Introduction
Many scholars and lay people have asked why Chronicles is in the Bible. There are several reasons why 1 and 2 Chronicles, originally one book, was canonized. There are four major parts in Chronicles: 1) The genealogies, 2) David's reign, 3) Solomon's reign, and 4) The Kingdom of Judah. Chronicles, written from a priestly perspective and probably by Ezra, has been called a commentary for the books of 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings. This Old Testament book was written around 430 B.C. and recorded events that happened between 1000 and 586 B.C. At any rate, there is valuable information and applications contained in the books of Chronicles. Several key points and verses will be revealed and addressed.
The Genealogies
The first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles contain genealogies. Many people have skipped over them or deemed them useless. However, there are some very good reasons why God has given us these genealogies. These genealogies are the official family records for the nation of Israel. This long list of names was compiled after the people of Judah were taken captive to Babylon. As the exiles longed for the day when they would return to their homeland, one of their biggest fears was that the chronicles of their heritage would be lost. The Jews placed exceptional importance on their heritage because each one wanted to be able to prove that he was a descendant of Abraham, the father of the Jewish people. Only then could he enjoy the benefits of the special blessings God promised Abraham to his descendants. This list contained Judah's and Israel's family tree prior to the captivity and served as proof for those who claimed to be Abraham's descendants.
Genesis chapters 12 and 17 record what God promised Abraham. Among his promises were all of the land of Canaan, kings from the Abrahamic lineage, blessings for his descendants and God would be their God. These are serious blessings! It is no wonder that the Jewish people wanted to be part of this promise.
There is more to this long genealogy than meets the eye. It holds importance for us today because it proves the Old Testament claims that Jesus the Messiah would be a descendant of Abraham and David (Genesis 12:1-3 and 2 Samuel 7:12, 13). This chronology of names also demonstrates that God is not only interested in nations, but also in individuals. Although billions of people have lived since Adam, God knows and remembers the face and name of each person. Each individual is more than a name on a list; he or she is a special, quaint person who God knows and loves. As we recognize and accept His love, we discover both our uniqueness as individuals and our unity with the rest of His family.
The Reign of David
David's major accomplishments, recorded in the rest of 1 Chronicles, can be summarized as him becoming king of Israel and conquering Jerusalem, bringing the Ark to Jerusalem, his military exploits and arranging the building of the temple. Some lessons have been derived from these historical stories from the last 19 chapters of Chronicles. Expounded, these true stories are good to learn from and will help Christians of all ages, thus compounding the need for the book of Chronicles.
While David was King, he had the Ark of the covenant brought to Jerusalem, something notable happened. There were specific instructions given by God on how to transport the Ark. These are found in Numbers 4:5-15. The Levites were supposed to carry the ark by poles through its rings; the poles were carried on their shoulders. It was never to be touched. Carrying the Ark on a cart followed the Philistines' example (1 Samuel 6:1-8). Uzza, although sincere in wanting to protect the Ark, had to pay the consequences for his sin. Meanwhile, David was reminded that his obedience to God's laws was more important than enthusiasm. This lesson is as old as Adam and Eve. The first two humans ate of the forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden. The serpent had told them that they'd become like God. Isn't that the goal of mankind or at least Christians? While it should be our goal, there is a right way and a wrong way to seek and achieve Godliness. Adam and Eve took a shortcut and ignored God's rules. Likewise, in this case, David ignored God's rules and didn't think they were important enough to follow.
In chapter 28, of 1 Chronicles, David gives his son Solomon some principles to guide him through life. In verses 9 and 10, the list of principles are: 1) Get to know God, personally, 2) Learn God's commands and discover what he wants you to do, 3) Worship God with a clean heart, 4) Serve God with a willing mind, 5) Be faithful, and 6) Don't become discouraged. These were excellent principles for Solomon and they are excellent principles for everyone. God requires our complete devotion. He sees our hearts, motives, thoughts and desires. If we sincerely desire to know Him and obey Him, God rewards us more than we could imagine.
David told Solomon to search out and obey every one of God's commands to insure Israel's prosperity and the continuation of David's descendants upon the throne. It was the devout duty of the king to study and obey God's laws. The teachings of Scripture are the keys to security, happiness, righteousness and justice, but they will never be found unless you search God's Word. If God's will is ignored and His teaching neglected, anything we attempt to build, even if it has God's name on it, is headed for collapse. Get to know God's commands through regular Bible study, and obey them every day.
Nothing can ever be hidden from God. He knows and understands everything in our hearts. David realized this the hard way when God sent Nathan to reveal David's sins of adultery and murder (2 Samuel 12). David told Solomon to be completely open and honest with God and dedicated to Him. There is no logic in trying to hide any thoughts or actions from an all-knowing God. However, this should cause you joy, not fear, because God knows even the worst things about you and loves you anyway.
