A review of 1 Chronicles

A review of 1 chronicles

Title

Chronicles means "the affairs of previous days" or "annals".

The importance of the title is that it shows that its content will involve events from a time in the past viewed from a particular perspective.

Authorship

The Author does not disclose himself within the book but Jewish tradition hold that Ezra is the author of I and II Chronicles.

The final verses of Chronicles (II Chronicles 36:22,23) are repeated in Ezra 1:1-3.

Date

The internal evidence indicates that both I and II Chronicles were probably composed sometime in the 400's B.C. after the Jewish exiles returned from Babylon (I Chronicles 3:17-21).

The content of 1 Chronicles involves the life and reign of King David.

Outline

1. Genology Review (1:1-9:44)

A. The Ancients (1:1-27)

B. The Patriarchs (1:28-54)

C. Israel's Sons (2:1-8:40)

D. The Exiles (9:1-34)

E. The Genealogy of King Saul (9:35-44)

2. The Reign of David (10:1-29:30)

A. David's Beginnings (10:1-12:40)

B. The Return of the Ark of God (13:1-17:27)

C. David's Conquests (18:1-20:8)

D. David's Preparation for Temple Construction (21:1-27:34)

E. David's Last Days (28:1-29:30)

Plot

The book of First Chronicles presents a positive look back at the history of Israel during King David's time as a way of encouraging the returned Jewish exiles. It particularly emphasizes the good influence of David on the religious life of Israel and also includes an extensive section on the priestly line of Levi.

This religious history emphasizes the faithfulness and promises of God to His people, the power of God and His Word and the central role of worship and obedience to God in the lives of His people.

Major Characters

David, Levi

Major Events

Israel's great heritage and bright future

The work of the Levites

The Davidic Covenant

David's preparation for the building of the House of God - the Temple

Purpose and Message

1. The Encourage the exiles by presenting a positive look at past history

2. To show the importance of temple worship

3. To encourage true worship of God among the exiles

Return to Old Testament from 1 Chronicles