1 Chronicles

BACK

 

  1. A Look at the Book

    1. Name:

      1. Original means - "Words of the Days" or "Journals"

      2. Present name given by Jerome in the 4th century A.D.

    2. Time of writing and author:

      1. Probably written by EZRA during the captivity @ 500 B.C.

      2. 1 Chronicles has a "priestly flavor" - genealogies, worship, priesthood, obedience to the law stressed.

      3. Genealogy of Judah (ch 3) extends through Zerubbabel, the grandson of Josiah who led the first return of the Jews from Babylonian captivity in 436 B.C.

    3. Major Divisions:

      1. Chapters 1-9 — Genealogies beginning with Adam (1:1)

      2. Chapter 10 — the death of Saul

      3. Chapters 11-22 — the reign of David

      4. Chapter 23 — Solomon made king, duties of the Levites

      5. Chapter 24-29 — matters of the priesthood and preparations for the temple

    4. Major character - DAVID

    5. Major Themes:

      1. Written as a reminder to an enslaved and diminished people of the Sovereignty of God:

        1. God will be justified -

          1. 10:13-14 - death of Saul

          2. chapter 11 - the victories & deliverance of David

          3. chapter 13 - the death of Uzzah

        2. God will be glorified

          1. 1 Chronicles 16:7-36 (cf the Psalms)

          2. 1 Chronicles 20:4-8 - the slaying of the giants

      2. Written as a reminder of the covenant God made with David to establish His house forever - 1 Chr 17:11-14; 22:6-12

    6. Key verses:

      1. 1 Chronicles 21:1 "And Satan stood up against Israel, and provked David to number Israel."

      2. 1 Chronicles 22:5 "David prepared abundantly before his death."

BACK