Study
0 From the Book of 1 Chronicles is: The
Introduction of 1 Chronicles
The
two books of Chronicles, which are really one whole were composed at a much
later date than the other historical books and frequent reference is made to
former writings not now possessed by us.
The date is after the carrying away to Babylon (1 Ch. 6:15) and after
the decree of Cyrus ordering the return (2 Ch. 36:22, 23), which decree is
found also in the first chapter of Ezra. The literary style is similar to the
books of Ezra-Nehemiah, which suggests that all belong to the same period.
The
books of Chronicles are placed last in the Hebrew Bible. They are separated
from the other historical books, and form part of the section of the Hebrew
Canon known as ‘Hagiographa’ or ‘Writings’. The Hebrew title for the books of
Chronicles is ‘The Word of the Days’, and the Greek title is ‘Omissions’. The
name ‘Chronicles’ comes from Jerome. The theme of the books is the need for God
to be central in the life of the nation, and the frequent times in the history
of the monarchy when the nation turned away from Him. With occasional times of
reformation under such kings as Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah and Josiah. After the
death of Solomon (2 Ch. 9) the story of the southern kingdom alone is told,
with only occasional references to the northern kingdom. The work of the
prophets as witnesses to the truth of God, when kings and even priests
corrupted it, is shown again and again, as is the faithfulness of God to the
people of His choice. The interest of the writer centres very largely in the
Temple, its priesthood and its worship.
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