Overview of the Book of 1 and 2 Chronicles
Question: “What is the purpose of First and Second Chronicles? Why repeat information already recorded in 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings?”
Answer: Likely written between 450 and 425 BC, 1 and 2 Chronicles includes many lists of genealogies. Further, much of the content covers the same events found in the books of Samuel and Kings. Surely, God had a purpose for inspiring the writing of the Chronicles, even with its similar content.
First of all, not all of the content of the Chronicles is found in Samuel and Kings. In fact, over half of the content of Chronicles is unique. The scope of 1 and 2 Chronicles is very broad, tracing the history of Israel from Adam and Eve until the end of the Babylonian Captivity. Emphasis is given to the tribe of Judah, to whom the books were written, as well as the Levitical priests, who were important in re-establishing worship in Jerusalem. The Davidic Covenant and temple worship are common themes running through the Chronicles.
Ezra the priest and scribe is generally considered the author of 1 and 2 Chronicles. The Babylonian Talmud identifies Ezra by name as the author of these writings. Further, the events of 1 and 2 Chronicles lead up to the events of Ezra and Nehemiah (originally one book in the Hebrew Bible).
Also interesting is the name of 1 and 2 Chronicles in the Septuagint (a Greek translation of the Old Testament produced around 300 BC). The title translates as “The Books of Things Left Out,” referring to additional details surrounding the historical events recorded in the books of Samuel and Kings. Due to the Judean emphasis of the Chronicles, we learn much more about the southern kingdom of Judah and its kings; the books of Kings contain more detail about the northern kingdom of Israel.
The books of 1 and 2 Chronicles were invaluable in the restoration of Judah after their time in Babylon. The remnant returned to a ruined Jerusalem, a destroyed temple, and many other obstacles to their success. They must have felt overwhelmed and forsaken by God. By tracing the history of God’s people, the author of the Chronicles reminded the new generation that God had been their help in ages past. By emphasizing the unconditional Davidic Covenant, he gave them hope for the future. By including the genealogies, he showed them that they were the ones to continue the legacy. In short, the author of the Chronicles showed a despairing people that they had a powerful, faithful God who would strengthen them to rebuild the temple and the city.
Author unknown
Monday, June 3
Read 1 Chronicles 10
Think About It:
Scripture gives us three accounts of the death of Saul and his sons: 1 Samuel 31:1-13; the report of the messenger in 2 Samuel 1:1-10; and the record in 1 Chronicles 10:1-14. According to 1 Chronicles 10:4-5, Saul killed himself by falling on his sword. We see in 1 Chronicles 10:14 that it was God who killed Saul for his rebellion, especially the sin of seeking guidance from a medium. One of the keywords in this chapter is fallen. When Saul began his royal career, he was described as standing head and shoulders “taller than any of the people” (1 Samuel 9:2; 1 Samuel 10:23; and 16:7), but he ended his career a fallen king. He fell on his face in fear in the house of the spirit medium (1 Samuel 28:20), and fell on the battlefield before the enemy (1 Samuel 31:4; 1 Chronicles 10:4). David humbled himself before the LORD, and the LORD lifted him up; but Saul’s pride and rebellion brought him to a shameful end. “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed, lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). Saul was anointed king at the dawning of a new day (1 Samuel 9:26-27), but chose to walk in the darkness (1 Samuel 28:8) and disobey the will of God.
- Take a moment to reflect on your life, ask the LORD to show you any rebellion and idolatry that is displeasing to the LORD. Humble yourself, confess that sin, and rejoice in the LORD’s mercy and grace.
Family Time:
- Saul was wounded in a battle with the Philistines, he knew if the Philistines found him still alive, he would suffer terribly. What did he ask his armor-bearer to do? How did Saul die? (verse 4)
- The leader of a country is responsible for its people. When leaders sin, the people also suffer the consequences. What did the Israelites do when they saw the army run away and Saul and his sons had died? (verse 7)
- Why did Saul die, according to verse 13?
