly known to the author.
1Ki 14:20
‘ And the days which Jeroboam reigned were two and twenty years, and he slept with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned instead of him.’
His reign lasted twenty two years, after which he died and ‘slept with his fathers’. No information is given about his burial, something normally mentioned. It may indicate that he was seen as in disgrace (compare the emphasis on his ‘good’ son’s burial in 1Ki 14:18). And he was followed by his son Nadab whose reign would soon come abruptly to an end.
Nadab was probably an abbreviation for Nabadiah, meaning ‘YHWH has freely given’. It appeared in one of the Lachish letters.
At the commencement of his reign Jeroboam had been presented with a huge opportunity. God had been willing to make with him a covenant similar to His covenant with David. Had he walked rightly with the Lord his future, and that of Israel, would have been bright. But instead he replaced God in his life with a religion of his own inventing. He ignored the Scriptures. That is why both he and his kingdom were lost.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
1Ki 14:19. The Book of the Chronicles By this is meant a book, in which were contained the annals of the kings of Israel; and not either of those which we have under this title.
REFLECTIONS.Jeroboam’s wife is bid to carry to her husband tidings of bitter woe. The God of Israel, whom he had so dishonoured, and whose people he had so injured, will avenge their quarrel upon him.
1. He upbraids him with his base ingratitude, and impious apostacy. God, who had so highly distinguished him, might justly expect a return of fidelity; but lo! he had exceeded all that went before him in wickedness. David had sins, great ones; but he never turned unto idols. Solomon for a time was unfaithful, but (we trust) repented: even Saul added not this to his iniquities. But Jeroboam had opened the flood-gates of idolatry, and not only sinned himself, but involved the people in this mortal sin. Note; (1.) The greater the mercies we have received, the greater the guilt of unfaithfulness to God. (2.) They who cause others to sin, heap up the measure of vengeance against themselves.
2. He denounces the approaching ruin on Jeroboam’s house, chap. 1Ki 15:29. His family should be utterly extirpated, and their dead bodies lie unburied, as dung on the earth. Nor was the day distant when God would raise up another king to the throne, who should execute his vengeance: even now the judgment was at the door. Note; (1.) Sudden destruction often overtakes sinners in the midst of their career. (2.) Their carcases in the day of God shall be thus cast out, as an abhorring to all flesh, Isa 66:24.
3. The death of the heir of his throne (who was sick) as soon as she reached the city, should be the prelude and earnest of the judgments which approached. In one thing he shall be distinguished from his ungodly relations; he shall go to his grave with honour; and this, because in him alone some good thing was found towards the Lord God of Israel. When all the rest apostatised, he shewed the gracious symptoms of a heart inclined to God, and which cleaved to his worship. Note; (1.) Every gracious desire that God implants he will take notice of. (2.) Youthful piety is peculiarly amiable. (3.) A little grace in bad times shines bright. The light is heightened by the dark shades around it. (4.) God in mercy removes the righteous from the evil to come. (5.) The darling child is often snatched away for a warning to the family. (6.) The soul which is early ripe for glory, God gathers, like a sweet flower, into his bosom.
4. Though the king shall bear the heaviest burden, his apostate subjects, who followed his wicked ways, shall not be unpunished. The prophet foretels their tumultuous, unsettled state, torn with faction, and frequently changing their kings, till, weakened by intestine division, they would become an easier prey to foreign enemies, and be carried away captive beyond the river Euphrates. Note; (1.) Though we may have examples never so great to plead for our sin, it will not screen us from punishment. (2.) Ruin is not far from a kingdom when righteousness is expelled, and iniquity triumphant.
5. The prophesy begins to receive an immediate accomplishment in the death of Abijah, who, according to the word of the prophet, died as soon as Jeroboam’s wife entered the palace at Tirzah. His amiable dispositions, as well as his dignity, made him much lamented, and occasioned, no doubt, dire forebodings of the approaching evil. Note; Death pays no more respect to palaces, than to the clay-built hut.
6. Jeroboam himself, after a reign of twenty-two years, finished a wicked life by a miserable death, see 2Ch 13:20; struck with some dire disease, which brought him to his grave, and leaving his tottering crown to his unhappy son Nadab, who, following his father’s wicked ways, soon filled up the measure of the iniquity of his family.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
(19) And the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he warred, and how he reigned, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. (20) And the days which Jeroboam reigned were two and twenty years: and he slept with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his stead.
The wars of Jeroboam, how splendid soever they might seem, are not so much worth remarking as the relation of his death. If the Reader will consult the corresponding history, of this impious prince, as recorded in the Chronicles, he will there discover that his death was induced by an immediate visitation from heaven; for it is said that the Lord struck him. 2Ch 13:20 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
1Ki 14:19 And the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he warred, and how he reigned, behold, they [are] written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
Ver. 19. Written in the book of the chronicles. ] These were annals or public records, out of which, likely, were composed the Books of Chronicles, now part of the holy Scriptures.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
the rest. See 2Ch 13:3-20.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
am 3029-3050, bc 975-954
how he warred: 1Ki 14:30, 2Ch 13:2-20
book: 1Ki 14:29, 1Ki 15:31, 1Ki 16:5, 1Ki 16:14, 1Ki 16:20, 1Ki 16:27, 1Ki 22:39, 1Ch 27:24, Est 6:1
Reciprocal: 2Ki 1:18 – in the book 2Ki 10:34 – General 2Ki 12:19 – the rest 2Ki 13:8 – General 2Ki 14:15 – the rest 2Ki 15:15 – General 2Ki 20:20 – the book 2Ch 33:18 – in the book Est 10:2 – in the book
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Ki 14:19. Behold, they are written in the book of the Chronicles Not that canonical book of Chronicles, for that was written long after this book; but a book of civil records, the annals, wherein all remarkable passages were recorded by the kings command from day to day; out of which the sacred penman, by the direction of Gods spirit, took those passages which were most useful for Gods honour, and mens edification.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Jeroboam’s death 14:19-20
The writer wrote that the reigns of 18 of Israel’s 20 kings stood recorded in "The Chronicles of the Kings of Israel" (all except those of Tibni and Hoshea). This document is different from the canonical books of 1 and 2 Chronicles and is not extant.
Jeroboam was a strong leader. He separated Israel from Judah and reigned a long time. Nevertheless his lack of commitment to Yahweh resulted in him and Israel experiencing discipline from the Lord. During his reign, Israel lost control of the area around Damascus that subsequently became an independent Aramean state. Ironically it was this area that produced enemies of Israel for many years. The Philistines also recovered some of their territory and became stronger (cf. 1Ki 15:27). Moreover Israel appears to have lost control over Moab about this time. [Note: See The Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia, 1975 ed., s.v. "Moab, Moabite," by Arnold C. Schultz.] Judah, Israel, and Edom invaded Moab right after King Ahab of Israel died (2Ki 3:21-27). King Abijah of Judah also defeated Jeroboam in battle (2Ch 13:13-20). All of these losses are evidences of God’s punishment for apostasy.