Bible Commentaries
1 Chronicles

Outline of the Books of Chronicles

The History of the Covenant

I. The Genealogies of the Tribes of Israel, I Chronicles 1-9

II. The Kings of the United Kingdom,1 Chronicles 10:1-14; 1 Chronicles 10:1-14 - 2 Chronicles 9:1-31

1. Saul , 1 Chronicles 10:1-14

2. David , I Chronicles 11-29

3. Solomon , II Chronicles 1-9

III. The Kings of Judah, 2 Chronicles 10:1-23

1. Rehoboam , 2 Chronicles 10:1-19 ; 2 Chronicles 11:1-23 ; 2 Chronicles 12:1-16

2. Abijah , 2 Chronicles 13:1-22

3. Asa , 2 Chronicles 14:1-15 ; 2 Chronicles 15:1-19 ; 2 Chronicles 16:1-14

4. Jehoshaphat , 2 Chronicles 17:1-19 ; 2 Chronicles 18:1-34 ; 2 Chronicles 19:1-11 ; 2 Chronicles 20:1-37

5. Jehoram , 2 Chronicles 21:1-20

6. Ahaziah , 2 Chronicles 22:1-12

7. Joash , 2 Chronicles 23:1-21 ; 2 Chronicles 24:1-27

8. Amaziah , 2 Chronicles 25:1-28

9. Uzziah , 2 Chronicles 26:1-23

10. Jotham , 2 Chronicles 27:1-9

11. Ahaz , 2 Chronicles 28:1-27

12. Hezekiah , 2 Chronicles 29:1-36 ; 2 Chronicles 30:1-27 ; 2 Chronicles 31:1-21 ; 2 Chronicles 32:1-33

13. Manasseh , 2 Chronicles 33:1-25

14. Josiah , 2 Chronicles 34:1-33 ; 2 Chronicles 35:1-27

15. Jehoahaz , 2 Chronicles 36:1-3

16. Jehoiakim , 2 Chronicles 36:4-8

17. Jehoiachin , 2 Chronicles 36:9-10

18. Zedekiah , 2 Chronicles 36:11-13

19. The Captivity , 2 Chronicles 36:14-21

20. The Decree of Cyrus , 2 Chronicles 36:22-23

Introduction

The books of Kings and Chronicles are often regarded as much alike, but there are marked differences between them. The books of Kings present mainly political annals from the time of Solomon to the fall of Jerusalem. The northern and southern kingdoms receive equal attention. The books of Chronicles cover a much longer period, longer indeed than that surveyed by any other portion of Scripture. They are a summary of religious history from the creation of the world down to the time when they were written, subsequent to the Captivity. From the time of the division of the kingdom the history of Judah only is recorded, the writer’s purpose excluding any account of apostate Israel.

The books are drawn from a great variety of sources, many of which are named in the text. Though it is impossible to determine the author with certainty, probability strongly favors Ezra.

e-Sword Note: The following material was presented at the end of 2 Chronicles in the printed edition

( a ) What are the three main divisions of Chronicles, regarded as one book?

( b ) What reigns are the most prominent?

( c ) What is the theme of the books of Chronicles?

( d ) How do they differ from the books of Kings?

( e ) Who was probably the author?

Each question applies to the paragraph of corresponding number in the Comments .

1. In what ways was the reign of Uzziah remarkable?

2. How was his reign marred at the last?

3. How did Jotham become mighty?

4. What qualities marked the character of Ahaz?

5. Why did Israel return the captives to Judah? What were the last deeds of Ahaz?

6. With what purpose did Hezekiah begin his reign?

7. How was the Temple cleansed?

8. How was the restoration of true worship celebrated?

9. To what feast did Hezekiah summon all Israel and Judah?

10. What made its celebration memorable?

11. How was the liberality of the people shown?

12. How did Hezekiah arrange to receive the tithes and offerings of the people?

13. How did Hezekiah fortify Jerusalem?

14. How was the city delivered from the Assyrians?

15. What test did Hezekiah fail to meet?

16. How was Manasseh led to repent?

17. In what respects did Amon resemble his father? How did he differ from him?

18. What great work was undertaken by Josiah?

19. What discovery was made when the Temple was repaired?

20. What prophecy did Huldah declare concerning Josiah?

21. What did Josiah command concerning the Passover?

22. What error cost Josiah his life?

23. What was the fate of the kings who followed Josiah?

24. What was the divine purpose in the Captivity? What proclamation did Cyrus make in the first year of his reign?