The Book of 2nd Chronicles
Who Wrote This Book: Prophet Ezra wrote the Chronicles.
Date of Writing: 450-425 B.C.
Why It Was Written: Beginning where 1st Chronicles ended, 2 Chronicles records the history of the reign of King Solomon (971-931) and all the kings of Judah. The book’s cover the same period as 1 and 2 Kings, though 2 Chronicles focuses only on the kings of Judah and excludes those of Israel.
The Second Book of Chronicles takes up the history of the monarchy where the First Book breaks off. It begins with the account of the reign of Solomon from the special viewpoint of the Chronicler. The portrait of Solomon is an idealized one; he appears as second only to David. The great achievement of the building of the temple and the magnificence of Solomon's court are described in detail while the serious defects of his reign are passed over without comment. All this is in keeping with the Chronicler's purpose of stressing the supreme importance of the temple and its worship. He wishes to impress on his readers the splendor of God's dwelling and the magnificence of the liturgy of sacrifice, prayer and praise offered there. Judah's kings are judged by their attitude toward the temple and its cult. To this ideal of one people, united in the worship of the one true God at the temple of Jerusalem founded by David and Solomon, the restored community would have to conform.
Interesting Fact: The first two verses of Ezra are the same as the last two verses of Chronicles.
Ezra 1:1-2 (King James Version): 1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, 2 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, the LORD God of heaven hath charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
2 Chronicles 36:22-23 (King James Version): 22 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, 23 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.
Key Verses:
2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
2 Chronicles 15:2 "The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you."
2 Chronicles 15:7 "But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."
2 Chronicles 30:18-19 "May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone who sets his heart on seeking God."
2 Chronicle 32:8 "With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles."
