1 & 2 Chronicles. The book of Chronicles is the final book in the Hebrew Bible.

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2 1 & 2 Chronicles The book of Chronicles is the final book in the Hebrew Bible. Retells the story of 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings. A postexilic, positive history of Judah s kings, with emphasis on the temple and its worship.

3 1 & 2 Chronicles Themes: David s and Solomon s covenant loyalty as models for the time of restoration. The central role of the temple and worship for the restoration. True worship as a matter of the heart and as full of joy and song.

4 The Three Parts of 1 & 2 Chronicles Part 1: (1 Chronicles 1-9) Nine chapters of genealogy, which has made it one of the most neglected books in the OT. The line goes from Adam to the Babylonian exiles. Judah has continuity with a divinely ordained past going back to the creation of the world.

5 The Three Parts of 1 & 2 Chronicles Part 2: (1 Chronicles 10 to 2 Chronicles 9) The story of the united monarchy under David and Solomon. Concentrates only on the positive dimensions of their lives.

6 The Three Parts of 1 & 2 Chronicles Part 2: (1 Chronicles 10 to 2 Chronicles 9) The Chronicler knows his readers are aware of the faults of David and Solomon, but his interest is in how their positive accomplishments can inspire hope for a new day.

7 The Three Parts of 1 & 2 Chronicles Part 2: (1 Chronicles 10 to 2 Chronicles 9) The temple and correct worship is the focus of this section. More than half of David s story is concerned with preparations. (1 Chr ; 28-29). Over two-thirds of Solomon s story is concerned with the Temple s construction and dedication. (2 Chr. 2-7).

8 Solomon s Wisdom FJPUAZKde8

9 The Three Parts of 1 & 2 Chronicles Part 3: (2 Chronicles 10-36) The story of Judah during the period of the divided monarchy. Success in battle and material prosperity are directly related to obedience to God, while failure is due to unfaithfulness or lack of trust.

10 The Three Parts of 1 & 2 Chronicles Part 3: (2 Chronicles 10-36) God s blessing or judgment was based on the different kings overall loyalty or disloyalty to God.

11 The Three Parts of 1 & 2 Chronicles Part 3: (2 Chronicles 10-36) The book ends with the edict of Cyrus, king of Persia, who in fulfillment of the prophecy of Jeremiah was appointed by Yahweh to build a temple for him at Jerusalem.

12 1 & 2 Chronicles The Nations The Chronicler s interest in the role of the nations. An emphasis that God s goodness to Israel will be the source of making God known among the nations. (Recall the blessing of Abraham, Gen. 13:3). The final words in the book remind you of Cyrus s (Persian) decree that the temple be rebuilt. (36:23).

13 1 & 2 Chronicles The Temple Over 60% of the story. Focuses on the nature and purity of worship. The author sees Judah s future hope lying with the temple and getting it right this time around.

14 1 & 2 Chronicles The Temple A repeated emphasis on devoting your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God. (1 Chr. 22:19; cf. 29:17; 2 Chr. 6:38; 7:10; 15:12). A stress on singing joyful songs. (1 Chr. 15:16). The book abounds with the language of praise, thanksgiving and joy in God s goodness and love.

15 Chronicles reminds us of the central role of worship, and for the readers of the NT it also points forward to the one whose cleansing of the temple, and death and resurrection, marked him as the replacement of the temple as the place of God s presence. (John 2:19-22).