Introduction: In the Hebrew Bible, the Books of I and II Chronicles are called “The Affairs of the Days.” They are a Chronicle which arranges, in order, the events from the time of Adam to Nehemiah. Basically, both I and II Chronicles deal with the same happenings as recorded in I and II Samuel and the both Books of Kings.
These Books give us the genealogies of Israel and the events of the Southern Kingdom (Judah.), to the time of the Babylonian captivity. I and II Chronicles are one Book in the Jewish Canon of Scriptures and were most likely written during the time when Israel was held captive by Babylon.
Why Genealogies? They preserve the racial purity of Israel – the priesthood – and worship. We find these Books dealing mostly with Judah and the City of Jerusalem, due to the fact that this was the kingdom and the city where the Temple was constructed.
It is also important to note: – as we studied in Genesis – man and this earth are not billions nor millions of years old. Approximately 4,000 – 5,000 years have gone by from the time of Adam till the time of Christ. From Christ until this day – approximately 2,000 have past. This puts the earth and man at approximately 6,000 years old.
What about the time span to make the Grand Canyon and other such wonders of this world? Didn’t they take millions of years to be formed? Answer: No. God created Adam and Eve as adults – not as babies. He created the Garden of Eden as a garden with grown trees – animals etc.
Certainly God could have – and did – create the Grand Canyon etc. in their mature state – not taking millions of years etc. as the evolutionists would have us believe.
Author: The Holy Spirit: Ezra is believed to be the human writer. The closing verses of II Chronicles are repeated in the opening verses of the Book of Ezra.
Purpose: These two Books were written to restore hope and proper order to the Jews returning from Babylonian exile. David is gone – no longer King. The Temple is burned.
Ezra gave emphasis to the fact that the Davidic line was still with them – this gave them the hope
of the Messiah to come. Hope that the Kingdom would one day be restored eternally and centered at the City of Jerusalem. Ezra also emphasizes their past, which led them to their dispersion because of their own apostasy.
The Temple would be rebuilt first – not David’s throne – not the City – not any secular symbol. The Temple would be a Divine symbol to reassure the Jews and show the world that God had given the Nation of Israel special promises that He will fulfill. This story serves both as an encouragement and as a warning.
Divisions of I Chronicles: I. Genealogies – chaps. 1-10 II. The Reign of David – chaps 11-29
- Genealogies – chaps. 1-10
- Chapter 1 – Adam to Jacob
This gives the place of Israel in world history.
Focus is given to the line of Jacob – but includes line of Esau
The divine choice of Israel is in view here.
- Chapter 2 – Jacob to David
The chosen line of Jacob (Israel) to King David – the greatest King of Israel.
It includes the line of Caleb
- Chapter 3 – The sons of David
Included here is the post – exile – showing that the chosen line of David still existed and
was unbroken
- Chapter 4-8 – Genealogies of the tribes of Israel
A review of this and their allotments in the Land
- Chapter 9 – Post-exile resettlement
- The Reign of David – chaps 11-29
- Anointed By God – chaps. 10-12
- The Ark of the Lord – chaps. 13-16
- God’s Covenant with David – chaps. 17-21 – note 17:7-15
- Preparations for the Temple – Service of the Temple – Levites – Priests – Singers and Porters
II Chronicles
Divisions of I Chronicles: I. Solomon and the Temple chaps. 1-9, II. Kingdom of Judah – 10-36
- Solomon and the Temple
- Solomon – chap. 1
- Construction of the Temple – chaps. 2-7
- Fame of Solomon – chap. 8
- Solomon and Queen of Sheba – chap. 9
- Kingdom of Judah
- The Kingdom is divided into Judah and Israel – chap. 10
- Judah’s twenty Kings – chap. 11- 36:13
- Judah’s exile to Babylon – chap. 36:14-21
- Decree – 36:22-23 found in Ezra – the connection
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FAITH - HOPE - FORGIVENESS by Growing Older 