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Book of 1 Chronicles
Pronunciation:
Authorship and Origin:
In the Hebrew Bible, the books of Chronicles are called 'dibre hayamim' which means 'The Affairs' or literally 'of the days'. The name signifies the annals or as suggested by Jerome (an early church father), "the Chronicles". Chronicles once existed as a single composition, but was divided into two parts with the Greek translation around 150 B.C.. In the original arrangement of the Old Testament canon, Chronicles was at the end of the Old Testament. So when Christ spoke of all the martyrs from Abel in the first book (Gen 4) to Zechariah (in II Chronicles 24), he encompased the entire Old Testament of that time.
The books of Chronicles do not state by whom they were written, or when, however the book records events as early as the Cyrus decree of 538 B.C.. This decree permitted the Jews to return from exile. This along with various genealogies, and the relation of these books to Ezra and Nehemiah, indicate that Chronicles (as well as Ezra and perhaps Nehemiah) were likely written by Ezra around the time of 450 B.C.. Chronicles and Ezra were probably one consecutive historical composition. Nehemiah may have been autobiographical.
Overview and Significant sections
Significant sections:
Ezra's zeal for the establishment for the Law of Moses after the return of the Jews, led him to restore temple worship, eliminate mixed marriages, rebuild Jerusalem's fortifications (wall) (with Nehemiah's help), and stimulate the rebuilding of the traditional theocratic beliefs. It was important to develop and review the history and genealogies of the people, to preserve the proper priesthood and worship as well as give emphasis to the Law, the temple, the ark (of the covenant), the Levites and singers. The Chronicles give important information around genealogies and history to the people of that time and for us today.
Section 1 - Genealogies
- Patriarchs
1:1-1:54
- Judah, clans, and David's family
2:1-4:23
- Simeon
4:24-4:43
- Trans-Jordan tribes
5:1-5:26
- Levi
6:1-6:81
- Six other tribes
6:1-9:44
- Specifically, Jerusalem's inhabitants
9:1-9:34
Section II - The reign of David
- Background - the death of Saul
10:1-10:14
- David's rise, his heroes, seeking the ark, Philisties, Nathan
11:1-20:8
- David's latter days, a census, temple preparations, his final words
21:1-29:30
For more detailed study:
Read Chapter 1. (the entire book is available starting here.)
The Concise Matthew Henry Commentary on this book.
bible.org introduction of this book.
the World Wide Study Bible has Dictionary, Commentary, Scripture and sermons available
on this book.
