2 Kings 13: 8 Commentary

We find in the Old Testament references to ancient sources the writers seem to have made use of. (e.g. War book of Yahweh Numbers 21:14; ancient writings 1 Chronicles 4:22).
Both in the First and Second Kings and the First and the Second Chronicles, we find the citations like, ‘the books of the annals of the kings of Judah and the Kings of Israel’, or separately for the kings of the two kingdoms. (2 Chronicles 16:11) In fact, there are more than dozen such citations both in the Kings and the Chronicles. It is thus seen that the OT writers did use some old sources in writing their books.

It is evident that a record of the prophecy and the important events were kept by the Prophets, Seers, and Priests (2 Chronicles 9:29; 12:15: 13:22). The record of genealogy too had a great importance for the Israelites from the standpoint of claiming and enjoying the inheritance of the land, claiming kingship and priesthood.

It is also evident that there were special officers of the kings who were entrusted with the work of keeping record, as historian. [Like Jehoshaphat the son of Elihud(1 Kings 4:20); Joah (2 Kings 18:37)]. It seems to me that the annals of the kings were those written by the official historians. Solomon had authored many books 1Kings 4:32-33). There is also a reference to the book of the Acts of Solomon. (1 kings 11:41).

As far as I know the ancient books or annals do not seem to have been available and are lost beyond retrieval.

By Jayant Christian (wrote 287 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 7/4/2010 02:12 am

WHAT ARE THE ANNALS OF THE HISTORY OF THE KINGS OF ISRAEL ? WHERE CAN THEY BE FOUND ?

By JACK CAMP (wrote 1 Bible Commentary - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 6/28/2010 20:48 pm