INTRODUCTION TO 1 & 2 CHRONICLESAfter King Cyrus decreed the temple to be rebuilt and the Jews restored to Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-4), the people returned to find the city in ruins. At that time, Ezra and Nehemiah worked to not only rebuild the city, but the identity, hope and purpose of God's people. Likely written by Ezra sometime after the return from Babylonian captivity (c. 430 BC), Chronicles is a review of their history with a different perspective, focused on their identity as God's unique people, who have God's dwelling with them in the temple, and unique relationship with him through temple worship carried out by priests and Levites. The purpose of God's disciplining his people through Babylonian captivity was to remove idolatry from their hearts so they may worship him only, as he prescribed in his word. This gave people clear direction and hope as they rebuilt to focus on restoring temple worship. Therefore David is the hero of 1 Chronicles, who provided all for the building of the temple, and the Levites in 2 Chronicles shine as caretakers of the temple and Bible teachers of the nation. In recounting their history, especially the Davidic kings, the author emphasizes the importance of the Word of God (law and prophets), pointing to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The same is true for us today. We are to focus on the covenant relationship with God provided through his Word made flesh (Jn 1:14). Outline of 1 and 2 Chronicles 1. Genealogies (1Ch 1-9) 2. David's Reign (1Ch 10-29) 3. Solomon's Reign (2Ch 1-9) 4. Kings of Judah down to the Exile (2Ch 10-36)
FROM ADAM TO DAVID
1. Adam, Noah, Abraham (1:1-54)
Genealogies are used for more than just recounting names, but to make a point. The Chronicler intentionally lists out the descendants of Noah, embraces the full descendants of Abraham, including Ishmaelites and sons of Keturah, as well as all the peoples of Esau/Seir/Edom. Why? We are all one people created by God, descended from Adam. The Israelites in post-exile may question their legitimacy in rebuilding, but they are part of God's history, and he has a glorious future hope for them.
2. Sons of Judah (2:1-55)
The Chronicler skips to Judah, through whom God raised David's line. Caleb, son of Hezron is not Joshua's contemporary, but his descendant Bezalel crafted the temple (Ex 31:2). The sons of Jerahmeel and Caleb are placed in between Ram's sons (10-17) and David's (ch 3). The hope of Israel is God's purpose and vision for the Messianic King through David's line, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Application: Father, you are the origin of all people. Help us embrace them and hold on to the hope and purpose you have planned in the gospel.
One Word: God is the origin of all people