1 Chronicles and its companion, 2 Chronicles, are historical records that cover the same period of the nation's history described in 2 Samuel through 2 Kings. The perspective, however, is quite different. While 2 Samuel through 2 Kings describe the events of history, 1 and 2 Chronicles serve as a divine commentary on that history.
The book begins with genealogies tracing Israel's heritage from Creation to the Israelite nation with its twelve tribes. Special emphasis is placed on the line of King David.
Chapter nine lists the families of Israel, which have returned from exile in Babylonia. This is the author's primary audience. He had written this book to encourage those weary settlers.
The book's largest section, chapters 10-29, describe David's reign over the nation when it was in its glory.
What does it say?
In the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles is a religious history of the nation of Israel and the kings are evaluated based on the standard of worship. Do the kings lead their people to God?
After nine chapters of genealogies which focus on David as the ideal king, the remaining twenty chapters focus on the reign of David itself. David is presented as the ideal king. There is no mention of his sin with Bathsheba, his rebellious son Absalom, or the tragic sorrows of his life. The book was designed to encourage the returning remnant of Israel to a pure worship of the Lord and remind them of the glory to which their land could return.
Faces & Places
David, king of the united kingdom of Israel, is the clear center of attention in 1 Chronicles. King Saul is briefly mentioned in chapter 10 only to record the event of his death. Solomon is introduced in the final chapter, preparing the way for his starring role in 2 Chronicles.
As part of the grandeur of David's reign, many supporting players are mentioned. Chapters 18 and 26 list several government officials, including his army general Joab. David's "mighty men" are listed in chapter 11. The priests, temple singers, gatekeepers, army leaders, and other players in David's rule are laid out in chapters 23-27. Though David is the star, few other books have such a supporting cast.
Significant places include Jerusalem, which David captures from the Jebusites in chapter 11. It will become the capital of Israel and the site of God's temple. David brings the ark of God to newly captured Jerusalem from its previous home in Kiriath Jearim some 10 miles west of the new capital city.
Key Verses & Themes
The Davidic Covenant:
1 Chronicles 17:11-14 "When your days are over and you go to be with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. I will never take my love away from him, as I took it away from your predecessor. I will set him over my house and my kingdom forever; his throne will be established forever."
Hope:
The remnant of Israel had returned from exile to a devastated land. And they had rebuilt a temple far less glorious than the one which had been destroyed. They were a discouraged people. This book was written as an encouragement to hope through. Worship the God who is your hope. The Davidic Covenant (see above) was the centerpiece of that hope.
So what?
The book of 1 Chronicles was not written to provide Israel with a recorded history. That which was needed was recorded in several other places, including the books of 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings. First Chronicles (along with 2 Chronicles) was written to bring hope to the people through the pure worship of God. It was designed to keep the people attentive to God! To see his grandeur and his glory and what he will do with a people who are obedient.
But it is hard to lead people to a place where they are not going. The prophets of God certainly knew this all too well. Are you on your way to a closer devotion to God? Or has your path diverted elsewhere?
