Who wrote the Books of 1 and 2 Chronicles and who did they write it for?
It is unknown for certain who authored 1 and 2 Chronicles. Often attributed simply to “the chronicler”, it is widely believed that Ezra wrote these books.
When did the events of Books of 1 and 2 Chronicles happen?
The events in 1 and 2 Chronicles are a duplication and expansion of the history recorded in the books of Genesis through 2 Kings. These events are believed to have occurred from Creation to approximately 400 BC. 1 and 2 Chronicles were likely written somewhere between 425-400 BC.
What was the setting of the Books of 1 and 2 Chronicles?
The events within 1 and 2 Chronicles cover the events from Creation to the end of the Israelite’s exile to Babylon. These records end in the time when the Persian Empire reigned over Jerusalem, had replaced the monarchy, and allowed the Israelites to return to the land and rebuild the temple. Unfortunately, a lot had changed during their exile and it was much different than the glory days of David and Solomon’s reigns.
What is the purpose of the Books of 1 and 2 Chronicles?
- Genealogies from Adam to David (1 Chronicles 1-9)
- Adam and the patriarchs (1 Chronicles 1)
- Establishing David’s throne (1 Chronicles 2-4)
- Israel before exile (1 Chronicles 5-8)
- Exiles returning to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 9)
- David’s Reign (1 Chronicles 10-29)
- David becomes King (1 Chronicles 10-12)
- David acquires the Ark (1 Chronicles 13-17)
- David’s military victories (1 Chronicles 18-20)
- David prepares to build the temple (1 Chronicles 21-22)
- David’s last instructions and assignments (1 Chronicles 23-29)
- Solomon’s Reign (2 Chronicles 1-9)
- Beginning of Solomon’s reign (2 Chronicles 1)
- Building of the Temple (2 Chronicles 2-7)
- Achievements of Solomon (2 Chronicles 8-9)
- Reign of the Kings of Judah (2 Chronicles 10-36)
- Rahoboam’s Reign (2 Chronicles 10-12)
- Abijah’s Reign (2 Chronicles 13)
- Asa’s Reign (2 Chronicles 14-16)
- Jehosaphat’s Reign (2 Chronicles 17-20)
- Jehoram’s Reign (2 Chronicles 21)
- Ahaziah’s Reign (2 Chronicles 22-23)
- Joash’s Reign (2 Chronicles 24)
- Amiziah’s Reign (2 Chronicles 25)
- Uzziah’s Reign (2 Chronicles 26)
- Jotham’s Reign (2 Chronicles 27)
- Ahaz’s Reign (2 Chronicles 28)
- Hezekiah’s Reign (2 Chronicles 29-32)
- Manasseh’s Reign (2 Chronicles 33)
- Josiah’s Reign (2 Chronicles 34-35)
- Jehoahaz’s Reign (2 Chronicles 36:1-3)
- Jehoiakim’s Reign (2 Chronicles 36:4-8)
- Jehoiachin’s Reign (2 Chronicles 36:9-10)
- Zedekiah’s Reign (2 Chronicles 36:11-16)
- Judah’s Captivity and Return (2 Chronicles 36:17-23)
How do the Books of 1 and 2 Chronicles apply to my life?
- Shows clear examples of the real consequences of sin and disobedience to God.
- Provides examples of godly living and leadership as well as wickedness and disobedience.
- Emphasizes the faithfulness, power, and sovereignty of God.
- Gives us examples of God making and keeping His promises to His people throughout history.
- Foreshadows Christ, particularly within the process of planning, designing, and building the temple.
- Exhorts believers to learn from the sins and disobedience of the past and to not repeat them.
- Describes God as our source of hope who is trustworthy and praise worthy.
Summary
It is unknown for certain who wrote the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles, but early Jewish tradition gives Ezra credit, and the first three verses of the book of Ezra match the last verses of 2 Chronicles. Because of this, many believe it was Ezra who penned these books of Israel’s history by divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit. These books were originally one text titled “Events of the Days”, and were later separated and renamed “Things Passed Over”. These titles are likely because these books don’t necessarily carry on the history from the point of 1 and 2 Kings, but rather they duplicate and expand on the history provided in Genesis through 2 Kings.
The content of 1 and 2 Chronicles differs from the accounts given in other Old Testament books in that it focuses more on a priestly outlook versus a monarchy and kingly perspective. It also provides more of a theological narrative of historical events versus simply providing an account of historical events.
1 and 2 Chronicles can be broken up into four main sections covering genealogies, David’s reign, Solomon’s reign, and the remaining rulers of Israel after them. These records served as an encouragement to those who were returning from exile and needed to be built up in their faith during those extremely difficult and dangerous times. These people also needed hope for the future while their whole lives were being uprooted and the future would have seemed incredibly uncertain.
We can draw the same kinds of encouragements and exhortations from these books, and be reminded of God’s faithfulness and hope no matter what we face in our lives. Being strong in faith and seeking to grow in our relationship with and obedience to the Lord will lead to blessings, even when we go through trials and sufferings along the way.
Grab your printable copy of this study!
Helpful Study Tools:
 |
NKJV Large-Print Holman Study Bible By B&H Books |
 |
The NKJV, Woman’s Study Bible By Thomas Nelson |
Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
- Names of Jesus: Savior
- Don’t Neglect Your Salvation
- Prayer of Salvation
- What is grace and why do we need it?
- What does it mean to be justified by grace?
- Don’t Reject God’s Grace
- Don’t Reject Christ
- Godly Women – what it means to live a godly life
- Redeemed Women – what it means to be redeemed
- What is Biblical Love?
- What are Spiritual Gifts?
- How to live in Spirit and Truth
- How to test what is pleasing to God
- Names of Jesus as the Son of God
- Names of Jesus as the Son of Man
- Names of Jesus as the Truth
