Introduction

In our Bibles today we have 1 and 2 Chronicles as two books but they were originally one book. The Book of 1 Chronicles is a book of narrative history, and genealogies.

While the books of 1 and 2 Kings focuses on the northern kingdom, Israel, 1 Chronicles focuses on the southern kingdom, Judah. Nothing is said about the northern kingdom in 2 Chronicles because Jeroboam led the northern tribes after sins that took them away from worshiping God.

For this reason, 1 Chronicles focuses on the kings and events that relate to the southern kingdom, specifically the tribe of Judah. 2 Chronicles covers the history of both 1 and 2 Kings.

The purpose of the book was to encourage the remnant that had come out of the Babylonian captivity and it covers in some extra detail most of the information already covered by 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings.

Author

No one knows who the author of the book is but Jewish tradition believes that Ezra wrote both 1 and 2 Chronicles, as well as the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.

The reason for this is because the book of Ezra immediately begins where 2 Chronicles concludes, 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 / Ezra 1:1-3. Ezra was a priest in the southern kingdom who lived in Jerusalem, Ezra 7:11.

Within the book, the author mentions the records of three prophets, Samuel, Nathan, and Gad, 1 Chronicles 29:29. They also mention the Jewish historical books as the chronicle of the kings of Judah and Israel, 1 Chronicles 9:1, these books don’t exist anymore.

Date

Chronicles tells us about the events in the history of Israel down to the end of their captivity in Babylon and the restoration that was initiated by the Medo-Persian king, Cyrus, 2 Chronicles 36:22-23.

In view of what the author writes in 2 Chronicles 35:25, it appears that the book was written after the time of Jeremiah who wrote Lamentations. Most commentators agree that the book was written between 450 and 425 BC.

Brief Summary

1 Chronicles 1-9, begins with Adam and runs through the genealogies of Israel. It continues through all the 12 tribes of Israel, then King David, and then the Priestly line. The descendants teach the history of the nation, extending from God’s creation all the way through the exile in Babylon.

1 Chronicles 10-29, is a review from King Saul’s death with the Philistines, through King David’s reign, including the preparation for the building of the new temple, which Solomon would build. The book finishes with Solomon’s reigning as king of Israel.

Outline

Genealogies. 1 Chronicles 1-9

From Adam to Noah. 1 Chronicles 1:1-4

From Noah’s sons to Jacob and Esau. 1 Chronicles 1:5-54

From Judah to David’s descendants. 1 Chronicles 2:1-3:21

The lineage of Jacob’s other sons is given, with particular attention to Levi. 1 Chronicles 4:1-8:40

A listing of those who resettled in Jerusalem following Babylonian exile is given. 1 Chronicles 9:1-44

David’s reign. 1 Chronicles 10-29

The stage for David’s reign is set by details of King Saul’s death. 1 Chronicles 10:1-14

David is made king over all Israel and captures Jerusalem. 1 Chronicles 11:1-9

David’s loyal servants are named. 1 Chronicles 11:10-12:40

David brings the ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem. 1 Chronicles 13:1-16:43

David will not be allowed to build the Temple, 1 Chronicles 17:1-2, but God establishes a special covenant with him. 1 Chronicles 17:3-27

David strengthens Israel’s forces. 1 Chronicles 18:1-20:8

He takes an unauthorized census. 1 Chronicles 21:1-30

David makes preparation for the construction of the Temple. 1 Chronicles 22:1-19

He organizes the priests and Levites. 1 Chronicles 23:1-26:28

He appoints other officials. 1 Chronicles 26:29-27:34

David’s final words and the account of his death are given. 1 Chronicles 28:1-29:30

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