Second Chronicles, a sequel to 1 Chronicles, parallels 1 and 2 Kings but virtually ignores the northern kingdom of Israel because of its false worship and refusal to acknowledge the temple in Jerusalem. While the book tells the story of a nation that fell further and further away from its God—and the dreadful consequences of that apostasy—it focuses particular attention on the kings who patterned their lives and reigns after the life and reign of the godly King David, taking special note of the efforts of five godly kings who attempted to cleanse the nation of idol worship. It gives extended treatment to such zealous reformers as Asa (chapter 15), Jehoshaphat (chapter 17), Joash (chapter 23), Hezekiah (chapters 29–31), and Josiah (chapters 34–35).
The temple and its worship, central throughout the book, befit a nation whose worship of God makes possible its very survival. The book begins with the construction of Solomon’s glorious temple and concludes with Cyrus’s edict to allow the Jews to return home and rebuild their ruined temple, more than four hundred years later.
Themes: The temple and the worship surrounding it are strong themes in the Book of 2 Chronicles, even though it records the sad story of a people who strayed further and further from God. Apostasy and revival also provide strong themes throughout the book. Second Chronicles demonstrates that God will continue to accomplish His purposes for all of humankind, even when His own people turn away from Him in rebellion.
Authors: Uncertain, but thought to be compiled and edited by Ezra.
Time: Second Chronicles starts with Solomon’s construction of the temple in Jerusalem (around 966 B.C.) and ends with the Persian king Cyrus’s edict to allow the Jews to return to their homeland following the Babylonian exile (around 538 B.C.).
Structure: Mostly historic with a more sustained spiritual emphasis than in 1 Chronicles. This book can be divided into several parts, each covering the reign of various kings following Solomon. Second Chronicles gives special attention both to Solomon and his construction of the temple. Upon the death of Solomon, Rehoboam his son takes the throne—but his rule leads to disaster, resulting in the division of the kingdom. The book highlights the rule of five kings who struggled valiantly to bring the nation of Judah back to its God centuries after Solomon’s death.
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As you read 2 Chronicles, watch for several life principles that play an important role in this book: 11. God assumes full responsibility for our needs when we obey Him. See 2 Chronicles 14:4; 34:31. 8. Fight all your battles on your knees and you win every time. See 2 Chronicles 20:1–30. 10. If necessary, God will move heaven and earth to show us His will. See 2 Chronicles 20:12. 7. The dark moments of our life will last only so long as is necessary for God to accomplish His purpose in us. See 2 Chronicles 32:24–29. 15. Brokenness is God’s requirement for maximum usefulness. See 2 Chronicles 33. |