1 & 2 Chronicles

Introduction

The books of 1 and 2 Chronicles, originally one book in the Hebrew text, present us with the only historical summary of the period between Genesis and 2 Kings. From the Garden of Eden to the destruction of Jerusalem, vast expanses of time are bridged in this document through geneal- ogies. The Biblical period most fully covered in 1 and 2 Chronicles is that of the Kings (1 Samuel through 2 Kings), and the two central figures in this account are King David and King Solomon. Ancient Jewish tradition claims that Ezra, the scribe, wrote the books of Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah. While it is true that modern scholars suppose the time of writing to be around the time of Ezra, there is no way we can definitively prove this priest to be the author of Chronicles. Chronicles may be summarized as follows:

Genealogies

David’s Reign

Solomon’s Reign The Kings of Judah

The author of Chronicles was very selective in material covered. He focused on God’s people, God’s work, and God’s Temple, to the exclusion of a world of alternative topics. The subtle mes- sage of this book speaks quite clearly to the reader who will stand back to listen. Our lives, too, should focus on God’s Kingdom to the exclusion of all competing ideas and ideals. As we study this book, we are called to review the past with one eye on the reward in the future. For one day, our lives will come under the scrutiny of a historical review. Every deed, each word, and even the motives of our hearts will be revealed (). In the day that we meet our Creator before the Great Throne of Judgement, we will joyously receive the reward that men like Ezra sought, only if we have adopted the priorities stressed in Chronicles (). Let us then observe the way the chronicler reviewed history and contemplate the reward people will receive from God if their life story fits with this history.

His Review

Chronicles begins with genealogical listings. To a scholar of Scriptures, the names not listed are more conspicuous than those which are. When the author of Chronicles omits genealogies, he chooses to omit names of people who are not part of the chosen people of God through whom eventually would come the Messiah. The first few verses of the book (), for example, give the record from the creation to the flood (). Cain and Abel are not mentioned for the author is interested in the chosen line, through Seth. The genealogical records become full and focused around the sons of Jacob (). They serve as the stage on which the drama of the Messianic promise is enacted.

King David, through whom the Messianic line was established, is the central figure in 1 Chroni- cles. Saul, the king who preceded David, is allotted only one chapter, describing his death. This account of Saul provides a segue into the following 19 chapters, detailing the reign of David (). 2 Chronicles devotes a full nine chapters to Solomon, and the remaining 27

You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue

You, LORD, know it com- pletely.

chapters follow the line of Judah’s kings. The kings of the Northern Kingdom, Israel, are only

mentioned in passing.

From the beginning of 1 Chronicles to the end of 2 Chronicles, it is clear that the author was selectively writing the history of God’s redemptive plan by which God elected and graciously preserved the line of David. Kings and Samuel tell of the depth of corruption and degradation that pulled down kingdoms of Israel and Judah to their final collapse, providing explanation for the sacking of Jerusalem and the captivity of God’s people.

The book of the Chronicles, however, focuses on the good things the Lord accomplished as He preserved a remnant people, through whom would come the Messiah. The Chronicler’s ac- counts of David and Solomon seem almost idealized when we compare then with the stories in Samuel and Kings. Regarding David, references to the seven-year reign in Hebron and the wars with the house of Saul are omitted. David’s difficulties with Michal, the murders of Abner and Ishbosheth, the sin with Bathsheba, the conspiracy and overthrow by Absalom, the rebellions of Sheba and Shimei…these accounts are all overlooked in Chronicles.

Similarly, the Chronicler shows Solomon to ascend neatly to the throne. No mention is made of the attempted coup by Adonijah( ) or of Solomon’s swift execution of those who had wronged David (). The account also avoids mention of Solomon’s foreign wives and his gross idolatry. Even the blame for the eventual division of the kingdom is not placed on Solomon’s shoulders in Chronicles.

Some people, seeing how selective the story line is in Chronicles, charge the author with bias and unfair historical reporting. In so doing, they fail to recognize the central focus of the book. If Chronicles were a mere repetition of the content of Samuel and Kings, there would be no reason or need for the book. Chronicles reviews the past with an eye on a great reward in the future.

Your Reward

The notion that Ezra was the author of Chronicles finds support not only through the similarity in style with other books attributed to him (Ezra and Nehemiah) but also in the same driving purpose found in all three of these books. Ezra was a priest of the line of Judah who provided leadership for the Jewish remnant which returned to Jerusalem following the captivity to re- build the Temple. We see THE TEMPLE written all over Chronicles.

