Book 13-14 The Book of 1st Chronicles And 2nd Chronicles
1st Chronicles
Who wrote the books of 1st Chronicles and 2nd Chronicles: Ezra is the assumed writer of Chronicles.
When was it written: Between 400 and 500 B.C.
1st And 2nd Chronicles Study Guide For Personal Growth
Why was it written: Chronicles is a historical record written for the exiles who returned after their exile to Babylon. Their captivity ended with the fall of the Babylonian Empire and the rise of the Persian Empire.
Overview Of 1st And 2nd Chronicles In The Bible
Upon their ‘release’ the Israelites, which now consisted of only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, are wondering whether or not God’s promises and covenant still hold true since they have no king—no Davidic king, that is.
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The book of 1st Chronicles differs, however, by opening with a ‘family tree’ of sorts. The first eight chapters list the names of the son of Jacob for which each of the twelve tribes is named, followed by their descendants and the location of the land given to them when they entered the Promised Land.
This is followed by a reprisal of the events of David’s reign as king, the death of King David, and the events that led to Solomon being recognized as the new king of Israel.
Biblical Perspective On 1st And 2nd Chronicles
2nd Chronicles
The book of 2nd Chronicles begins with the re-telling of Solomon’s reign; beginning with him choosing wisdom when God tells him he can have whatever he asks for and ending with his death.
The remainder of the 2nd Chronicles does just that—chronicles the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah and the events that led to each kingdom’s fall from God’s grace and its demise from power and existence.
Key Themes In 1st And 2nd Chronicles Explained
The primary difference between the 2nd Chronicles and the books of the 1st and 2nd Kings is the fact that the events recorded are from a more spiritual point of view rather than a factual one. The reason for this is likely due to the writer’s (Ezra’s) mindset.
Ezra was a Godly man— one of the few who had not turned his back on God. Ezra was mindful of all God had done for his people from the time they had left Egypt and lived to honor God by obeying The Law of Moses.
Ezra wrote to let us know not only what happened governmentally to the people of Israel and Judah, but also what happened to them spiritually and emotionally. He lived it—or at least part of it. His words are to serve as a warning to us all.
1st And 2nd Chronicles Commentary
They warn us of what happens when we take God out of the equation of anything and everything we do. Ezra’s warning can best be summed up by remembering (and taking to heart) the words he recorded that were spoken by God to Solomon shortly after the completion and dedication of The Temple Solomon built:
