first and second chronicles

Background

Author.   The Bible does not identify the author of this unified work. Ancient Jewish tradition suggests Ezra wrote it. No other individual has received serious attention.

Evidence for Ezra’s authorship is as follows:

1.  The date (which see) fits Ezra’s dates;

2.  The point of view is Levitical-priestly;

3.  The last two verses are repeated at the beginning of Ezra;

4.  Scarcely any other person from that era was as qualified as Ezra to write this book.

Whoever authored the book relied heavily on written sources, and identified many in the composition (1 Chron. 9:1; 29:29; 2 Chron. 9:29; 12:15; 13:22; 20:34; 26:22; 27:7; 32:32; and 33:19), especially the three great prophets who influenced David directly: Samuel, Nathan and Gad (1 Chron. 29:29–30).

Date.   The language of the text points to a fifth century (or later) dating of the book.  Genealogies—especially that of the Davidic throne—are such a crucial feature in the book it is highly unlikely that the book was composed later than the latest Davidic generation noted, which is Anani, the eighth generation from Jehoiachin (1 Chron. 3:24), born possibly between 425 and 400 B.C.

Historical setting.   Genealogies in the book extend from Adam. Historical references, however, begin with David, and continue to the end of the monarchy. There is additionally a note from Cyrus’ decree in 538 B.C. Historical details are spelled out in the Backgrounds to Samuel and Kings.

Argument

Where the book of Kings emphasized the destructions of Samaria and Jerusalem as the Sinai covenant curse, this book of Chronicles, though tracing more or less the same history, emphasizes two different elements: the Davidic throne, and the Levites,[1] priesthood, and the temple. It is both these elements that are supported by the extensive genealogical interest in the book. The main (two-fold) purpose seems to be (theologically) to heighten the anticipation among the Jews in the struggling province of Judea of the coming Messiah who would be both (Davidic) king and priest, and (practically) to urge the people to live holily in order to be prepared for him.

The book opens with the extended and laborious genealogies climaxing in David, the divinely chosen ruler of the elect people of God, Israel (1–9). Israel’s election through Shem and Abraham, not Esau is emphasized first (1). Then the line of Judah (and none of his brothers) (2) sets up the Davidic succession (3). In the tribal genealogies which follow the only highlights are the Levites (6), anticipating their emphasis throughout, and Saul in Benjamin (8), David’s foil.

The rest of 1 Chronicles (10–29) deals with the reign of David. The chapter on Saul’s death on the battlefield (10) shows him in his most shameful light, providing a backdrop for the hero, David. He is introduced with rapidly rising support (11:1–3), and is immediately associated with control of Jerusalem (11:4–9). He is then presented as a powerful leader, surrounded by mighty warriors (11:10—12:40).

His career is depicted as one of blessing and power (13–20). He rightly recognized that blessing was associated with the ark, though he forgot that it must be handled properly (13). Still, the hand of God was clearly with him, as he enjoyed preeminence at every turn (14). His eventual success in bringing the ark into Jerusalem (15:1–15) was cause of great public celebration (15:16–29) in light of the anticipated blessings from Yahweh (16). David’s greatest blessing, however, was the unique promise God made to establish his throne forever (17). Almost as a foretaste of the eschatological Davidic dominance he enjoys uninterrupted victories in every direction (18), and especially over Israel’s chronic enemies (19–20).

Apart from his accomplishments he played a major role in the eventual construction of the Temple (21–22). First, he was responsible for the procurement of the site (21:18–30), though the ironical occasion was his own sin for which the nation suffered (21:1–17). The key statement this makes about David is how he responded when confronted with his own sin: humbly seeking restoration of fellowship with God. The Temple is thus shown to be a place of merciful forgiveness and atonement. Second, he was responsible for the initiative to construct the Temple, having provided the materials (22:1–5) and the impetus (22:6–19).

The story of David winds down noting his responsible administration and preparations for continuity into the next generation (23–29; see especially 23:1–2). Significantly, of the five chapters detailing his government, four deal with Levites (23–26) and one with military and political personnel (27). The Levites’ prominence is thus enhanced by Davidic precedent, so that it can be legitimately developed in 2 Chronicles in the succeeding centuries of monarchy. David’s concluding concern is for the Temple, that his successors should not fail to implement his plans (28:1—29:22a). Finally, his crown is passed to Solomon, and he is eulogized (29:22b–30).

The record of Solomon’s reign begins with the promising signs of his wisdom and wealth (2 Chron 1), symbols of divine blessing. Its main feature is the temple (2–7), central to the book and the book’s account of David’s consuming passion. The degree of construction detail provided (2–4) indicates the level of priority given to the project. The extensive account of the consecration of the Temple (5–7) shows the reverence in which it was held, undoubtedly a strong hortatory point of the postexilic revivalists. The story of Solomon concludes by enumerating the various ways Solomon was blessed, having faithfully completed the Temple project (8–9).

In the records of the reigns of the succeeding monarchs (10–36) certain stories were so historically significant they could not be ignored (e.g., Rehoboam, Jeroboam, and the schism); while others are included because of their relation to the Davidic or Levitical-priestly-temple themes (e.g., the Temple revivals of Hezekiah and Josiah). After Rehoboam lost the northern tribes (10:1—11:4), his throne (Davidic) is still shown relatively strong (11:5–12, 18–23), and the priests and Levites are integral to his administration (11:13–17). Abijah’s challenge to Jeroboam was based on the Davidic promises, and thus he triumphed (13). Asa’s strength lay in his zeal for Yahweh (14), manifested supremely in his obedient religious reforms (15), and then dampened by his unfaithful reliance on Syria (16). Jehoshaphat’s success (17:11–19) arose also out of his faithfulness, and especially his ‘Torah conferences’ (17:1–10). His alliance with Ahab the Baalist, though not fatal, brought him prophetic reprimand (18:1—19:3). His action of appointing Levites to judgeships is presented as commendable (19:4–11). His victory over the Moab-Ammon-Edom alliance is attributed to his faithfulness to Yahweh, and presents the Levites’ involvement favorably (20). Jehoram’s idolatry brought nothing but shame and prophetic condemnation (21). Ahaziah was no better (22:1–9). The hero of the Athaliah episode is the priest, Jehoiada (23). Joash’s great accomplishment was his repair of the Temple. Tragically, his great shame was his later abusive execution of the priest and son of his mentor (24). When Amaziah did right he enjoyed victory (25:1–13); when he sinned by idolatry he suffered defeat (25:14–24). Much the same is said of Uzziah (26); and of Jotham the same, except that he had no failings (27). Ahaz was a total failure, owing to unmitigated apostasy. The one story of mercy to Judah arose out of respect for Yahweh’s election of the entire nation (28). Hezekiah demonstrated zeal for the Temple and Mosaic worship (29–31), so that in the time of crisis he was in a position to enjoy the divine blessing of deliverance (32). Throughout the Hezekiah stories the Levites and priests figure prominently as faithfully supporting the king’s reforms. Hezekiah’s pride in the episode of his healing and the Babylonian emissaries anticipates Jerusalem’s destruction and destroyer, and shows that even very good kings can fall very badly and bring on bad consequences (32:24–31). Manasseh was almost the mirror image of Hezekiah, with his unprecedented wickedness followed by his repentance and meager reforms (33:1–20). Following the uneventful and wicked reign of Amon (33:21–25), came the last great king, Josiah, whose glory was very much like Hezekiah’s, repairing the Temple and implementing religious reforms including the Passover celebration (34–35). Playing a major supportive role were again the priests and Levites. The last four kings are a rapid-fire litany of shame (36:1–16). Somewhat surprisingly the priests are also implicated in the abominations (36:14) which brought down the wrath of God against his people, city, and sanctuary. Even in these final words the Temple figures very prominently as the object of Nebuchadnezzar’s devastation (36:17–19) and the object of Cyrus’ decree of restoration (36:23).

Outline

I. The throne of David   I Chron 1–29

A. Genealogical background  1–9

1. Genealogies of the nation Israel  1

a) Genealogy of Adam  1:1–4

b) Genealogies of Noah’s sons  1:5–27

(1) Japheth  1:5–7

(2) Ham  1:8–16

(3) Shem (to Abraham)  1:17–27

c) Genealogy of Abraham  1:28–34

d) Genealogy of Esau  1:35–54

2. Genealogies of the house of David  2–3

a) Genealogy of Judah  2

(1) Sons of Israel  2:1–2

(2) Sons of Judah  2:3–4

(3) Genealogies of Perez and Zerah  2:5–8

(4) Genealogy of Hezron  2:9–41

(5) Genealogy of Caleb  2:42–55

b) Genealogy of David  3

(1) Sons of David  3:1–9

(2) Descendants of Solomon  3:10–24

3. Genealogies of the tribes  4:1—9:1

a) Southern tribes  4

(1) Judah  4:1–23

(2) Simeon  4:24–43

b) Transjordan tribes  5

(1) Reuben  5:1–10

(2) Gad  5:11–17

(3) Parenthetical exploits of the Transjordan tribes  5:18–22

(4) Manasseh (Transjordan half)  5:23–26

c) Levi  6

(1) Descendants of Levi  6:1–30

(a) Aaronic line  6:1–15

(b) Other descendants  6:16–30

(2) Levitical musicians  6:31–48

(3) Aaronic priests  6:49–53

(4) Levitical settlements  6:54–81

(a) Kohathites  6:54–70

(b) Gershomites  6:71–76

(c) Merarites  6:77–81

d) Northern tribes  7

(1) Issachar  7:1–5

(2) Benjamin  7:6–12

(3) Naphtali  7:13

(4) Manasseh (western half)  7:14–19

(5) Ephraim  7:20–29

(6) Asher  7:30–40

e) Benjamin (featuring Saul)  8

f) Summary  9:1

4. (Postexilic) citizens of Jerusalem  9:2–34

a) Clan leaders  9:2–9

b) Priests  9:10–13

c) Levites  9:14–16

d) Gatekeepers and others  9:17–34

5. Genealogy of Saul  9:35–44

B. David’s reign  10–29

1. His rise to power  10–12

a) Death of Saul  10

(1) His suicide in battle  10:1–7

(2) Philistines’ disgrace and Jabeshites’ honor  10:8–12

(3) Editorial comment on God’s purposes  10:13–14

b) David’s enthronement  11:1–9

(1) At Hebron  11:1–3

(2) Capture of Jerusalem  11:4–9

c) David’s mighty men  11:10—12:40

(1) Exploits of leading ones  11:10–25

(2) Names of others  11:26–47

(3) Various recruits  12:1–37

(a) Recruits at Ziklag  12:1–7

(b) Recruits at the desert stronghold  12:8–18

i) Gadites  12:8–15

ii) Benjamites and Judahites  12:16–18

(c) Recruits from Manasseh  12:19–22

(d) Recruits at Hebron (from various tribes)  12:23–37

(4) Summary: popular support  12:38–40

2. His expansion in blessing  13–20

a) Failed attempt to bring the ark to Jerusalem  13

(1) The joyful beginning  13:1–8

(2) The tragic arrest at Obed–edom  13:9–14

b) His increasing power  14

(1) Respect from Tyre  14:1–2

(2) Growing household  14:3–7

(3) Victories over the Philistines  14:8–17

(a) First Philistine attack  14:8–12

(b) Second Philistine attack  14:13–17

c) Successful mission of bringing the ark to Jerusalem  15–16

(1) Transportation  15:1–15

(a) Proper preparations  15:1–14

(b) Successful transportation  15:15

(2) Celebration  15:16–29

(a) Levites’ musical lead  15:16–24

(b) David’s sacrificial lead  15:25–28

(c) Michal’s spite  15:29

(3) Benediction  16

(a) Covenant offerings  16:1–2

(b) Anticipation of covenant blessings  16:3

(c) Regular service of Yahweh  16:4–42

i) Assignments for regular praise service  16:4–7

ii) Song of praise (Ps 105:1–15; 96:1–13)  16:8–36

iii) Assignments for regular altar service  16:37–42

(d) Domestic blessing  16:43

d) Davidic covenant  17

(1) Nathan’s conveyance of the message  17:1–15

(2) David’s response of faith  17:16–27

e) Military prowess  18–20

(1) Expansion of the borders  18

(a) Victories southwest, east, northeast, southeast  18:1–13

(b) His powerful and righteous rule  18:14–17

(2) Defeat of Ammon and Syria  19

(a) Ammon’s insult  19:1–5

(b) Their battle array with Syria  19:6–9

(c) Joab’s victory  19:10–15

(d) David’s victory over Syria  19:16–19

(3) Defeat of Ammon and Philistia  20

(a) Ammon  20:1–3

(b) Philistia  20:4–8

3. His heart for God: Temple  21–22

a) David’s sinful census; purchase of Mt. Moriah  21

(1) His census  21:1–8

(2) His judgment  21:9–17

(3) His appeasement offerings  21:18–27

(4) His fear  21:28–30

b) David’s preparations for the temple  22

(1) His decision  22:1

(2) His provisions  22:2–5

(3) His charges  22:6–19

(a) To Solomon  22:6–16

(b) To Israel’s leaders  22:17–19

4. His preparations for transition  23–29

a) His government  23–27

(1) Levitical  23–26

(a) Reassignments  23–24

(b) Musicians  25

(c) Gatekeepers  26:1–19

(d) Treasurers  26:20–28

(e) Administrators  26:29–32

(2) Military and political  27

(a) Military  27:1–15

(b) Political, by tribes  27:16–23

b) His final charges: Temple construction  28:1—29:22a

(1) Instructions  28:1–10

(a) To the leaders  28:1–8

(b) To Solomon  28:9–10

(2) Plans  28:11–19

(3) Exhortations  28:20—29:9

(a) To Solomon: Take charge!  28:20–21

(b) To the people: Give!  29:1–9

(4) Prayer  29:10–19

(5) Sacrifices  29:20–22a

c) His transfer of power  29:22b–30

(1) Solomon’s anointing  29:22b–25

(2) David’s obituary  29:26–30

II. The dynasty of David   II Chron 1–36

A. Solomon’s reign  1–9

1. Prayer for wisdom  1:1–13

2. His wealth  1:14–17

3. The temple  2–7

a) Temple construction  2–4 (5:1)

(1) Hiram’s supplies  2

(a) Solomon’s request  2:1–10

(b) Hiram’s compliance  2:11–18

(2) Floorplan  3

(a) The main structure  3:1–7

(b) The most holy place  3:8–9

(c) The cherubim  3:10–13

(d) The veil  3:14

(e) The two pillars  3:15–17

(3) Furnishings  4

(a) Exterior  4:1–18

(b) Interior  4:19–22

(4) Completion summary  5:1

b) Temple consecration  5:2—7:22

(1) Ark deposited  5:2–10

(2) Glory invested  5:11–14

(3) Solomon’s blessing  6:1–11

(4) Solomon’s prayer  6:12–42

(5) Sacrifices  7:1–10

(6) God’s appearance: conditional blessing  7:11–22

4. His successes  8–9

a) Various expressions of control  8

(1) Construction  8:1–6

(2) Slaves and officers  8:7–10

(3) House for Pharaoh’s daughter  8:11

(4) Religious administration  8:12–16

(5) Economic ventures  8:17–18

b) Queen of Sheba’s visit and tribute  9:1–12

c) His wealth  9:13–28

(1) His gold, shields  9:13–16

(2) His throne  9:17–19

(3) Miscellaneous signs of wealth  9:20–21

(4) Summary  9:22–28

d) Concluding formula  9:29–31

B. Solomon’s sons’ reigns  10:1—36:16

1. Rehoboam  10–12

a) Kingdom divided with Jeroboam  10:1—11:4

(1) Northern demands  10:1–5

(2) Foolish advice  10:6–11

(3) Foolish answer  10:12–15

(4) Northern revolt  10:16–19

(5) Rehoboam’s attempt to regain control  11:1–4

b) His rule  11:5–23

(1) Defense cities  11:5–12

(2) Priests and Levites  11:13–17

(3) Sons  11:18–23

c) Judgment through Shishak  12:1–12

d) Concluding formula  12:13–16

2. Abijah  13

a) War with Jeroboam  13:1–20

(1) Introduction  13:1–3

(2) His Davidic challenge to the enemy  13:4–12

(3) His victory by faith  13:13–20

b) Concluding formula  13:21–22

3. Asa  14–16

a) Summary accomplishments  14:1–8

b) Victory over Ethiopian attackers  14:9–15

c) Reforms  15

(1) Azariah’s prophecy  15:1–7

(2) Asa’s obedience rewarded  15:8–19

d) Failure in relying on Syria  16:1–10

(1) The war with Baasha  16:1–6

(2) Asa’s rebuke by Hanani  16:7–10

e) Concluding formula  16:11–14

4. Jehoshaphat  17–20

a) His success  17

(1) His faithfulness  17:1–6

(2) His ‘Torah conferences’  17:7–10

(3) His political prowess  17:11–19

b) His (improper) alliance with Ahab  18:1—19:3

(1) Ahab’s solicitation  18:1–3

(2) Their inquiries through prophets  18:4–27

(a) The Baal prophets’ answer  18:4–11

(b) Micaiah’s answer  18:12–22

(c) Micaiah’s incarceration  18:23–27

(3) The battle  18:28–34

(4) His prophetic rebuke and commendation  19:1–3

c) His (good) appointment of judges  19:4–11

(1) In the villages  19:4–7

(2) In Jerusalem  19:8–11

d) His victory over a foreign alliance  20:1–30

(1) Appeal to Yahweh regarding the threat  20:1–4

(2) The king’s prayer  20:5–13

(3) The prophet’s assurance of victory  20:14–19

(4) Victory at Beracah  20:20–30

(a) Israel’s praise  20:20–21

(b) God’s ambush of the alliance  20:22–23

(c) Israel’s plunder and joy  20:24–30

e) Concluding formula  20:31–34

f) His (wrong) alliance with Ahaziah  20:35–37

5. Jehoram  21

a) His wickedness  21:1–7

b) His loss of Edom  21:8–10

c) His idolatry  21:11

d) Letter of condemnation from Elijah  21:12–15

e) His death  21:16–29

f) Concluding formula  21:20

6. Ahaziah  22:1–9

a) His wicked likeness to Ahab  22:1–4

b) His wicked alliance with Joram  22:5–7

c) His demise at the hand of Jehu  22:8–9

7. Athaliah  22:10—23:21

a) Joash’s rescue from her bloody hands  22:10–12

b) Jehoiada’s revolt  23

(1) Conspiracy with the Levites  23:1–7

(2) Anointing of Joash  23:8–11

(3) Execution of Athaliah  23:12–15

(4) Reestablishment of Yahwism  23:16–21

8. Joash  24

a) Introductory summary  24:1–3

b) Temple repairs  24:4–14

c) Apostasy: execution of the prophet  24:15–22

d) His assassination  24:23–26

e) Concluding formula  24:27

9. Amaziah  25

a) Introductory summary  25:1–4

b) Victory over Edom  25:5–13

c) Idolatry  25:14–16

d) Defeat by Israel  25:17–24

e) Concluding formula  25:25–28

10. Uzziah  26

a) Introductory summary  26:1–5

b) Military prowess  26:6–15

c) Temple presumption, leprosy  26:16–21

d) Concluding formula  26:22–23

11. Jotham  27

a) Introductory summary  27:1–2

b) Defensive buildup and offensive victory  27:3–6

c) Concluding formula  27:7–9

12. Ahaz  28

a) Introductory summary  28:1–4

b) Defeat by Syria–Israel  28:5–7

c) Their captives returned through Oded’s word  28:8–15

d) Vassalage to Assyria  28:16–21

e) Idolatry  28:22–25

f) Concluding formula  28:26–27

13. Hezekiah  29–32

a) Introductory summary  29:1–2

b) Temple repairs and cleansing  29:3–36

(1) Charge to Levites and priests  29:3–11

(2) Their faithful discharge  29:12–19

(3) Consecrating sacrifices  29:20–36

c) Passover celebration  30:1—31:1

(1) Nationwide announcement  30:1–12

(2) The feast  30:13–27

(3) Zealous destruction of high places  31:1

d) Reestablishment of proper Yahweh worship  31:2–21

(1) Appointment of priests and Levites to serve  31:2–3

(2) Abundant offerings  31:4–14

(3) Genealogical enrollment of priests and Levites  31:15–19

e) Deliverance from Sennacherib  32:1–23

(1) Hezekiah’s defensive and spiritual measures  32:1–8

(2) Sennacherib’s verbal challenge  32:9–19

(3) Miraculous deliverance  32:20–23

f) Deliverance from mortal illness  32:24–31

(1) His illness, healing, and thankless pride  32:24–26

(2) His proud display to Babylon’s emissaries  32:27–31

g) Concluding formula  32:32–33

14. Manasseh  33:1–20

a) His unprecedented wickedness: idolatry  33:1–9

b) His exile, repentance, and restoration  33:10–13

c) His reforms  33:14–17

d) Concluding formula  33:18–20

15. Amon  33:21–25

a) Wickedness without repentance  33:21–23

b) Assassination  33:24–25

16. Josiah  34–35

a) Introductory summary  34:1–2

b) His early zeal for Yahweh  34:3–7

c) Temple repairs  34:8–13

d) The book of the Law  34:14–33

(1) Its discovery in the temple  34:14–21

(2) The prophetic message: judgment and mercy  34:22–28

(3) Its reading and the king’s covenant  34:29–33

e) The Passover  35:1–19

(1) Preparation  35:1–9

(2) Celebration  35:10–19

f) Fatal battle with Neco at Megiddo  35:20–25

g) Concluding formula  35:26–27

17. Jehoahaz  36:1–4

18. Jehoiakim  36:5–8

19. Jehoiachin  36:9–10

20. Zedekiah  36:11–16

C. Babylonian conquest and exile  36:17–21

D. Cyrus’s decree  36:22–23