Introduction to 1 Chronicles

Name

The title “Chronicles” in Hebrew means an on-going account or record. At one time, Chronicles was thought to be one book but was split into two when it was translated into Greek (the Septuagint).

Author

The authorship of 1 & 2 Chronicles is ascribed to Ezra. As further evidence pointing to Ezra, the last two verses of 2 Chronicles are the same as the first two verses of Ezra. However, since Ezra does not specifically claim to be the author, the term “Chronicler” is often used to describe the author.

Genre

History, also often referred to as ‘Writings.’

Literary Form

Historical Record in the form of Genealogies

Time Frame

Aside from the genealogies from Adam to David, the record of 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles covers a period of approximately 400 years from David to Zechariah.

Emphasis

The four books of 1 & 2 Chronicles, along with Ezra and Nehemiah, provide a history of the priests of Israel from Adam to the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. The emphasis of 1 & 2 Chronicles is on:

1. God’s connection to the people of Israel.
2. The preservation and continuity of the royal line of David.
3. The importance of the temple in focusing the people’s worship on God.
4. The important role of music in the worship of God.
5. The people’s success and prosperity when they obeyed God.
6. The inevitable judgment of God when the people disobeyed God.

 Outline

1. Genealogies 1:1 – 9:44
2. The reign of David 10:1 – 29:30