Introduction to the Books of 1 and 2 Chronicles Why Study These Books? A chronicle is an account of historical events presented in the order in which they occurred. Studying the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles will help students understand the comprehensive history of the Lord’s ancient people from the time of Adam to the time of King Cyrus of Persia. Although 1 and 2 Chronicles contain much of the same history as 1 and 2 Kings, there are additional details in Chronicles that shed light on how the Lord interacted with His people, especially during the reign of the kings. Who wrote these books? Although we do not know exactly who wrote or compiled the historical information in 1 and 2 Chronicles, “the books contain numerous references to the sources from which the information is derived; for example, ‘the book of the chronicles of Nathan the prophet, and [the] prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and [the] visions of Iddo the seer’ (2 Chr. 9:29; 12:15; 13:22; 20:34; 26:22; 32:32; 33:18. These passages make it clear that from the beginning of the kingdom, writers living at the time of the events described, usually prophets, recorded the history of their own time. These records, together with the books of Samuel and Kings, formed the material from which the books of Chronicles were compiled, the compilers choosing the portions according to the purpose of their compilation” (Bible Dictionary, “Chronicles”). When and where were they written? We do not know when or where the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles were written. However, 2 Chronicles mentions the decree made by King Cyrus of Persia allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem (see 2 Chronicles 36:22–23). This inclusion may suggest that the books of Chronicles, or at least parts of them, were compiled sometime after 537 B.C., when King Cyrus made this decree. Originally, 1 and 2 Chronicles were one book. What are some notable features of this book? Although the books of Kings and Chronicles cover much of the period of Israelite history, the books of Chronicles emphasize the southern kingdom (Judah) and generally only mention the northern kingdom (Israel) in describing how it interacted with Judah. ​​Several details not found in the books of Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings are included in Chronicles, such as a prophecy by Elijah the prophet concerning the wicked King Jehoram (see 2 Chronicles 21:12–15). “Although secular events are not excluded from the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles, the authors place great emphasis on the ecclesiastical and religious aspects of the story and the progress of temple worship in Jerusalem” (Bible Dictionary, “Chronicles”). Summary 1 Chronicles 1–9 The genealogies of the patriarchs and of Jacob’s sons are recorded. 1 Chronicles 10–22 After the death of Saul, David reigns over all the tribes of Israel. He brings the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem, which becomes the capital of the kingdom. The Lord commands David not to build a house for the Lord and promises that David’s son will do so. King David defeats other nations in battle and reigns in righteousness over Israel. 1 Chronicles 23–29 David prepares his son Solomon and the Levites to build the temple. David dies, and Solomon ascends the throne. 2 Chronicles 1–9 King Solomon is blessed by the Lord with great wisdom and wealth. He builds and dedicates the temple in Jerusalem. The Lord appears to Solomon and promises to bless the Israelites according to their obedience. After 40 years of reign, Solomon dies and his son Rehoboam reigns in his place. 2 Chronicles 10–35 Ten tribes of Israel rebel against Rehoboam, and the kingdom splits. The tribes of Judah and Benjamin remain in Judah. ​​Many kings reign in the southern kingdom (Judah). 2 Chronicles 36 King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers the southern kingdom and places Zedekiah as king in Jerusalem. Zedekiah rebels, and Babylon destroys Jerusalem and the temple, taking the rest of the people into captivity. After the Persian Empire conquers Babylon, the Jews are allowed to return and rebuild the temple.