2 Chronicles at a glance

2 Chronicles

 

The 14^th book in the Bible. According to Jewish tradition the author was scribe and scholar Ezra. Tradition also tells us that it was written in about 430 BC and records events from the beginning of Solomon’s reign as King to Israel in 970 BC to the beginning of the Babylonian captivity in 586 BC. 

 

The Purpose of writing this book is also 3-fold ... 1) to unify Israel around true worship of God by showing his standard for judging kings, 2) to site the righteous kings of Judah and the religious revivals under their rule, and 3) to expose the sins of the evil kings during this period.

 

The Setting of the book: 2^nd Chronicles parallels 1^st and 2^nd Kings, serving as their commentary. It was also written after the Babylonian Exile from a priestly perspective, highlighting the completion and importance of the Temple and the religious revivals in Judah.  It is interesting that the northern kingdom of Israel was virtually ignored in this writing.

 

Stories told ...

 

1) Solomon prays for God to give him wisdom instead of a long life, power, and / or money. In response to his selfless request, the Lord gives him not only what he seeks, but also what he did not request.

 

2) The Queen of Sheba’s visit with Solomon is chronicled. 

 

3) King Cyrus of Persia rebuilds the Temple after releasing Israel from the Great Exile to Babylon.

 

Important Points found in this book:

 

1) 2^nd Chronicles begins with the famous account of Solomon’s asking God for wisdom (Chapter 1). It continues telling the stories of Solomon’s building of the Temple (thru Chapter 8). According to 1^st Kings 6:38 it took Solomon 7 years to complete the Temple.

 

2) In Chapter 9 the Queen of Sheba visits Solomon. “When the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s fame, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions.” (Verse 1). 

 

3) This book covers the rule of all Israel and Judah’s kings, noting whether they grieved or pleased the Lord.

 

4) The final chapter (36) summarizes the 70 years of the Babylonian captivity (vv. 17-21) and also covers the releasing of the Jews from that captivity by Cyrus, King of Persia. Cyrus had conquered Babylon 48 years after the Temple had been destroyed and then released the exiles to return to Judah. He then provided the funding for the Jews to rebuild the Temple.

Key Verses: 

God said to Solomon, “Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people— I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!” - 2^nd Chronicles 1:11-12

 

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” - 2^nd Chronicles 7:14

 

Next time we’ll take a look at the book of Ezra ... Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His glory,

Rich Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: Books of the Bible at a Glance; published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 18, 2018); The Life Application Study Bible.

Note: I took my information from this lengthy compilation of bible book information for all 66 books of the Holy Bible & the margin notes from the study bible.