2nd Chronicles
Solomon to the Exile
Summary | About | Why You Should Read it | Author | When Written | Context | Timeline | Location | Outline | Observations | Resources
Summary
2nd Chronicles continues the historical narrative from 1st Chronicles, focusing on the reigns of the kings of Judah from Solomon to the Babylonian exile. Here’s a high-level summary:
- Solomon’s Reign: The book starts with the reign of King Solomon, highlighting his wisdom, the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, and the dedication of the Temple. It emphasizes Solomon’s efforts to establish a strong and prosperous kingdom centered around worship and devotion to God.
- Kings of Judah: After Solomon’s death, the book details the reigns of the subsequent kings of Judah. It provides a mix of positive and negative evaluations of these kings based on their faithfulness to God. It contrasts the good kings who followed God’s laws with those who did not.
- Religious Reforms and Revivals: The narrative includes accounts of various religious reforms and revivals undertaken by certain kings, such as Hezekiah and Josiah, who sought to restore proper worship and adherence to the covenant.
- Fall of Jerusalem: The book concludes with the decline and fall of Judah, culminating in the Babylonian invasion, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the exile of its people. The fall is depicted as a consequence of the nation’s failure to follow God’s commands and heed the warnings of prophets.
2nd Chronicles emphasizes the themes of covenant faithfulness, the centrality of worship in Jerusalem, and the consequences of turning away from God. It serves as a reflection on the nation’s history and a warning about the importance of remaining faithful to God.
The following table provides a high-level look at the structure and contents of the book of 2nd Chronicles.
About
2nd Chronicles is the 14th book of the Bible and the ninth of the Historical books of the Old Testament.
Why You Should Read It
Reading 2nd Chronicles can offer several valuable insights and lessons:
- Understanding the Importance of Worship: The book highlights the central role of the Temple and proper worship in the life of God’s people. This can reinforce the importance of worship and reverence in the Christian faith.
- Lessons from the Kings: By examining the reigns of the kings of Judah, both good and bad, Christians can learn about the consequences of faithfulness versus disobedience. The positive examples of kings who followed God can serve as models of devotion, while the failures of others provide warnings about the pitfalls of turning away from God.
- Historical Context: 2nd Chronicles provides historical context for the biblical narrative, particularly the significance of Jerusalem and the Temple. Understanding this context can enrich one’s appreciation of the New Testament and the life of Jesus, who fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies.
- God’s Faithfulness and Justice: The book illustrates God’s faithfulness to His covenant and His justice in dealing with disobedience. This can encourage Christians to trust in God’s promises and understand the serious implications of sin.
- Value of Repentance and Reform: The stories of kings who initiated religious reforms demonstrate the power of repentance and the possibility of renewal. This can inspire Christians to seek personal and communal renewal in their own lives.
Reading 2nd Chronicles can deepen one’s understanding of God’s dealings with His people, offering both inspiration and practical lessons for living a faithful Christian life.
Author
The authorship of 2nd Chronicles is traditionally attributed to Ezra, the priest and scribe. This view is based on historical and scholarly traditions, though the text itself does not explicitly state its author. Some modern scholars suggest that it could have been written by an unknown chronicler or editor who was influenced by Ezra’s perspective and concerns, particularly given the book’s focus on the religious and ceremonial aspects of Israel’s history.
When Written
2nd Chronicles was most likely written during the post-exilic period, around the late 5th century BCE, after the return of the Israelites from Babylonian captivity. This dating is based on the book’s focus on the Temple, worship practices, and genealogies, which reflect a period of rebuilding and restoration in Israel. The emphasis on the Davidic line and the Temple suggests an intent to reinforce the significance of these elements in the context of renewed national and religious identity.
Context
2nd Chronicles was written in the context of the post-exilic period, a time when the Israelites were rebuilding their society and religious practices after returning from Babylonian exile. Key aspects of this context include:
- Rebuilding and Restoration: After the return from exile (around 538 B.C.), the Israelites were focused on restoring their religious practices, particularly the Temple in Jerusalem, and reestablishing their national identity.
