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The Book of 1 & 2 Chronicles

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from
their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14

The Overview of the Book - The author intends to encourage His people and remind them of the great and precious promises
God has given his people. He did this by highlighting the hope there is in the history of Judah’s kings, to direct restoration of the
kingdom and emphasized the temple, true worship and the Davidic Dynasty. Author: -Some scholars tend to view Chronicles as a
work other than Ezra and more likely a postexilic anonymous author. Date
Written: Many scholars place the writing of the book between 450 and
400 BC. The book of Chronicles was originally untitled. Its traditional
Hebrew name may be translated “the annals of the days”

Specific Advice for Reading – Note the emphasis on:

 The focus on Judah, the southern kingdom, and on the Davidic
dynasty.
 The temple in Jerusalem and proper worship there.
 A phrase to look for is “Joyful Songs or Joyful Sounds”
 Chronicler’s unique presentation of David and Solomon.
 The narrative on the divided kingdom, Judah and Israel.
 Look for blessing and judgment on the different kings.
 Finally, pay attention to the interest in the role of “the Nations”

Chronicles Outline

1) Genealogies - 1 Chronicles 1 – 9
A. The Patriarchs (Ch 1:1 – 2:2)
B. The Tribe of Judah (Ch 2:3 – 4:23) Key Themes and How the Book Fits into
C. The Eleven Tribes (Ch 4:24 – 8:40) “The Story”
D. Postexilic Family Heads in Jerusalem (Ch 9)  Chronicles was written to give this postexilic community
hope and show that restoration and relationship was possible. He
2) The Reign of David - 1 Chronicles 10 – 29 showed that there was hope for the coming of their messiah and
A. David’s Predecessor Saul (Ch 10) true restoration of the kingdom was thru Christ.
B. David’s Assumption of the Throne (Ch 11-12)  The Chronicler’s hope he had for the people of God
C. David’s Accomplishments (Ch 13-22) became a reality in Christ. Those who follow Christ are the heirs
D. David’s Legacy to Solomon (Ch 23:1 – 29:20) of Israel’s promise. (Gal 3:14 & 29)
E. Postexilic Family Heads in Jerusalem (Ch 29:21 – 30)  The restoration of David’s throne was fulfilled in
Christ. Christ was born the son of David, the rightful heir to the
3) The Reign of Solomon - 2 Chronicles 1 - 9 Davidic Throne. (Lk 1:32)
A. Solomon Stabilizes the Kingdom (Ch 1)  The Chroniclers emphasis on the temple likewise finds
B. Building and Dedication of the Temple (Ch 2 – 7) fulfillment in Christ. Christ offered himself on the cross as the
C. The Greatness of Solomon (Ch 8 – 9) perfect atonement for Sin. (Heb 9:11-28) He intercedes in the
heavenly temple on behalf of His people. (Heb 4:14-16 & 6:20)
4) The Kingdom of Judah – 2 Chronicles 10 – 36  The chroniclers focus on divine blessing and judgment
A. Decline: Rehoboam and Abijah (Ch 10 -13) which was anticipated in the work of Christ. He suffered death on
B. Revival: Asa and Jehoshaphat (Ch 14:1 – 21:3) the cross that His people might be delivered from Judgment. (Ro
C. Decline: Jehoram, Ahaziah, and Athaliah (Ch 21:4 – 22:12) 3:21-26) He gives them new life so that they may be assured of
D. Revival: Joash to Jotham (Ch 23 – 27) eternal blessing. (2 Peter 3:13)
E. The Remaining Kings of Judah (Ch 29 – 36)