First and Second Chronicles

Introduction

Since the books of the Chronicles embrace, for the most part, the matter found in II Samuel and I and II Kings, we think it necessary to give only an introduction to the former.

Theme: The Greek translators of the Bible referred to these books as "The Things Omitted," because they supply much information that is not found in the books of the Kings. Though "Kings" and "Chronicles" show great similarity in the matter of their contents, they are written from different viewpoints, the former being written from the human viewpoint, the latter, from the Divine.

To illustrate:

I Kings 14:20 recording the death of Jeroboam, tells us that he "slept with his fathers." That is the human viewpoint. Second Chronicles 13:20, recording the same event, tells us that "the Lord struck him and he died." That is the divine viewpoint.

One writer gives the following interesting table to show the difference between "Kings" and "Chronicles":

1. "Kings" was written shortly after the beginning of the captivity in Babylon. "Chronicles" was written shortly after the return from the captivity.

2. "Kings" was compiled by a prophet - Jeremiah; "Chronicles" by a priest - Ezra.

3. "Kings" emphasizes the throne of earthly kings; "Chronicles," the earthly throne (the temple) of the heavenly King.

4. "Kings" deals with Judah and Israel; "Chronicles," with Judah, Israel being mentioned but incidentally.

5. "Kings" is political and kingly; "Chronicles," ecclesiastical and priestly.

Author: "The writer of Chronicles is not certainly known, but probably the prevailing belief of the Jews as stated in the Talmud is correct. Ezra is declared therein to be the editor of the records written and preserved by trustworthy men.

These records written by such men as Samuel, Nathan, Gad, Dido, etc., were inspired of GOD and Ezra was further inspired to select from them and bring together his selections in one continuous narrative.

There can be little doubt that the story in Chronicles was written by Ezra at the return from the Babylonian captivity in order to encourage the people to build the temple."

Scope: From the death of Saul to the decree of Cyrus, covering a period of 520 years from 1056 to 536 B. C.