Basic Chronology of 1–2 Chronicles
Purpose, Occasion, and Background
The Extent of Solomon’s Kingdom
Global Message of 1 Chronicles
First Chronicles in Redemptive History
God’s Global Reign through a Davidic King
First Chronicles and the New Testament
First Chronicles and the Global Church Today
Introduction to 1–2 Chronicles
Timeline
Author and Date
The text nowhere directly identifies its author, but traditionally he has been called “the Chronicler.” He was either a priest or Levite who was employed in the service of the temple during the Persian period (539–332 B.C.). He had scribal training and access to the temple records.
Basic Chronology of 1–2 Chronicles
| Events | Dates | Passages |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation of the Davidic monarchy | c. 1010–931 B.C. | 1 Chronicles 10:1 Chronicles 9 |
| History of Judah from the division of the kingdom until its fall | 931–586 | 2 Chronicles 10:1 |
| Babylonian captivity | 586–538 | 2 Chronicles 36:17 |
| Cyrus’s decree | 538 | 2 Chronicles 36:22 |
Theme
The central theme of Chronicles is God’s covenant with David as the basis of Israel’s life and hope. The Davidic covenant is expressed in two institutions: the monarchy and the temple. These institutions are related (1 Chronicles 17:10), and together they represent God’s kingdom in Israel (2 Chronicles 13:5, 2 Chronicles 13:8). The Davidic covenant does not replace the Mosaic covenant but builds on it for the new age of the monarchy and the temple.
Purpose, Occasion, and Background
Judah and Benjamin, the only surviving tribes of Israel, had returned to the land after the Babylonian exile. They had rebuilt the temple in Jerusalem. But in many ways it seemed like they were still in exile (see Ezra 9:6; Nehemiah 9:32). There were questions about Israel’s place in God’s purposes and the meaning of his ancient promises to David. With such questions in mind, the Chronicler wrote his books to promote spiritual and social renewal. He presented an interpretation of Israel’s past, drawing mainly on the books of Samuel and Kings. He showed how the nation’s unfaithfulness to God had led to disaster but also how its faithful kings and people had experienced God’s blessing.
Key Themes
- The Davidic covenant. God’s covenant with David preserved the nation and enabled Solomon to build the temple. God is committed to preserving the line of David’s descendants even through spiritual unfaithfulness (2 Chronicles 21:13) and exile (1 Chronicles 3:17). Being heirs of God’s covenant with David also involves living according to God’s earlier covenant with Moses.
- The temple. The temple is an expression of the Davidic covenant. David provided for the construction of the temple and organized its personnel. His faithful successors should ensure that the worship is maintained, and that the building is kept in repair and is purified after defilement. The temple personnel should come to the aid of the Davidic dynasty in times of crisis. The Levites played an essential role in maintaining the whole system of worship, and in many ways they are the forerunners of the Christian ministry.
- The people of Israel. The Chronicler sought to address some urgent questions of his day concerning the identity of Israel. He wanted to instill fresh confidence in the people. The genealogies of Israel that begin the work (1 Chronicles 1:1) start by tracing the people’s ancestry back to Adam, a striking reminder that Israel was at the center of God’s purpose from the very beginning of creation.
Second, the genealogies makes it clear that all 12 tribes were descended from Jacob’s sons (1 Chronicles 2:1). The Chronicler’s history of the divided kingdom (2 Chronicles 10:1) focuses mainly on Judah and Benjamin. But he tries to show that the northern tribes are still a part of Israel, even though they rebelled against the rightful Davidic king (2 Chronicles 13:5).
While the Chronicler does focus on the nation’s kings and its priesthood, he also includes many stories that highlight the participation of ordinary people in the life of the nation.
