1, 2 Chronicles— Israel’s Worship
05.18.22
Now the acts of King David, first and last, indeed they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer. (1 Chronicles 29:29 )
These books get their title from the fact that they form a chronicle of the affairs of Israel. Originally one scroll, they were the last books in the OT leading to the genealogy that begins the NT. They deal with Judah, the Southern Kingdom, the source of the Messiah, the Son of David.
The author is unknown, though Jewish tradition gives credit to Ezra. He likely compiled them after the Jews had returned from their seventy-year captivity in Babylon. God has seen to it that Israel’s history is divinely preserved.
Chronicles is similar in nature to the books of Samuel and Kings. However, they are more editorial than purely historical, and as noted, focus only on Judah, the Southern Kingdom.
It could be said that Samuel and Kings focus on thrones while Chronicles focuses on the temple. The former show man’s rule, while the latter shows God overruling. For example, the revival under King Hezekiah is given three verses in Kings, but three chapters in Chronicles.
There is another verse that truly stands out. , If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14) If Israel had obeyed this verse all along, they never would have gone into captivity or been scattered to the four winds.
Another major theme of Chronicles is worship. The purpose is similar to that of the Book of Deuteronomy, where the children of Israel, about to enter into the Promised Land, needed to be reminded of God’s Law. The adult generation that left Egypt was now in their graves. Their children and grandchildren needed to hear the Law afresh.
So it is with Chronicles. Its audience was the people who had returned from Babylonian captivity. They had a monumental task laid before them. Their cities were heaps of rubble, the temple was gone, and the land in ruins. There were hostile enemies all around. They are going to have to rebuild, and they do not seem anxious to begin.
Though all looked bleak, Chronicles emphasized three positive things for Israel. First, the line of David was still in existence. There was no king then, but the kingly line still existed!
Second, Solomon’s Temple would be rebuilt. The people had returned to the land of Judah by the decree of Cyrus for the intended purpose of rebuilding the Temple. There is a glorious future for Israel for God keeps His promises
Third, God was still with Judah. All of their troubles stemmed from apostasy. God was giving a clear warning to the people to never again forsake the Temple or the worship of the living God. Chronicles turns our attention to God. Instead of dwelling on the sins that brought God’s judgment, these books tell us how to turn to God and worship Him in the beauty of holiness (1 Chronicles 16:29).
Christ is seen as the hidden line of David which would one day produce a virgin-born Son who would reign upon David’s throne. Though nations and empires rise and fall, God’s purposes will not fail. We need to take comfort in this wonderful message in our day. Jesus Christ is Lord of all… do you know Him?