God Restores His People

Intro- Cold Open

When you start reading 1 Chronicles, it feels like a cold open—no introduction, no setting, just a long list of names! But finally, in 1 Chronicles 9:1, the story gives context:

“All Israel was enrolled by genealogies, and behold, they were written in the book of the kings of Israel. Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their unfaithfulness.”

This is the first clue to what’s really happening—God’s people are back from exile, remembering their story and tracing their roots.

Historical Context of this List

1 & 2 Chronicles are a history of David and the Kings of Judah leading up to being conquered by Babylon.

What do notice about the names we see in chapter 9? (they are coming back after the Exile)

Observation: The book of Chronicles is the story of Israel remembered by God’s people when they returned from Exile. 1 & 2 Kings tell the same story while in Babylonian captivity.

Illustration: Caleb learning AFTER a bad test grade.

What Theme is Chronicles Focusing on?

Unfaithfulness which leads to destruction.

Judah as carried away because of their unfaithfulness.

When you read Chronicles ask

Hope of Restoration for Unfaithful People

Is it too late? Have we been cut off?

God has already restored his people from captivity.

Every story of Israels success is a reminder to be faithful and every story of failure is a reminder to repent.

How Broad Is the People of God? (What does All Israel mean?)

North vs. South

Focus on Judah but everyone is included in Israel

📖 This points forward to Jesus, who gathers “all Israel” — Jew and Gentile — into one people of God.

1 Samuel–2 Chronicles Response

Today the vision leading us on is the exuberant expansion of the Chronicler’s “all Israel” in the double picture in Revelation of “144,000” from all the tribes (listed with Judah first and Benjamin last) and of a “great multitude … from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” (

Just as Chronicles remembered all Israel, Revelation shows the full family of God—redeemed, restored, and gathered around the Lamb.

Focus on God

God restores the unfaithful. Even after discipline and exile, His mercy triumphs over judgment. He doesn’t discard His people; He rebuilds them.