Page 52 - Old Testament Survey Student Textbook- short

a spiral toward exile (21). Though Josiah did right- David, repair, rediscovered Law, reforms (22-23), his
sons’ disobedience leads to Babylonian exile (24-25). Jehoiachin’s release ends with a note of hope!

1-2 CHRONICLES

The author and the date of 1-2 Chronicles is unknown. However, it
seems likely that it could have been written in the Post-Exilic time.
Themes of these two books include: God’s King (David), His Place
(Temple), His Covenant Message: For a nation that had experienced
the fall of God’s city (Zion), His place (temple), and His king, now
represented by a small remnant and meager temple, the Chronicler’s
theology of hope through David’s dynasty connects God’s election,
preservation, and restoration with the necessity of repentance and
covenant fidelity!

Genealogies: King and Priest (1-9) The genealogy narrows from humanity- Adam to man- Abram. As the
covenant family becomes nations, the focus narrows- Israel, highlighting Judah (2-4) and Levi (6, 9) as
the royal and priestly lines. God’s king David (not Saul), His place- temple are central to the Chronicler’s
message, likely addressing the remnant’s doubt had God forsaken people, covenant (Abram/David). He
judges infidel Israel/Judah (5:25, 9:1) but responds to trust Jabez/Gad (4-5).

Chapter’s 10-14 focuses on David’s rise to the throne. From the start, YHWH’s rejection of Saul- death
for breach of faith, selection of David- turned over, is made clear (10)! Bracketed by all Israel elders and
every tribe, David is united choice of the nation, omitting any divided rule Saul (11-12). With Zion as his
political and religious center, YHWH established, exalted David over Israel and neighboring nation (13-
14). Chapter’s 15-21 focuses on David’s Many Mighty Deeds. As cult leader, David brings the ark back to
Jerusalem God’s presence, priests, praise (15-16, cf. Ps. 96, 105-106). YHWH makes covenant with
David- peace, preeminence, progeny and posterity (17) and gives him victory (18-20). While David’s fall
is a glaring omission- no Bathsheba, Amnon-Tamar, Absalom, Sheba, his failure to trust- census is
recounted, setting stage for location of temple (21). Chapter’s 22-29 focuses on David Prepares for
Succession Restating God’s promise of peace and posterity, David charges Solomon to build temple,
gathering the materials (22) and organizing both the cult (23-26), political personnel (27). In the
assembly, David urges Israel and its new king to fidelity, giving Solomon temple plans and provision,
concluding with prayer for God to enable fidelity (28-29). The closing verses recount Solomon’s
ascension and David’s death.

Chapter’s 1-9 focuses on David’s Son: Solomon. Bracketed by Solomon’s prayer for wisdom, God’s
provision of wisdom, wealth, wonder (1, 8-9), the main focus is on YHWH’s temple Solomon’s
preparation, plans and prayer (2-7). The absence of his struggle power and sin, polygamy and
polytheism, stresses the centrality of God’s presence and covenant promises of retribution
blessing/curse, repentance!

David’s Dynasty: Rehoboam-Jehoshaphat (10-20) Upon Solomon’s death, Israel’s kingdom is split
sovereignty and responsibility! The focus is Judah, with theme- ‘YHWH is with you while you’re with
him!’ (1) Rehoboam: strengthened by people seeking YHWH ways of David, judged for abandoning
YHWH- Shishak, turned away His wrath by repentance- humble(10-12). (2) Abijah: depended on YHWH,
defeated Israel (13). (3) Asa: If you seek Him, He will be found by you… reform and renewal rewarded
with peace, if you forsake Him, He will forsake your reliance on alliance rewarded with war and disease
(14-16). (4) Jehoshaphat: sought YHWH-eliminating idols, educating law, and strengthened ways of
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