Outline for 1–2 Chronicles
- A Genealogical Presentation of the Tribes of Israel (1 Chronicles 1:1)
- Adam to Esau (1 Chronicles 1:1)
- The sons of Israel (1 Chronicles 2:1)
- The tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:3)
- The tribe of Simeon (1 Chronicles 4:24)
- The Transjordanian tribes (1 Chronicles 5:1)
- The tribe of Levi (1 Chronicles 6:1)
- Other northern tribes (1 Chronicles 7:1)
- The tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:1)
- The resettlement of Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 9:1)
- The genealogy of Saul (1 Chronicles 9:35)
- The United Kingdom of David and Solomon (1 Chronicles 10:1–2 Chronicles 9:31)
- David’s rise to power over Israel (1 Chronicles 10:1)
- David’s transfer of the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 13:1)
- The dynastic promise to David (1 Chronicles 17:1)
- David’s wars (1 Chronicles 18:1)
- David’s census and preparation for the temple (1 Chronicles 21:1)
- Solomon’s temple preparations (2 Chronicles 1:1)
- Solomon’s building of the temple (1 Chronicles 3:1)
- The dedication of the temple (1 Chronicles 5:2)
- Solomon’s other accomplishments (1 Chronicles 8:1)
- Solomon’s international relations and renown (1 Chronicles 8:17)
- The Kingdom of Judah down to the Exile (2 Chronicles 10:1)
- Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 10:1)
- Abijah (2 Chronicles 13:1)
- Asa (2 Chronicles 14:2)
- Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:1)
- Jehoram and Ahaziah (2 Chronicles 21:2)
- Joash (2 Chronicles 23:1)
- Amaziah (2 Chronicles 25:1)
- Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:1)
- Jotham (2 Chronicles 27:1)
- Ahaz (2 Chronicles 28:1)
- Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29:1)
- Manasseh (2 Chronicles 33:1)
- Amon (2 Chronicles 33:21)
- Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:1)
- The last four kings (2 Chronicles 36:1)
- Restoration (2 Chronicles 36:22)
The Extent of David’s Kingdom
The Extent of David’s Kingdom
1010–971 B.C.
David’s many battles eventually established Israel as the dominant power in Syria and Palestine. David expanded Israel’s borders until, by the end of his reign, he controlled all of Israel, Edom, Moab, Ammon, Syria, and Zobah. Other kingdoms, such as Tyre and Hamath, made treaties with him.
The Extent of Solomon’s Kingdom
The Extent of Solomon’s Kingdom
c. 971–931 B.C.
Solomon’s reign marked the high point of Israel’s power and wealth in biblical times. His father David had given him a kingdom that included Edom, Moab, Ammon, Syria, and Zobah. Solomon would later bring the kingdom of Hamath-zobah under his dominion as well, and his marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter sealed an alliance with Egypt. His expansive kingdom controlled important trade routes between several major world powers, including Egypt, Arabia, Mesopotamia, and Anatolia (Asia Minor).
The Global Message of 1 Chronicles
First Chronicles in Redemptive History
Written soon after Israel’s devastating exile from the Promised Land, 1 Chronicles 1:1 emphasizes that God still has a plan for his people and his king in Jerusalem. The exile to Babylon had shattered Israel’s faith in God’s covenantal promises. How could the deported descendants of Abraham ever bless the nations (Genesis 12:1) as a special people (Exodus 19:5)? What happened to God’s assurance to King David that his throne over Israel would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16)? Though many of the Jews had already returned from exile, they remained slaves in their own land without a king to call their own (Nehemiah 9:32).
1 Chronicles 1:1 reviews the past glories of King David in order to pave the way for another Davidic king who will rule with God over the nations (see 1 Samuel 2:10; Psalms 72:1).
God’s Global Reign through a Davidic King
The theme of universal redemption might seem subdued in 1 Chronicles 1:1, a book which sandwiches various stories about Israel’s King David (1 Chronicles 10:1) in between genealogies (chs. 1 Chronicles 1:1) and various lists regarding Israel’s army and temple furnishings (chs. 1 Chronicles 22:1). It is undoubtedly true that 1 Chronicles 1:1 mainly concerns David and the city of Jerusalem. But this book also highlights three ways in which God’s history with Israel occurs on a bigger stage and for a broader purpose. For King David has been placed in a position of authority in order to embody the reign of God over his entire creation.
