II Chronicles

The books of Chronicles deals mainly with the Southern kingdom of Judah. The second book covers the period from Solomon to the fall of Jerusalem, and the commencement of the Babylonian exile

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. Solomon Ch.1-9

1. Asks for wisdom Ch.1
2.  The Temple built Ch.2-5
3. The Temple dedicated Ch.6-7
4. Solomon’s achievements Ch.8
5. Queen of Sheba visits Ch.9:1-12
6. Summary of  Solomon’s life Ch.9:13-31

B. Rheoboam  Ch.10-12

1. Rheoboam succeeds Solomon Ch.10:1-3
2. Rheoboam’s folly Ch.10:4-15
3. The kingdom splits into two Ch.10:16-19
4. Rheoboam forbidden to fight Jeroboam Ch.11:1-4
5. Rheoboam  strengthens Judah Ch.11;5-23
6. Rheoboam forsakes the Law of the Lord Ch.12:1-12
7. Rheoboam dies Ch.12:13-16

C. The kings of Judah Ch.13-36:21

1. Abijah Ch.13
2. Asa Ch.14-16
3. Jehoshaphat Ch.17-20
4. Jehoram Ch.21
5. Ahaziah Ch.22:1-9
6. (Queen) Athaliah Ch.22:10-23:21
7. Joash Ch24
8. Amaziah Ch.25
9. Uzziah Ch.26
10. Jotham Ch.27
11. Ahaz Ch.28
12. Hezekiah Ch.29-32
13. Manasseh Ch.33:1-20
14. Amon Ch.33:21-25
15. Josiah Ch.34-35
16. Jehoahaz Ch.36:1-4
17. Jehoiakim Ch.36:5-8
18. Jehoiachin Ch.36:9-10
19. Zedekiah Ch. 35:11-21
    The fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar

D.  Cyrus’ decree Ch.36:17-23

1. Cyrus allows the exiles to return Ch.36:22-23

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.”