1st & 2nd Chronicles

A Single L O N G Book

1st noted division is the Septuagint (200-300- BC)

Should be studied as a unit—apparent purpose, a continuous narrative

Hebrew name is “The Words Concerning the Days”

Septuagint wrongly calls it “Things Omitted”

Authorship

“The Chronicler” Jewish tradition marks it as Ezra

Unity of style makes it most probable that it was a single source—though the last few chapters seems compressed and rushed

Used, and generally referenced, other sources—at least 8 were noted

Much information parallels 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings

Date & Purpose

Around 400 BC, not after the end of the 5th cent. BC

Last person mentioned is Annani—probably born 425-400 BC

Covers the history of man from Adam, the genealogies up to the the beginning of the monarchy; then through the kings of Judah—only mentioning kings of Israel when necessary for the narrative—through the captivity to the decree of Cyrus

The Bible Knowledge Commentary Purpose and Structure

The purpose of 1 and 2 Chronicles is to show God’s elective and preserving grace in His covenant people through David, the messianic king and priest.

Highs and Lows

Unarguably, the most significant high point is the building & dedication of the temple and institution of worship

The most significant low is the captivity

A significant lesson

Interesting sequence; we generally remember only 2 Chron. 7:14-15

2 Chronicles 7:14–15 ESV

if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place.

Solomon’s prayer of dedication in 6:36-39

God’s response in 7:11-15

God’s warning in 7:19-22

They Didn’t Get It!

We discussed Solomon’s Sad Saga of Sin in Kings

Rehoboam, in 12:14

Abijah did OK, 13:12

Asa the same 14:2…for a while; but 16:7

Jehoshaphat in 17: 3, but…the whole mess of chap. 18, 19:2

Joash started OK, but abandoned the Lord in 24

Amaziah started good, but turned to idolatry

We get to Hezekiah and Josiah…both good and godly kings…then came Jehoahaz

and it spiraled downhill from there

Ending in the captivity