1 Chronicles - Introduction

The books of the Chronicles record extra details and give us the priests' perspective on the history of the kingdom from David to the fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. It was written after the Babylonian Captivity (which lasted 70 years) as the Jews returned to the land. The emphasis on David and the kings of Judah suggest that the purpose was to affirm the faithfulness of God towards David and his descendants. It also indicated the failure of the people to follow the Lord and the results of corruption in the temple worship. McGee notes that Kings is the 'view' from the throne and Chronicles is the view from the altar. It focuses not so much on the political history but on the religious history of Judah. Kings is man's viewpoint and Chronicles is God's viewpoint (McGee). It is a reminder to the returning remnant that they are still God's chosen people and He has a plan and a purpose for them. This is more than just history, for it is God's holy Word written and recorded for our instruction that we too might know and believe in the Lord.

Key Verses: 1 Chronicles 7:4-14 & 29:12

Outline:

I.   Genealogies 1-9
II.  The Death of  Saul 10
III. The Reign of David 11-29