2 Chronicles

Old Testament: historical books

2 Chronicles

About this book

The Second Book of Chronicles continues the history of Israel that was begun in 1 Chronicles. This book repeats information and many stories that are in 1 and 2 Kings, but from a slightly different viewpoint.

The book of 2 Chronicles begins with the rule of King Solomon, then tells the history of the two separate kingdoms of Judah and Israel down to the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC.

King Solomon is honoured as the ideal king of Israel. The first part of 2 Chronicles (1—9) includes events from his rule, especially the building and dedication of the temple in Jerusalem and the beginning of worship there.

The second part of the book (10—36) begins with the rebellion of the northern tribes of Israel and the division of the country into two separate kingdoms, Judah in the south and Israel in the north. This part of 2 Chronicles is the history of Judah down to the time of Jerusalem's fall and destruction. Unlike 2 Kings, the book of 2 Chronicles includes very little information about the northern kingdom. According to 2 Chronicles, the people of Israel were sinful and turned their backs on the Lord, and so their history did not deserve to be told.

The Second Book of Chronicles, like 1 Chronicles, is very concerned that the Lord be worshipped in the proper way. Hezekiah and Josiah are two of the most respected kings of Judah, because they were always faithful to the Lord and did many things to see that he was properly worshipped and that his Law was obeyed.

This book tells how Jerusalem was destroyed and the people of Judah were led away as prisoners to Babylonia. But the book concludes with hope for the Jews. King Cyrus of Persia lets them return to Judah, and he promises:

The LORD God will watch over any of his people who want to go back to Judah.

(36.23b)

A quick look at this book

1. Solomon's wisdom and wealth (1.1-17)

2. Building and dedication of the Jerusalem temple (2.1—7.22)

3. Other events during Solomon's rule (8.1—9.28)

4. The death of Solomon (9.29-31)

5. The northern tribes of Israel rebel against King Rehoboam (10.1-19)

6. Kings of Judah (11.1—28.27)

7. King Hezekiah and the Assyrian invasion (29.1—32.33)

8. King Manasseh and King Amon (33.1-25)

9. King Josiah and The Book of God's Law (34.1—35.27)

10. The last kings of Judah (36.1-16)

11. Jerusalem is destroyed and the people are taken to Babylonia (36.17-21)

12. King Cyrus of Persia lets the Jews return to Judah (36.22,23)