The genealogies in Chronicles were written to provide credibility to the priests who would serve in the Temple. Most of the space devoted to David and Solomon in Chronicles relate to their constructing, dedicating, and organizing the Temple and its worship. The history of the Kings of Judah accented the purpose for, and preservation of, the Temple. When we understand that the Temple was the major concern of the author of Chronicles, his selectivity in writing makes perfect sense.

Ezra (or one like him) wrote with the driving hope that history might motivate God’s chosen

people to once again seek God. Ezra himself led the people to rebuild the altar and to construct

Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must

believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

again the Temple of God. This was the goal that drove Ezra forward against seeming insur- mountable odds. To come into the presence of God through Temple worship would be the ulti- mate reward for Ezra and God’s people.

One day, we will meet God face to face at the Throne of Judgement and our lives will be re- viewed in detail. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Corin- thians 5:10). At that time, God will reward us for the things that we have said and done, toward the up-building of the Temple, the Church of God (). Our greatest reward will be God Himself and His Christ (). Let us, like Ezra, long for the Temple, the pres- ence of God. Let us structure our lives and make history around this one concern, and we will not be disappointed!

Final Thought

It is interesting to consider the vast source of material available for the Chronicler to draw from. Over half of Chronicles was drawn from Samuel and Kings. Other sources from which this histo- rian drew included the Pentateuch, Judges, Ruth, Psalms, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, and other sources not now available to us (The Book of the Kings of Israel; The Book of the Annals of King David; The Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel; and The Annotations on the Book of the Kings – ; ; 27:24; 28:26). Like a marksman looking steadily at his target, the Chroni- cler unflinchingly pulled together the things most important to point people toward a renewed worship of God. We too would be wise to carefully edit our every activity and priority assuring that what we do today will last for eternity.

Spending Time With God

This lesson, from the series “Reigning Heroes,” is designed to supplement your personal and small group Bible study. The devotion questions are written for your personal study. The dis- cussion questions are especially for small groups. Members who answer the questions ahead of time can bring more insight into their small group meeting. The digging deeper questions are for those who wish for more personal or small group study. As you spend time with God, may His Word enrich your life and enhance your daily walk with Him. BEFORE YOU BEGIN, PRAY.

Devotion (Personal Study)

1. Skim .

a. What names do you recognize here?

b. Consider the legacy left by the people of God for you and for me. What legacy you are leaving for your children and their de- scendants?

2. In , we find historical records and genealo- gies.

a. How does the fact that the Scriptures are so carefully root- ed in real people, real events, and real history encourage your faith?

b. How would you answer a person who stated, “The Bible is a good book, but why all the wasted pages in 1 Chronicles that are filled with names and records of history?

3. Skim . Seek to find two or three specific truths through the lives of Saul and David that inspire you to live fully for God today.

Discussion (Small Group Study)

4. Skim .

a. Categorize the various lists found in these chapters.

b. Why do you think it is important that such lists be included in the Biblical account?

c. Why is it helpful and even important for us to recall people within our families and churches, and the significant deeds they have accomplished through history?

5. Skim and . What stories de- scribed in these accounts (and already studied during the past few lessons in the books of the Kings) are (or have been) most inspirational for your life and your walk with God? Why?

6. The remainder of 2 Chronicles describes the remainingkings.

We will jump ahead to the reign of Hezekiah.

a. Skim and describe some of Hezekiah’s re- forms.

b. Skim and describe some of Hezekiah’s chal- lenges.

7. a. In what other books are we told we can locate details about Hezekiah’s life ()? Search those books to find details about the miracle surrounding the sundial.

b. What can we learn from this story for today?

Digging Deeper (Further Study)

8. What insights or questions from the book of 1 or 2 Chronicles would you like to pursue further in discussion or study?

9. Read and skim the rest of the chapter. a. How is it that a righteous man like Hezekiah could leave the world a wicked son like Manasseh?

b. Do you know people (family or fiends) whose lives have such

paradoxes ?

c. What lessons are to be learned for our own lives through these examples?

10. 📷Reada. How is this a happy ending to

📷

b. Compare it with the last few pages of the Bible. How is the end of the story of the Scriptures an encouragement for your life?

c. Do you often take heart in the hope that is set before you?

d. List and share with one another favorite verse(s) Sabout the promises of God for the future, and take time to offer prayers and praise to the God of hope.