The Kethuvim:

st nd
1 and 2 Chronicles
 The Historical World
(Hauer, 180-181)
After the Jewish Exile
• 586 B.C. Judah falls to Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon
• 556 B.C. Nabonidus seizes power in Babylon
• 550 B.C. Cyrus the Great rules in Persia
• 539 B.C. Babylon falls to Cyrus/ Persia
– Cyrus was a tolerant overlord
– He allowed exiles to return to their homelands
– He allowed them to repossess religious objects
 The Historical World
(Hauer, 180-182)
The Return From Exile
• 538 B.C. Edict of Cyrus and Return to Judah
– Many exiles elected to remain in Babylon
– Jerusalem was a desolate city w/ no walls
• 536 B.C. The 1st Returnees Begin to Rebuild Temple
– This construction stalled for some time
• 522 B.C. Darius I assumes control of Persia
• 520 B.C. Zerubabel named as governor
– Temple reconstruction resumed in Jerusalem
 1st Chronicles
Structure and Outline
• Genealogy Chapters 1—9
• The Reign of David Chapters 10—29
– David’s Rise to Power 10—12
– Transporting the Ark to Jerusalem 13—16
– God’s Covenant with David 17
– Wars 18—20
– Census 21
– Preparation for the Temple 22—29
 2nd Chronicles
Structure and Outline
• The Reign of Solomon Chapters 1—9
– Temple Preparation & Construction 1—4
– Dedication of the Temple 5—7
– Solomon’s Accomplishments 8—9
• The Southern Kingdom Chapters 10—36
 1st & 2nd Chronicles
• What are 1-2 Chronicles?
The Hebrew title for the Chronicles is derived from 1
Chronicles 27:24 and can be translated “the events of the
years.” In the Septuagint, the title is Paraleipomenon, which
means “things left out,” since much of the information in the
Chronicles is history not included in 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2
Kings. The present title, however, was popularized during the
Protestant Reformation when Martin Luther used an ancient
Latin translation which means “the chronicle of the whole
sacred history.” Luther called the books, Die Chronika.
1 Chronicles provides a genealogical record beginning with
Adam, then focuses on David, from his rise to power to his
death. 2 Chronicles provides an account of the reign of
Solomon followed by a record of the remaining 20 kings of
Judah.
 1st & 2nd Chronicles
• Who Wrote 1-2 Chronicles?
The author of 1 & 2 Chronicles is anonymous.
Jewish tradition & some modern scholars claim Ezra to
be the author, but there is no hard evidence to support
that claim. Typically known as “the Chronicler,” internal
evidence suggests that the author was a priest or Levite
who was serving in the temple during the Persian period
(539-332 B.C.). However, because Chronicles includes
modified passages from Ezra-Nehemiah as well as a list
of postexilic descendants of David, a date of 400 B.C. or
even some decades later is most likely.
 1st & 2nd Chronicles
• Why Were 1-2 Chronicles Written?
The Chronicles help God’s people understand how they came
to be in exile, having fallen from their former glory. However, rather
than a comprehensive history of the rise and downfall of the nation,
Chronicles seems to serve as a guide for those returning to Judah to
help rebuild the temple and to encourage them with the faithfulness of
God in His promises to Abraham, Jacob, and David.
1 Chronicles, in particular, highlights the centrality of God in
worship as foundational to His people.
2 Chronicles, in particular, focuses on the building and
dedication of the temple as well as the failure of the people to remain
faithful to worship God (Yahweh) alone.
 The Goal of the Chronicler
(Lasor, Hubbard, Bush, pg. 543)
• Historical Interpretation of Past Events
– Continuity - all historical events are related
– Selectivity - one cannot tell EVERY act/ detail
• Paradigmatic History
– Telling readers how to/ not to live based on both
positive and negative role models
• Emphasis on the Davidic Kingdom
– 29 of the 65 chapters focus on David & Solomon
 The Message of the Chronicler
(Lasor, Hubbard, Bush, pg. 543)
• “He Shall build a house for me, and I will establish his
throne forever.” 1 Chr. 17:12
– Divine revelation ushering in a new era for God’s people
through David’s line and God’s Holy Temple.
• “If my people who are called by my name will humble
themselves, 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.”
2 Chr. 7:14
– Characterizes this new Temple era as an era of grace.
 Key Themes and Theology in
The Chronicles
• The Sovereignty of God
• Faith in God During Crisis (2 Chr. 13—16)
• The Preservation of David’s Line
• God’s Faithfulness to Fulfill His Promise(s)
• The Importance of Individual Responsibility
• God gives grace to the repentant heart
• All People of Israel Should Return to God