The blessing of God for the nations. First, the genealogies of 1 Chronicles 1:1 stress the special place of David in God’s global plan of salvation. 1 Chronicles 1:1 begins with Adam just as Genesis 1:1 does (Genesis 5:1; 1 Chronicles 1:1), yet 1 Chronicles 1:1 passes over many generations in focusing attention on the clan of David (1 Chronicles 2:15; 1 Chronicles 3:1). It is worth noting that the pivotal figure standing between the genealogies of Adam and David is Abraham the patriarch (1 Chronicles 1:28). The rebellious descendants of Adam had once sought to “make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth” (Genesis 11:4). In response, God promised Abraham to “bless you and make your name great,... and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:2). The descendants of Abraham would one day become a blessing to all nations (Genesis 12:3; compare 1 Chronicles 17:27). The continuity in God’s covenants with Abraham and David is one of the main themes of 1 Chronicles 1:1 (e.g., 1 Chronicles 16:16; 1 Chronicles 29:18).
The worship of God by the nations. Second, David calls on the nations to worship God just as Israel does. When the ark is brought to Jerusalem, David appoints the family of Asaph to declare the power of the God of Israel to the whole world: “Make known his deeds among the peoples!... Sing to the LORD, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!... Tremble before him, all the earth” (1 Chronicles 16:8, 1 Chronicles 16:23, 1 Chronicles 16:30). The dedication of the ark must not be a private religious affair for Israelites only. All nations are invited to celebrate the abundant blessings of God upon his chosen people. Such a worldwide audience for Israel’s worship is also envisioned in psalms about Zion and, later, its temple (e.g., Psalms 46:1; Psalms 67:1; Psalms 84:1).
The supremacy of God among the nations. Third and finally, the God who fulfills his promises to David has no equal among the gods. David had desired to build God a physical “house” (i.e., a temple; 1 Chronicles 17:1) as other ancient peoples did for their deities. But the God of Israel does not need such a house (1 Chronicles 17:4; compare 2 Chronicles 2:6; 2 Chronicles 6:18); instead, he says that he will build David a “house” in the form of an everlasting dynasty (1 Chronicles 17:10). This remarkable promise leads David to proclaim the greatness of the God of Israel: “There is none like you, O LORD, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears” (1 Chronicles 17:20). The God of the Bible cannot be limited to the puny categories and limitations of pagan deities.
First Chronicles and the New Testament
The final Davidic king. The theme of God’s faithfulness to the Davidic covenant in spite of the exile provides a significant bridge between the Old and New Testaments. As does 1 Chronicles 1:1, the Gospel of Matthew begins with a genealogy, an abbreviated one this time, which features Abraham and David: “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1). Matthew then highlights the arrival of Jesus in the world by calling attention to equal intervals from Abraham to David, from David to the exile, and from the exile to the coming of Christ (Matthew 1:17). This equality is achieved by omitting three kings in the second group and several generations unknown to us in the third, where thirteen generations cover some 600 years. Such selective genealogies were common in ancient literature. Matthew’s point is that Jesus is the rightful heir to the covenant promises made to David about having a son who would reign forever (2 Samuel 7:12).
To all nations. Because he is the long-awaited son of Abraham and David, the arrival of Jesus in the world ushers in a new phase of God’s plan of salvation. God now entrusts to Christians the privileges and responsibilities of being righteous citizens of Zion: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.... Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14, Matthew 5:16; compare Psalms 48:1; Isaiah 60:1). Jesus is the last and greatest Davidic king, who commissions Christians to instruct the peoples of the world with the truth about God: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19).
First Chronicles and the Global Church Today
God’s purpose throughout history to restore the world to the way he intended it in Eden reaches a high point in the throne of David. For through David we discover that despite the sinfulness that continues down through David’s line, God “will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” and God’s “steadfast love will not depart from him” (2 Samuel 7:13, 2 Samuel 7:15). These promises are the reason for the writing of 1 and 2 Chronicles 1:1.
In a day of political corruption of every kind at every level, God’s people around the world can take heart in the invincible purpose of God to restore a kingdom in which justice and righteousness will one day be established. In the coming of Jesus, this kingdom has already dawned (Mark 1:14). Whatever the frustrations over governmental corruption or anxiety over political instability, in Christ anyone can be welcomed into a kingdom that will include much suffering (Acts 14:22) but finally perfect glory and joy (1 Thessalonians 2:12). Every Christian can say, with Paul, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen” (2 Timothy 4:18).