The Fellowship Residency Program has introduced me to the idea of reading commentaries alongside scripture. By next August, I will have read through the entire Bible as well as The King in His Beauty, our selected commentary. As I am reading, I am writing a little bit about each of the books of the Bible so you and I can have a more thorough understanding of the scriptures. I invite you to follow along with me as we learn the Bible in its entirety from Genesis to Revelation. This summary does NOT encompass the entire book, but it is a good place to start. I encourage you to read for yourself and begin your own Biblical journal along the way. To read any of my other Residency related posts, click here.
Introduction – Though Chronicles covers roughly the same time period as 1-2 Kings with many of the same stories, there is also additional information and perspective offered in the book of Chronicles. The book as a whole is primarily focused on the kingship and priesthood of Israel. Chronicles retells the store of Israel’s history of prosperity during times of obedience and destruction during disobedience. Ultimately, the author wants to remind the people that even when disobedient, God remained faithful to restore His people. This encouragement is particularly important as the people are exiled as a result of their sin. The book is a reminder that hope is important for God’s people in the midst of their suffering.
The Genealogy – We see the book open with the genealogy that begins all the way back to Adam and focuses on the people of Judah who will ultimately bring the eternal blessing to the world. Additionally, the narrator includes the line of David as it persisted through the Babylonian exile. The genealogy continues to highlight that the hope of the covenant is still persistent and God’s promises will be fulfilled. It is important to note that little is mentioned regarding the northern tribes. Likewise, only the kings of Judah are discussed unless a northern king comes into contact with a southern king. The tribes of Simeon and Benjamin are given more attention, because they are closely related to Judah. Additionally, there is little focus given to the splitting of the kingdoms. Instead the word “all Israel” is repeated 47 times to emphasize the unity of the people underneath the Davidic covenant with God.
Saul and David – Saul’s time as ruler of Israel is only briefly covered, and the focus is primarily on his rejection of faith. However, David’s reign seems most important to the narrator as his heir will someday serve as king in the everlasting kingdom. David is revered as a wise ruler, and his success is contrasted with the disobedience of Saul’s rule. A theme of praising Yahweh as king is established, and a great deal of discernment is used in selecting and appointing the Levites who are responsible for the worship and praise of the Lord. Chronicles recounts the Davidic covenant that promises an eternal dynasty to Israel from the line of David despite the disobedience of the individual kings. The author tends to stray away from discussing the faults of David and completely avoids discussing Solomon’s fall. Though the author is not implying that they are perfect, they simply prefer to focus on the king’s strength to inspire hope in the exiled Israelites. Canonically, Jesus Christ will be the ultimate ruler of Israel and will bring eternal hope for His people.
The Temple – The temple plays a large role in the book of Chronicles. David set up the building of the temple, and his last words themselves are related to the building of the temple. However, he explains that though he wished to begin the building of the temple, Solomon, the man of peace, was appointed to complete the task. As he passes, David uses his last words to praise God for his sovereignty. Surprisingly little is discussed regarding Solomon other than his part in building the temple and his riches and wisdom as a gift from God. The temple is not intended to call attention to Israel, but to witness to the goodness of their God. All of Israel is included in the majestic dedication of the temple., and the temple becomes filled with the cloud as the tabernacle once had experienced. The temple represents the presence and rule of the Lord over His people and points to Jesus as the true and perfect temple. Solomon’s prayer highlights the focus of the temple in Israel’s life. However, it is emphasized that the temple will not protect Israel if or when they fall into disobedience. This explanation is a foreshadowing of the exile and destroyed temple that is to come as the book comes to a close.
The Downward Trajectory under Judah’s Kings– The rule of Rehoboam ultimately divides the unity of Israel as he listened to unwise counsel. Jeroboam, ruler of the northern kingdom, leads Israel into destructive practices while the Levites and priests remain with Rehoboam. Although Kings referred to Abijah (or Abijam) as a disobedient king, he is revered in 2 Chronicles for his speech in a battle with Jeroboam. Asa starts out well in his times as king, but he falls into sin and suffers the consequences as a result of his disobedience. He is noted to be a metaphor for the fall of Judah into exile. Jehoshaphat is recognized as a faithful king, because he turns to the Lord when he is weak and praises Him when the Lord allowed him to triumph over his enemies. Likewise, Israel may be saved and redeemed from their exile if they turn to the Lord and devote themselves to Him. As seen in Kings, Jehoram turns to Baal worship, and Athaliah almost wipes out the line of Judah. However, the line of David is spared through Hoash, but even he falls into sin. Amaziah functions as another example for the people of Israel. He is a reminder to trust in the Lord in order to experience his graciousness. Ultimately, like the others, Amaziah fell to sin. Uzziah is similar to Amaziah only stronger. He disrespects the temple and is struck with leprosy until death. Jotham is more faithful, but his successor, Ahaz, pursues idols and offers his sons as offerings to the gods. Thankfully, Hezekiah follows the Lord in obedience. He restores Passover and prays that God would forgive the people for their uncleanliness. The author reminds Israel that if they destroy their idols and seek forgiveness, God’s graciousness will fall over them. Hezekiah is spared from the Assyrians, but his pride ultimately ushers in the time of the exile. Manasseh is also a fallen leader, but he is brought to Babylon and begs for the Lord’s mercy. God answers, and considering Manasseh’s sins, his mercy is astounding. Manasseh responds with action and restores his kingdom. Unfortunately, his sons continue the life of evil. The dissolution of Judah is slow, but persistent. Josiah, arguably, is one of the best kings of Judah. He is credited with removing idolatry from Judah as well as the northern kingdom and restoring the temple. However, his children turn to evil and the exile ultimately takes place. The book does not end with exile. Instead, it contains the decree of Cyrus to return to Jerusalem to build a house for God. The ending is a reminder that God is not done with Israel or His temple. His covenant promises are sill good, and there is a hopeful future despite Israel’s disobedience.
Conclusion – The book is ultimately one of hope. The exiled Israelites are awaiting the second exodus and the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant for an eternal kingdom even through there is no residing king. The history points to the reminder that no king, generation, or individual will experience God’s promises and blessings unless they walk in obedience to God. They must cling to his covenant through obedience, praise, and worship of the Lord
Themes: Israel remains hopeful. Israel will one day again be united. Yahweh is the one great king and should be respected and praised as the Holy One of Israel. God must be obeyed and not forsaken
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