You will recognize many of the stories in 2 Chronicles - about half of it closely follows other Bible passages. The author freely admits he has relied on the books of Moses, Samuel, and Kings. He also quotes from Judges, Jeremiah, the Psalms, Isaiah, and Lamentations, as well as many books that have been lost to history.
But 2 Chronicles does not merely repeat. It weaves together stories and facts for a specific purpose: a Jewish philosophy of history. Chronicles sheds new light on that history by highlighting rare moments of peace and prosperity. Worship of the true God had made Israel strong. As you read, notice how 2 Chronicles underscores that fact by stressing the temple and the priests.
For comparison, you may want to read companion passages in the book of Kings (for a list, see "A Lineup of Rulers"). Read side by side, the two accounts clearly reveal the distinct purpose behind the book of Chronicles.
Look past all the names and events for the few kings who did right. (See "The Great Reformers") What made them successful? What lessons about faith can we learn from them? |
