Definition: And the rest of the acts of Joram, and all that he did, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 8:23. It’s a really important piece of history and has some interesting symbolism! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, this verse says that everything King Joram did – all the good things he did while he was ruling – is recorded in the official record of the kings of Judah. Let's unpack that a bit: “And the rest of the acts of Joram…” : This refers to the entire reign and rule of King Joram. He was a very important king during a time when Israel was under foreign rule. “…and all he did…” : This means everything he did, from building temples and supporting the people to making decisions about justice and law – it's all being recorded. “[are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?” : This is the key part. The “book of the chronicles” was essentially a detailed record of all the kings who ruled over Israel and Judah. The verse suggests that everything about Joram’s reign – his good deeds, his mistakes, his successes - are included in this record. What does it mean symbolically? This verse is often interpreted as saying that God records all of humanity's actions and history. It’s a reminder that even the most righteous people make mistakes, and that God keeps track of everything we do. It also emphasizes that God's record is complete and accurate. In short: This verse confirms that Joram's reign was well-documented and that his story is part of a larger, eternal record of God’s history. Do you want me to explain any specific aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, I could talk about: The significance of the "book of chronicles" What it might mean for the Israelites' understanding of their history The historical context – why was this record important?