The two books of Chronicles were originally one. "Chronicles" means "journals," "annals," or "records."
Who Wrote This Book: Though not specified by Name, Ezra has traditionally been assumed to be the author of 1st and 2nd Chronicles. He used sources in compiling the book, including prophetic records by Samuel (1 Chron.29:29), Isaiah (2 Chron.32:32), and others (2 Chron. 9:29; 12:15; 20:34; 33:19) but particularly a source called the “Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel” (2 Chron. 16:11; 25:26). These are not the same court records as 1st and 2nd Kings, but an earlier source.
Date of Writing: Probably between 425 and 400 B.C. Although the date in which I and II Chronicles were written can't be established exactly, the text probably adopted its definitive form at the end of the 5th century B.C. The last event spoken of in the final verses of II Chronicles is the decree of the Persian King Cyrus that authorizes the Jews to return to Judah. This decree is dated in 538 B.C. and its mention leaves the impression that Chronicles was composed shortly after its issue.
Theme: Warning and encouragement that are based upon the spiritual inheritance of Judah. GOD promised David an eternal throne, choosing David to found the true center of worship in Jerusalem and appointing Solomon to build his temple (28:4-7).
Content: In the original Hebrew Scriptures, I and II Chronicles formed a single book called "The Events of the Days". It was divided and identified by the Greek translators of the Old Testament (editors of the "Septuagint" or LXX) as "The Things that Happened". The title "Chronicles" comes from Jerome. It isn't a continuation of the history of GOD's people, but a reiteration or supplement to I and II Samuel and I and II Kings.
The book in its entirety can be divided into four great sections. First Chronicles offers genealogies (chap. 1-9) and follows the kingdom of David. Second Chronicles continues the story referring to the kingdom of Solomon (Chaps. 1-9) and speaks of the kingdom of the twenty monarchs of Judah (Chaps. 10-36).
The purpose of First Chronicles was to provide the basis for the restoration of Israel to Canaan after the Babylonian captivity.
The land was divided by inheritance from ancestors (Numbers 26:51-56). To return to inherit the land, the Israelites had to know their ancestry. Also, the priesthood was hereditary (Exodus 29:29-30, 44). Furthermore, the genealogies had to be preserved so they could know Christ when He came. He was to be descended from Abraham (Genesis 12:3), Judah (Genesis 49:10), and David (17:11-11 Chronicles 5; cf. 2 Samuel 7:12-16). Jesus met these genealogical demands (Matthew 1:1; Luke 1:30-33). Thus, genealogies were vital to Old Testament Israel.
The Jewish genealogical records were destroyed when Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed in A.D. 70. No Israelite today knows what tribe he is from. The Jews cannot restore the rule of the lineage of David on this earth, the priesthood of the lineage of Aaron, or the inheritance by tribes. Thus, Old Testament Israel cannot be restored (cf. Jeremiah 19:10-11). We are not to be concerned religiously with genealogies (1 Timothy 1:4; Titus 3:9).
The first nine chapters of First Chronicles are the genealogical tables of Israel from Adam to the time of Ezra. These tables provide one major basis of the restoration that took place following Cyrus’ decree that the Jews could return to Palestine (2 Chronicles 36:22-23; cf. Ezra 1:1-4). Contrary to the claims of premillennialists, who contend that only Judah was restored, there was a remnant from every tribe in Israel who returned (1 Chronicles 9:2; cf. Nehemiah 7:73).
Chapters ten through twenty-nine discuss the basis of the glory of the nation: the glorious reign of David. David's rule was glorious because He was loyal to the Lord (1 Chronicles 29:10-19), and the Lord was therefore with him (1 Chronicles 12:18). David's organization of temple worship is given in detail (Chaps. 22-26) as a basis for restoration of temple worship.
Differences with Samuel and Kings: (HBH) While Chronicles shows a dependence on the books of Samuel and Kings, there are remarkable differences in content and theological perspective.
- Chronicles was not written to supplement these former works, nor was it simply a rewriting. These books offer a fresh interpretation of Israel's monarchy. Samuel and Kings addressed the exilic community and explained why Israel's monarchy failed. Chronicles addressed the restored community and explained that GOD still had a purpose for Israel. Chronicles was written from a priestly perspective, whereas Samuel and Kings were written from a prophetic perspective.
- Chronicles attempts a comprehensive history, beginning with Adam, but Samuel and Kings are limited to the time of the monarchy. In the Book of Kings, Judah still awaits release from captivity, but Chronicles ends with the decree of Cyrus anticipating Judah's return.
- Chronicles features David and the kings of Judah and avoids commenting on the Northern Kingdom. Even the reign of Saul is treated as a preamble to David's accession. Chronicles tells the positive contributions of David and Solomon and omits unflattering events in their reigns.
- The palace is center stage in Samuel and Kings, but the temple is central in Chronicles. For the Chronicler the lasting contribution of the kings was religious. Samuel and Kings condemn sin and urge repentance, but Chronicles encourages the faithful to make a new start.
Favorite Verses
1 Chronicles 16:10-12
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.
1 Chronicles 29:11, 12
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.
