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Author |
Unknown (possibly Ezra). |
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Date |
Between 450 and 400 BC (compiled from earlier sources). |
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Time Span |
Chapters 1-9 cover approximately 3,500 years from the creation of Adam to the birth of David. Chapters 10-29 cover 33-40 years describing the reign of David. |
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Title |
The books of 1 and 2 Chronicles are so named because they "chronicle" the entire history of God's people from Genesis through Kings. The title used in the Hebrew Bible means "the accounts of the days." |
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Background |
The last book of the Hebrew Bible has been broken down into 1 and 2 Chronicles in modern translations. The Chronicles are different in perspective from the books of Samuel and Kings, even though they cover much of the same material. Instead of prophetic, moral, and political views, the Chronicles are presented from a priest's point of view, evaluating the nation's religious history. |
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Where |
Unknown (possibly Jerusalem). |
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To Whom |
To the remnant of Judah returning from Babylon. |
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Content |
There are 2 distinct sections of this book. First, the royal lineage from Adam to David is given. Then, the righteous reign of David is discussed. Chronicles evaluates David's achievements and his religious guidance of the nation as he seeks God's leadership. David's trials, sins, and failures are de-emphasized in Chronicles since the Covenant relationship between God and the people is the focus here. 1 Chronicles ends with the death of David and the succession of his son Solomon to the throne. |
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Themes |
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Key |
"Royal"; "Commitment." Chronicles recounts the "royal" line of David (which eventually leads to the absolute royalty of Jesus Christ). David's life is portrayed as one of "commitment": to returning the Ark of the Covenant; to having a Temple built for God; and to his relationship with God. |
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Outline |
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