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The Bible Book by Book
by J. B. Tidell
First and Second Chronicles
Name. The name Chronicles was given by Jerome. They were the "words of
days" and the translators of the Septuagint named them the "things
omitted." They were originally one book.
Contents. Beginning with Adam the history of Israel is rewritten down
to the return of Judah from captivity.
Relation to Former Books. It covers the same field as all the others.
To this time the books have fitted one into another and formed a
continuous history. Here we double back and review the whole history,
beginning with Adam, and coming down to the edict of Cyrus which
permitted the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem.
Religious Purpose of the Narratives. Several things show these books
to have a religious purpose. (1) God's care of his people and his
purpose to save them is given special emphasis. (2) The building of
the temple is given much prominence. (3) The kings who served God and
destroyed idols are given the most conspicuous place. (4) He follows
the line of Judah. only mentioning Israel where it seemed necessary.
In this way he was following the Messianic line through David. (5) The
priestly spirit permeates these books instead of the prophetic
elements as in the earlier historical books. The aim, therefore,
seems to be to teach rather than to narrate. He seems to teach that
virtue and vice, in private or in national affairs, will surely
receive their dues-that God must be taken into account in the life of
individuals and of nations.
Analysis of First Chronicles.
I. The Genealogies, Chs. 1-9.
II. The Reign of David, Chs. 10-29.
1. Accession and great men, Chs.10-12.
2. Zeal for Jehovah's house, Chs. 13-17.
3. His victories, Chs. 18-20.
4. The numbering of the people, Chs. 21.
5. Provision for the temple, Chs. 22-29.
Analysis of Second Chronicles.
I. The Reign of Solomon, Chs. 1-9.
1. Building of the temple, Cha. 1-4.
2. Dedication of the temple, Chs. 5-7.
3. Solomon's greatness and wealth, Chs. 8-9.
II. Judah After the Revolt of the Ten Tribes, Chs. 10-36.
1. Reign of Rehoboam, Chs. 10-12.
2. Victory of Abijah, Chs. 13.
3. Reign of Asa, Chs. 14-16.
4. Reign of Jehoshaphat, Chs. 21-28.
5. Reign of Hezekiah, Chs. 29-32.
6. Reign of Manasseh and Amon, Ch. 33.
7. Reign of Josiah, Chs. 34-35.
8. The captivity, Ch, 36.
For Study and Discussion. (1) The great men of David. (2) The
different victories won by David. (3) The dedication of the temple,
especially the prayer. (4) The wealth and follies of Solomon. (5) The
scripture and God's house as a means and source of all information,
see: (a) Asa's restoration of the altar and its vessels, (b)
Jehoshaphat's teaching the people God's law, (c) Joash and God's
restored house, (d) The reforms Of Josiah. (6) The reign of Manasseh.
(7) The nature of the worship of Judah. (8) The captivity. (9) The
value of true religion to a nation. (10) The evil results of idolatry.
Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther
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