Author: The first and second books of Chronicles were originally only one book (see "Content"). As the identity of the author of this work isn't clear in any part of it many have opted to refer to this unknown writer as "the Chronicler". The early Jewish tradition of the Talmud affirms that Ezra wrote I and II Chronicles. The final verses of II Chronicles (II Chron. 36:22,23) are identical to those that open the Book of Ezra (see Ezra 1:1-3). This not only supports the thesis of the authorship of Ezra, but indicates that I and II Chronicles formed part of an epic, along with Ezra, of a single work. Furthermore, I and II Chronicles and Ezra, have a similar literary style, vocabulary and content. Ezra was a scribe as well as a priest, and fulfilled a significant role in the community of exiles who returned to Jerusalem. Although we can't be sure, it seems reasonable to assume that "the Chronicler" was Ezra.
Date: Although the date in which I and II Chronicles was written can't be established exactly, the text probably adopted its definitive form at the end of the 5th century B.C. The last event spoken of in the final verses of II Chronicles is the decree of the Persian King Cyrus that authorizes the Jews to return to Judah. This decree is dated in 538 B.C. and its mention leaves the impression that Chronicles was composed shortly after its issue. However, the last person mentioned in I and II Chronicles is Anani, representing the eighth generation from King Jehoiakim (see I Chron. 3:24). Jehoiakim was deported to Babylon in 597 B.C. Depending of how these generations are calculated (approximately 25 years), the birth of Anani had taken place in some time between the years 425 and 400 B.C. Thus I and II Chronicles can be dated between 425 and 400 B.C.
Background: The First Book of Chronicles embraces the period from Adam to the death of David, around 971 B.C. This is a considerable lapse, so extense that it covers the first ten books of the Old Testament, from Genesis to II Samuel. Without the genealogies covered in I Chronicles 1-9, I and II Chronicles covers approximately the same period which I and II Kings is occupied with. However, the specific background of I and II Chronicles is the period after the exile. In this time, the ancient world was submissive to the power of the Persian Empire. All that remained of the glorious kingdom of David and Solomon was the small province of Judah. The Persians had replaced the monarchy with a provincial governor. Although GOD's people had been allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple, their situation was much different than the one they enjoyed in the golden days of David and Solomon.
Occasion and Purpose: The return of the exiles from Babylon made it necessary to record the history of GOD's people, especially of Judah. I Chronicles was composed with the double purpose of encouraging and warning those who returned to Jerusalem. The remnant that had remained needed encouragement to keep their faith alive in the midst of difficulty and a hope to face that which was to come. The emphasis of Chronicles on the spiritual inheritance of David, Solomon, the temple and the priesthood, reminded them that GOD remained faithful and wouldn't forget his promises to David and his people. I Chronicles also constituted an energetic exhortation to the people of GOD to adhere to the covenant and Mosaic ritual, so that the past tragedy wouldn't be repeated.
Content: In the original Hebrew Scriptures, I and II Chronicles formed a single book called "The Events of the Days". It was divided and identified by the Greek translators of the Old Testament (editors of the "Septuagint" or LXX) as "The Things that Happened". The title "Chronicles" comes from Jerome. It isn't a continuation of the history of GOD's people, but a reiteration or supplement to I and II Samuel and I and II Kings.
The book in its entirety can be divided into four great sections. First Chronicles offers genealogies (chapt. 1-9) and follows the kingdom of David. Second Chronicles continues the story referring to the kingdom of Solomon (Chaps. 1-9) and speaks of the kingdom of the twenty monarchs of Judah (Chaps. 10-36).
I Chronicles contains two principal divisions. The first section includes nine chapters of genealogies that begin with Adam and extent through the exile to those who return to Jerusalem. This section is sometimes overlooked as something unimportant. However, like the Gospels of Mark and Luke, the genealogies constitute the point of departure for that which is narrated later. First Chronicles is filled with genealogies that underline the necessity of maintaining religious and ethical purity and is selectively compiled to emphasize the lineage of David and the tribe of Levi.
The second part of I Chronicles (chaps. 10-29) records the events and achievements in the life of King David. Chapter 10 serves as a prologue that summarizes the kingdom and death of King Saul. In chapters 11 and 12 David becomes king and makes Jerusalem strong. The rest of the story of David centers on three significant aspects of his kingdom; or rather, the return of the arc of the covenant to Jerusalem (chapters 13-17), his military feats (chapters 18-20), and the preparations for the construction of the temple (chapters 21-27). Its final two chapters relate the final days of David.
Differences With Samuel and Kings: (HBH) While Chronicles shows a dependence on the books of Samuel and Kings, there are remarkable differences in content and theological perspective.
Theme: (HBH) GOD promised David an eternal throne, choosing David to found the true center of worship in Jerusalem and appointing Solomon to build his temple (28:4-7).
Purpose and Theology: (HBH)
Personal Application: While I and II Kings emphasize human responsibility, showing that sin leads to defeat, I Chronicles accentuates the sovereign liberating action of GOD. The themes of divine warning and encouragement still resound in our days. GOD has been faithful throughout the history of those who have lifted their cry to Him. Chronicles relates who GOD stays faithful to his word and the promises that he has made to the chosen people. This is an inexhaustable source of encouragement for believers of all ages. GOD makes and fulfills promises; He is someone in whom we can trust. He has always been and is our hope, and his purposes will prevail in history. However, I Chronicles also exhorts us to learn from the errors of the people of GOD in the past, so that they won't be repeated in us (I Cor. 10:11; Heb. 4:11).
Christ Revealed: The First Book of Chronicles contains an anticipation of Christ just as I Kings does (see the introduction to I Kings: Christ Revealed). However, in I Chronicles, many have seen an allusion to Christ in relation to the temple. In I Chronicles 21 (also II Sam. 24) it's explained that, as a consequence of sin, a mortal plague had fallen upon Israel. David bought a piece of Ornan's property to make a sacrifice to end the plague. In this place, upon Mount Moriah, Solomon built the temple (II Chron. 3:1). It is possible the mountain where Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son Isaac (Gen. 22:2). In the New Testament, Paul refers to the believers three times as the temple of GOD (I Cor. 3:16,17; 6:19; Eph. 2:19-22). Christ has bought this place to raise his spiritual temple. It was his sacrifice that freed us from death (Rom. 5:12-18; 7:24,25; I John 3:14).
The Holy Spirit in Action: There are two clear allusions to the Holy Spirit in Chronicles. The first is in 12:18, where "the Spirit" came upon, or enveloped Amasai, permitting him to offer inspired words (see the introduction to I Kings: The Holy Spirit in Action). They describe the Holy Spirit inspiring others to prophesy during the period of the kings. The second reference to the Holy Spirit in I Chronicles is in 28:12, where it is explained that it was through the ministry of the "Spirit" that the plan of the temple was revealed to David.
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