The Reign of Solomon
Solomon asks God for wisdom. Isn't this what every person should do? Not only did he ask God for wisdom, but he had plans to use it unselfishly. God's offer to Solomon stretches the imagination: "Ask me for anything and I will give it to you" (2 Chronicles 1:7). But Solomon put the his people's needs first and requested wisdom rather than riches. He knew that wisdom would be the most valuable asset he could possess as king. Later he wrote, "Wisdom is far more valuable than precious jewels. Nothing else compares with it" (Proverb 3:15). The same wisdom that was given to Solomon is available to you since the same God gives it. How can we acquire wisdom? First, we must ask God, who "is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom" (James 1:5). Second, we must devote ourselves to studying and applying God's Word, the source of Godly wisdom.
Solomon could have had anything, but he asked for wisdom to rule the people well. God was pleased at the way Solomon ordered his priorities. Jesus said that when we put God first, everything we really need will fall into place (Matthew 6:33). This does not guarantee that we will be blessed and well-known like Solomon, but it does mean that when we wisely put God first, the wisdom He gives us will enable us to enjoy richly rewarding lives.
Solomon's wealth was very impressive. In this specific case, it symbolized God's blessing in his life and functioned as a reward for seeking God's wisdom. Jesus the Messiah came to fulfill God's promise to David for an eternal kingdom. The spiritual benefits of Jesus' eternal rule are even more impressive than the material benefits of Solomon's temporary rule. Whereas Solomon's wisdom had limits, and his wealth eventually disappeared, Jesus' wisdom is eternal and His treasures can never be taken away.
After Solomon finished building the temple and his palace, the Lord appeared to Solomon and told him some things. Among them was this, "if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land," (2 Chronicles 7:14). This verse has been used by the Promise Keepers organization and is widely known. God gives four conditions for forgiveness in this passage, they are: 1) Humble yourself by admitting your sins, 2) Pray to God, asking for forgiveness, 3) Search for God continually, and 4) Turn from sinful habits. True repentance is much more than talk--it is changed behavior. Whether we sin individually, collectively as a group, or as an entire nation, following these steps will lead to forgiveness and a restored relationship with God.
The Kingdom of Judah
Jehoshaphat is the King of Judah in 2 Chronicles chapter 20. The armies of the kings of Moab, Ammon and of the Meunites declared war on the people of Judah and Jehoshaphat. Judah found out that they were approaching when they were already very close. Jehoshaphat declared a fast and gathered the people to pray and beg God for deliverance. When the Spirit of the Lord came upon a man named Jahaziel, he said this: "...Thus says the LORD to you: 'Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's. Tomorrow go down against them...you will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!' Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you." Early the next morning, this prophetic promise was fulfilled. The Moabites, Ammonites and Meunites turned and fought each other; killing everyone.
As the enemy bore down on Judah, God spoke through Jahazel. We may not do battle against a visible army, but every day we fight temptation, pressure and "wicked spirits in the spirit world" (Ephesians 6:12), who urge us to rebel against God. We must remember that, as believers, we have God's Spirit in us. If we ask for God's help when struggles surface, God will fight for us. And God always triumphs. This is how we let God fight for us: 1) By realizing the battle is not ours, but God's, 2) By recognizing human limitations and allowing God's strength and power to work through our fears and weaknesses, 3) By making sure our battle is for God and not our selfish desires, and 4) By asking God for help in our daily battles. Just as the famous hymn goes, "The battle belongs to the Lord." Since we have such an ally as God, it would be foolish to do battle without Him.
Conclusion
Thank God for the books of Chronicles. They are complimentary books of the Bible, not useless or contrary, but applicable and good. Within Chronicles, the genealogies, David's reign, Solomon's reign and the Kingdom of Judah all contain true stories that should be read and applied to our lives. While passages have been taken out of context and even called frivolous, their importance to us and their importance to Israel has been well documented. Each and every word of the Bible is in there for a reason. When a Bible student begins to cherish and appreciate the fact that all of God's Word contains wisdom and truth, there will be no part of it to relinquish.
Bibliography
"A Commentary on the Whole Bible," Matthew Henry, Vol. 2, Joshua-Esther, World Bible Publishers.
"Easton's Bible Dictionary," M.G. Easton, Easton Ellis Enterprises, Inc., 1993.
"Holman Bible Dictionary", Parsons Technology, 1992-1996.
"The Holy Bible," King James, New King James and Living Versions.
"An Introduction to the Old Testament," Raymond B. Dillard and Tremper Longman III, Zondervan Publishing, 1994.
"Kings and Cultus in Chronicles," Journal of Theological Studies, Vol. 46, pgs. 217-222, Apr. 1995.
"The Life Application Bible and Commentary," Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois, 1988.
"Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary," Ver. 2.5, Zane Publishing Co., 1994-1996.
"Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible," Parsons Technology.
"Wilmington's Complete Guide to Bible Knowledge: Old Testament People," Tyndale House Publishers, 1990.
"Yhwh is not with Israel: Alliances as a Topos in Chronicles," Catholic Bible Quarterly, Vol. 58, Oct. 1996."
