Introduction to 2 Chronicles

Second Chronicles shows the power and importance of God’s presence. The narrative of 1–2 Chronicles views Israel’s story through the lens of God’s covenant (contract) with David. David desired to build a temple for Yahweh; Yahweh responded by telling David that from his line would come one whose throne would be established forever (1 Chr 17). By showing Judah’s history in relation to the house of David and the house of Yahweh—the temple—the book emphasizes the importance of proper worship and invites God’s people to fully commit to following God’s ways.

Background

Second Chronicles begins shortly after David’s death (971 bc) as Solomon ascends the throne and establishes Yahweh’s temple—a concrete sign of God’s presence among His people (2 Chr 1–7). The narrative highlights the glory of these years by omitting Solomon’s idolatry and lustfulness (compare 1 Kgs 11:1–13). The focus on the positive elements of the glory years of Israel is intended to encourage Jewish people living in the fifth century bc to honor God and be worshipful (see “Introduction to 1 Chronicles”).

After Solomon’s death (931 bc), the nation of Israel was divided into two kingdoms—one in the north that kept the name “Israel,” and one in the south called “Judah” (using the name of the tribal territory that included Jerusalem). Because the emphasis is on David’s descendants, 2 Chronicles says little about the kings of Israel (who are not in his lineage) and focuses on the Davidic kings of Judah. The book traces the history of Judah for more than 300 years, until Nebuchadnezzar’s army destroyed Jerusalem and the temple and deported its people to Babylon (586 bc). Nonetheless, the book concludes on a hopeful note, reporting the royal decree—from a Persian king, who had conquered Babylon—allowing the exiles to return to Judah (538 bc). This decree connects 2 Chronicles with the book of Ezra (compare 2 Chr 36:22–23 to Ezra 1:1–3).

Structure

Second Chronicles starts partway through the second section (1 Chr 10–2 Chr 9) of 1–2 Chronicles, which originally were a single literary unit (see “Introduction to 1 Chronicles”). The remainder of 2 Chronicles (2 Chr 10–36) focuses on the southern kingdom of Judah. Chapters 10–12 are about Solomon’s son Rehoboam, whose oppressive rule prompted the northern tribes of Israel to break off into their own kingdom. Chapters 13–36 recount the reigns of 18 more kings in David’s line, describing their power struggles, military conflicts, and their faithfulness—or unfaithfulness—to Yahweh. Chapter 36 summarizes the fall of Judah and the people’s exile to Babylon and then jumps forward in time to the return from exile.

Outline

• Solomon’s reign (1:1–9:31)

• Kings of Judah (10:1–36:23)

Themes

Second Chronicles’ narrative generally depicts kings as either doing right in Yahweh’s eyes or doing evil. This recurring theme is reflected in how each king and generation relates to Yahweh. For example, King Rehoboam does evil by refusing to seek Yahweh (2 Chr 12:14). King Uzziah disregards proper worship by entering the temple and offering incense himself instead of having a priest do so; as punishment, he is stricken with leprosy (26:15–20). King Asa repairs the altar at the temple and abolishes idolatry throughout Judah (15:8–15), but later relies on political alliances more than Yahweh—his failure leads to war (16:7–9). King Manasseh places idols in the temple and even sacrifices his own sons but later prayerfully repents and is able to gain back God’s favor (2 Chr 33:12–16; compare 2 Kgs 21:1–18).

Overall, the Chronicler depicts kings as either walking in the ways of David or opposing what David stood for (e.g., 2 Chr 23:3, 18; 28:1; compare 33:7). The narrative of 1–2 Chronicles overlooks David’s mistakes and emphasizes his worshipful attitude—in doing so, David becomes the model of a worshipful king. King Hezekiah is described as being like David because he restores proper worship at the temple and organizes a Passover celebration for the people of Judah and Israel (chs. 29–31). God blesses Judah during his reign, saving them from the Assyrians (ch. 32). King Josiah also removes idols from the land and temple, instructs the people in the ways of Yahweh’s law, and celebrates Passover (chs. 34–35).

Second Chronicles demonstrates how Yahweh is good to those in relationship with Him but against those who oppose Him—this presents a healthy understanding of what relationship with Him entails. Second Chronicles shows us that when we humble ourselves, seek God, and repent of our sins, He is faithful to listen, forgive, and heal (7:14). Today, the one who rules from David’s throne (Luke 1:32; Rom 1:3–4)—Jesus—offers us these things (Luke 4:18–21; 1 John 1:9).

Further Reading

The Historical Books

Chronicles, First and Second Books of CLBD

Davidic Covenant CLBD

Solomon, King of Israel CLBD

Temple, Solomon’s CLBD