- Emphasis on Temple Worship: The book highlights the importance of the Temple and proper worship practices, reflecting the community’s efforts to center their religious life around the newly rebuilt Temple.
- Reaffirmation of Identity: By detailing genealogies and the reigns of David and Solomon, 1st Chronicles aimed to reaffirm the legitimacy of the Davidic line and the importance of Jerusalem as the central place of worship, helping to unite the people under a shared heritage and religious framework.
- Religious and Social Organization: The text provides guidance on organizing the Levitical priesthood and other religious duties, reflecting a concern for proper worship and adherence to religious laws.
Overall, 2nd Chronicles was written to inspire and guide the people in their renewed faithfulness to God, emphasizing the continuity of God’s promises and the centrality of worship in their community life.
Timeline
The timeline below shows from the start of the monarchy through the fall of Jerusalem with 2nd Chronicles focusing on the time from Solomon to the fall.
Location
The first part of 1st Chronicles deals with genealogies from creation and Adama and Eve in Eden through the 12 tribes being established in Israel. The second part start with the death of Saul and covers until the death of David, which takes place in Hebron and Jerusalem.
Outline
I The Reign of Solomon (2Ch 1-9)
A. The Gift of Wisdom (ch. 1)
B. Building the Temple (2:1;5:1)
C. Dedication of the Temple (5:2;7:22)
D. Solomon’s Other Activities (ch. 8)
E. Solomon’s Wisdom, Splendor and Death (ch. 9)
II. The Schism, and the History of the Kings of Judah (2Ch 10-36)
A. Rehoboam (chs. 10-12)
B. Abijah (13:1;14:1)
C. Asa (14:2;16:14)
D. Jehoshaphat (17:1;21:3)
E. Jehoram and Ahaziah (21:4;22:9)
F. Joash (22:10;24:27)
G. Amaziah (ch. 25)
H. Uzziah (ch. 26)
I. Jotham (ch. 27)
J. Ahaz (ch. 28)
K. Hezekiah (chs. 29-32)
L. Manasseh (33:1-20)
M. Amon (33:21-25)
N. Josiah (34:1;36:1)
O. Josiah’s Successors (36:2-14)
P. Exile and Restoration (36:15-23)
Observations
- In the Hebrew Bible, 1 & 2 Chronicles were one book. n 2 Chronicles, 1 & 2 Kings virtually ignore the Northern Kingdom (Israel) because of:
- Its false worship
- Its refusal to acknowledge the Temple in Jerusalem.
- Chapters 1-9 cover the 40 years from 971 B.C. to 931 B.C. – Solomon’s reign.
- Chapters 10-36 cover the 393 years from 93 B.C. to 538 B.C.
- Approximately 70% of chapters 10-36 deals with the 8 good kings of Judah, leaving only 30% to cover the 12 evil rulers.
- 6 of the first 9 chapters concern the construction and dedication of the Temple.
- During Solomon’s reign, Israel’s boundaries extend to their greatest point.
- Four legendary things about Solomon:
- His wealth
- His palace
- His wisdom
- His Temple
- Since so much of 2 Chronicles has to do with the Temple, it is no wonder that the book concludes with Cyrus’ edict to rebuild it.
- Judah’s 20 kings.
1 Rehoboam 17 years Bad
2 Abijah 3 years Bad
3 Asa 41 years Good
4 Jehoshaphat 25 years Good
5 Jehoram 8 years Bad
6 Ahaziah 1 year Bad
7 Athaliah 6 years Bad
8 Joash 40 years Mostly Good
9 Amaziah 29 years Mostly Good
10 Uzziah 52 years Good
11 Jotham 16 years Good
12 Ahaz 16 years Wicked
13 Hezekiah 29 years Good
14 Manasseh 55 years Worst
15 Amon 2 years Among Worst
16 Josiah 31 years Among Best
17 Jehoahaz 3 months Bad
18 Jehoiakim 11 months Wicked
19 Jehoiachin 3 1/3 months Bad
20 Zedekiah 11 years Bad
Old Testament
New Testament
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