# first and last

"from beginning to end." These two words form a merism and refer to everything that Rehoboam did from the beginning of his reign to the end of his reign. Alternate translation: "everything that he did" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

# are they not written ... Jeroboam?

This can be expressed in active form and assumes that the answer is positive. The question is rhetorical and is used for emphasis. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "they are written ... Jeroboam." or "you can read about them ... Jeroboam." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

# Shemaiah ... Iddo

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

# the constant wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam

The names of the kings represent the armies that they led. Alternate translation: "the wars in which Rehoboam's army and Jeroboam's army constantly engaged" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

