Key Genealogies

From Adam to David and beyond, 1 and 2 Chronicles begins with genealogies of important players in the storyline of God's Messiah and the priesthood.

Father & Son

David and Solomon's lives are recapped, detailing their accomplishments and building God's temple. An example of the new King David" is established in this arrangement."

Prophetic Hopes

As Chronicles reflects the positive elements of Israel's past, themes of hope for the Messianic king and the post-exile rebuilding of God's temple are highlighted.

Kingly Scorecard

Stories of good, evil, hope and courage are accounted through David's royal lineage in the kingdom of Judah. Asa, Jehoshaphat and Hezekiah are especially noted.

End of Exile?

After decades of exile, Persia overpowers Babylon and allows Israel to return home. King Cyrus proclaims their release, though his last sentence is left unfinished.

THE SECOND book of chronicles

OT/NT: Old Testament

SECTION: History (8 of 12)

TRADITIONAL AUTHOR: Ezra

KEY PEOPLE: David, Saul, Solomon.

SUMMARY: Canonically, the First Book of Chronicles is the thirteenth book of the Holy Bible (1), the thirteenth book of the Old Testament (2), and the eighth of the twelve historical books (3). 1 Chronicles launches by going over the genealogy from Adam to King Saul followed by a look at King David. You're right if this sounds familiar. The unnamed author recounts texts from the Law as well as Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, Psalms, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, and Zechariah.

Like the Books of Samuel and Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles was also written as the single Book of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. Many readers today, however, skip reading it when they find that it repeats much of the material from its previous books. But is Chronicles necessary to read? Yes, it is!

Chronicles is the last Book in the Hebrew Bible as it summarizes the continued relationship between God and Israel through the blessing of Abraham. The arrangement of the content in Chronicles invites the reader to explore the stories of each section and reveals interesting details about David, Solomon, God's temple, the kings of Judah, and how they work together. Chronicles is also an excellent historical reference for those studying specific facts in the Scriptures.

From chapters 10-29, there 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: "David also said to Solomon his son, 'Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished'" (1 Chronicles 28:20). The book ends with Solomon’s reigning as king of Israel.

COMING UP:  Next up is the Second Book of Chronicles. Click HERE (4) to explore!

For a printer friendly version of this narrative (and more!), please explore the PDF documents offered above.

FOOTNOTES:

(1) http://www.downriverdisciples.com/the-good-news

(2) http://www.downriverdisciples.com/old-testament

(3) http://www.downriverdisciples.com/historical-books

(4) http://www.downriverdisciples.com/2-chronicles

PAGE SOURCES:

(a) Bible Hub (link)

(b) The Bible Project (link)