The books of Chronicles deals mainly with the Southern kingdom of Judah. The first book covers the period from king Saul to the end of king David’s life.
Author & date
Because of the similarity of the language between the books of the Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah, students conclude that the Chronicles were compiled by Ezra.
Outline
A. Genealogies Ch.1-9
- Adam to Noah’s Sons Ch.1:1-4
- Descendants of Noah’s sons Ch.1:5-27
- Abraham to Israel Ch.1:28-34
- Descendants of Esau Ch.1: 35-54
- Descendants of Judah Ch.2:1-55
- Descendants of David Ch.3:124
- Further descendants of Judah Ch.4:1-43
- Descendants of Reuben Ch.51:1-26
- Descendants of Levi Ch.6:1-81
- Descendants of Issachar Ch.7:1-5
- Descendants of Benjamin Ch.7:6-12
- Descendants of Naphtali Ch.7:13
- Descendants of Manasseh Ch.14-19
- Descendants of Ephraim Ch.7:20-29
- Descendants of Asher Ch.7:30-40
- Further descendants of Benjamin Ch.8:1-28
- family & descendants of Saul Ch.8:29-40
- The returned exiles Ch.9:1-34
- Saul’s family Ch.9:35-44
B. Saul Ch.10
- The death of King Saul Ch.10
C. David Ch.11-20
- David & his mighty men Ch.11-12
- David & the ark Ch.13-16
- David’ desire to build a Temple Ch.17
- David’s victories Ch.18-20
D. Temple Preparation Ch.21-29
- David’s numbering Ch.21
- Instructions to Solomon Ch.22
- Duties of the Levites Ch.23
- Duties of the priests Ch.24
- Duties of the Musicians Ch.25
- Duties of the Gatekeepers Ch.26
- Various Divisions Ch.27
- David’s instructions to Solomon Ch.28
- The Gifts for the Temple Ch.29:1-20
- David’s death & Solomon’s succession Ch.29:21-30
Notes
a. The LXX translation
In the Hebrew Bible the two books of Chronicles were one book. When the Hebrew Bible was translated into Greek it was split into two. The LXX translators gave the books the title; ” Things omitted”. Meaning that they were a supplement to Samuel & Kings. But they are much more than that
b. Message
Dr. Bullinger puts it like this: “In the former books [Samuel & Kings] they are regarded from a man’s standpoint; here they are viewed from a divine standpoint.”