Beginning Chronicles

Today we strike out for the book of Chronicles. And although we are only midway in our annual reading (journey), we have almost covered the entire chronology of the Old Testament! As we will see, the time of the prophets takes place during the time of Kings/Chronicles.



1 Chronicles is mainly a retelling of the life of David. And 2 Chronicles is a retelling of the story of Kings, but only David's descendants (the Kings of Judah).

Tips for reading the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles:

• There does not seem to be much going on in the first 9 chapters -- all we have is a big genealogy (the longest in the OT). But such care for names should only remind us that God takes great interest in every person and family, and that these things are not mere fables but facts. 
• And once you get beyond chapter 9, notice the different light that Chronicles casts upon the life of David. Whereas Kings paints the man as a tragic figure (after his moral failure), Chronicles paints him in a more favorable light, even projecting his throne to a symbolic status. This lays the groundwork for the coming of the royal son of David (Jesus) a thousand years later. 
• 1 and 2 Chronicles is really a recapitulation (a retelling) of everything that took place before the fall of Jerusalem. But it gives us (more so than Kings) a sad spiritual commentary of our condition and prepares us for our desperate need for a Messiah.