1 Chronicles

Old Testament: historical books

1 Chronicles

About this book

The First Book of Chronicles is the first half of a single book that was divided into two parts, 1 and 2 Chronicles, because together they were too long to fit on one scroll. These two books retell the history of Israel from a slightly different viewpoint than that of Samuel and Kings, although many of the same stories are repeated.

King David is the most important person in the book of 1 Chronicles. He is the one who made Jerusalem the centre for the worship of the Lord God, and who made sure the Lord was worshipped in the proper way. David is also honoured as the founder of the temple, even though it was his son Solomon who actually built it.

Much of 1 Chronicles is made up of lists that trace the descendants of Adam to the time of King Saul (1—9). After reporting how Saul died (10), the rest of the book (11—29) focuses on King David, and these chapters can be divided into four parts. The first part (11—12) tells how David became king and made Jerusalem his capital city. This part also includes information about David's warriors and military officers. The second part (13—16) describes how David moved the sacred chest to its new home in Jerusalem. The third part (17—20) includes events during his rule, and the final part (21—29) describes his preparations for building the Lord's temple and his instructions to his son Solomon about the proper worship of the Lord.

In 1 Chronicles, David is used as an example of someone who faithfully worships and obeys the Lord. At the end of David's rule, he praises the Lord in front of everyone in Israel and says:

I praise you for ever, LORD! You are the God our ancestor Jacob worshipped. Your power is great, and your glory is seen everywhere in heaven and on earth. You are king of the entire world, and you rule with strength and power.

(29.10b-12a)

A quick look at this book

Descendants of Adam until the time of King Saul (1.1—9.44)

The death of Saul and his sons (10.1-14)

David becomes king of Israel and captures Jerusalem (11.1-9)

David's warriors (11.10—12.40)

The sacred chest is moved to Jerusalem (13.1—16.43)

Solomon will build the Lord's temple (17.1-27)

David's military victories (18.1—20.8)

David's preparations for building the temple (21.1—28.21)

The people bring gifts for building the temple (29.1-20)

Solomon is crowned king (29.21-25)

The death of David (29.26-30)