Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary

The Biblical Illustrator

2 Kings 13:8

The rest of the acts of Jehoahaz.

Records of life

How very little we know even of the men whose lives are written: “The rest of the acts of Jehoahaz and all that he did, and his might, are they not Written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel “ No! Another hand there indeed endeavours to sketch the life, but how much is left out! No human chronicler can put down all things concerning the subject which he has undertaken to depict. But the rest of our lives is written. A diary is kept in heaven; the journal is not published for the perusal of others; but the whole life, day by day, is put down in the book of remembrance; and we shall be able to recognise the writing, and to confirm the accuracy of the minute. We cannot get away from it, there is the writing, and it abides--a perpetual witness for us or against us. What is the Divine scribe now writing? The pen is going. We are obliged to use such figures to represent the spiritual reality. The writing is now proceeding: every thought registered, every deed chronicled, every day’s work added up and carried over to the next page. It is a solemn thing to live! We are stewards, trustees, servants sent on messages, and entrusted with specified duties, and we are expected back with a definite answer and a complete report of our lives. (J. Parker.)

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did, and his might,.... Which he exerted against the Syrians, being a man of courage, though not successful, because the Lord was not with him, but against him:

are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? where their acts, and the events of their reigns, were recorded.

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

2 Kings 13:8-25. Joash succeeds him.

his might — This is particularly noticed in order to show that the grievous oppression from foreign enemies, by which the Israelites were ground down, was not owing to the cowardice or imbecility of their king, but solely to the righteous and terrible judgment of God for their foul apostasy.

Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

His might — For though his success was not good, he shewed much personal valour. Which is noted to intimate, that the Israelites were not conquered, because of the cowardice of their king, but merely from the righteous judgment of God, who was now resolved to reckon with them for their apostacy.

John Trapp Complete Commentary

2 Kings 13:8 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did, and his might, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

Ver. 8. And his might.] He did what he could, (a) but to no purpose, because God was against him.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

His might; for though his success was not good, he showed much personal valour and courage; which is noted to intimate that the Israelites were not conquered, because of the baseness and cowardice of their king, but merely from the righteous and dreadful judgment of God, who was now resolved to reckon with them for their filthy apostacy.

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments

2 Kings 13:8. And his might — For, though he had not success, he showed much personal valour and courage. Which is observed to intimate, that the Israelites were not conquered because of the baseness and cowardice of their king; but merely from the righteous and dreadful judgments of God, who was now resolved to reckon with them for their apostacy.

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary

Valour, or personal courage, (Calmet) though he gained no complete victory. The most valiant are not always successful. (Tirinus) --- Fortiter ille facit qui miser esse potest. (Martial) (Haydock) --- Joachaz did not quite sink under his troubles. (Tirinus)

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes

are they not . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6.

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Unabridged

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

His might. This is particularly noticed, in order to show that the grievous oppression from foreign enemies by which the Israelites were ground down, was not owing to the cowardice or imbecility of their king, but solely to the righteous and terrible judgment of God for their foul apostasy.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(8) And his might.—Or, prowess. The reference is to his wars with the Syrians.

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

the rest

10:34,35; 1 Kings 11:4; 14:19,20,29,31