Index/Table of Contents
Old Testament and New Testament  
Credits and Copyright

HISTORICAL BOOKS

LECTURE 23

1 & 2 CHRONICLES

Students will be able to

1. summarize the contents of 1, 2 Chronicles.

2. explain the concept of edited history as it relates to the life and times of David and Solomon as portrayed in 1, 2 Chronicles.

CONTENT OF LECTURE

Occasion:

The restored community of Israel was doubting its connectedness to the covenant of the God of their ancestors.

Purpose:

To encourage the restored people of Israel and re­affirm God's commitment to the covenant that was initiated in the past but still applicable in the present.

Theme:

The covenant God of Israel still loves His people and is committed to their welfare if they will only demonstrate faithfulness to his covenant.

Contents:

There is a sense in which I, II Chronicles provide a theological overview of the chosen people, beginning with Adam and continuing down to the Babylonian Exile (ca. 586 B.C.). The focus of the account is the edited reigns of David and Solomon.

Outline of 1, 2 Chronicles

1. Genealogical Prologue (chapters 1­9) (TN#1)

The purpose of the genealogy at this point is clear:

to provide continuity between the restored community and its past.

A. Patriarchs (I Chr. 1)

B. Israel's Sons (chaps. 2, 3)

C. Families of Judah (4:1­23)

D. Simeon (4:24­43)

E. Reuben, Gad, Manasseh (5)

F. Levi (6)

G. Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Ephraim, Asher (7)

H. Saul (8)

I. Returning Exiles (9)

II. United Monarchy

A. David's reign (I Chr. 10­29) (TN#2)

1. Saul's death (10)

2. David's ascension(11,12)

3. Return of the ark of the covenant (13­17)

4. David's conquests (18­20)

5. Organization of David's kingdom (21­27)

6. David's preparation for the temple (28:1­29:9)

7. David's farewell and death (29:10­30)

B. Solomon's reign (II Chr. 1­9) (TN#3)

1. Solomon's kingship (II Chr. 1)

2. Construction of the temple (2:1­5:1)

3. Dedication of the temple (5:2­7:22)

4. Solomon's activities (8,9)

III. History of the Kings of Judah (10:1­36:16)

IV. The Exile (36:17­23)

ASSIGNMENT

1. Read Ezra and be prepared to give a brief oral review of the contents during the next class.

2. Read chapters in text regarding Ezra and Nehemiah (i.e. Hill and Walton's A Survey of the Old Testament, Chapter 19).

OUTLINE OF 1 AND 2 CHRONICLES

 

Discussion Questions:

#1. Why are David and Solomon the heroes for the author of I,II Chronicles? If one were looking at both the strengths and weaknesses of these two men, what virtues and faults are most obvious?

#2. Why do you think nine chapters of genealogies were included in these writings?

#3. The Bible usually presents its heroes warts and all. Do you think the author of Chronicles was justified in presenting an edited history of David and Solomon?

 

Teacher's Notes:

The instructor might help students understand the nature of the material in I, 11 Chronicles by discussing the following situation:

If one of your parents were describing you to another person he or she had recently met, what type of things do you think your parent would mention?

Do you think your parent would be more likely to give a balanced view of strengths and weaknesses or a rather positive description which might edit some of the problems you have had?

After students have had an opportunity to respond, explain that I, II Chronicles provide an edited view of Israel's history, accentuating the positive aspects of the Golden Age when David and Solomon were rulers.

The division of I, II Chronicles was made by the translators of the Septuagint. Ancient Jewish tradition assigns authorship to Ezra, the reformer priest. Apparently he used a variety of sources ­­biblical and extra­biblical--from which he selected, arranged and integrated the material in to the present format.

#1 Genealogies function in three areas: familial, legal­political, and religious. Apparent discrepancies between lists are due in part to various functions for which they were intended.

#2 The life and reign of David was idealized by the writer. Notable omissions which might tarnish his image include the seven­year reign in Hebron prior to the uniting of the Kingdom, the wars between David and Saul, David's sin with Bathsheba, his murder of her husband, and etc.

#3 Solomon was also treated with kid gloves by the author. No mention is made of the attempted coup by Adonijah, his half­brother. No reference was made to Solomon's failures, idolatry, foreign wives or the rebellions against him.

RESOURCES

 

Credits and Copyright This online text book is provided by the Division of Student Ministry of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, 333 N. Washington Dallas, Texas 75246-1798 214.828.5100 Use the text to meet your academic needs. If you copy any part of this online text, please give credit to the Division of Student Ministry of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Any donations which you give will be used in the Division of Student Ministry Summer Missions Programs.

Credits and Copyright This online text book is provided by the Division of Student Ministry of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, 333 N. Washington Dallas, Texas 75246-1798 214.828.5100 Use the text to meet your academic needs. If you copy any part of this online text, please give credit to the Division of Student Ministry of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Any donations which you give will be used in the Division of Student Ministry Summer Missions Programs.