2 CHRONICLES

In the Hebrew Scriptures, our two books of Chronicles originally formed one. The translators of the Septuagint (about the year 220 BC) were the first to make the division. Jerome (who died in 420 AD) adopted this division in the Latin Vulgate. It was entitled the Hebrew phrase "Dibrey hay-yamim" which means "acts of the days" or account of happenings. The Septuagint or LXX, called the books of Chronicles Paraleipomena, which means "things omitted" in the books of Samuel and Kings. However, the books of Chronicles are concerned the same facts that these books, but presents them with a different purpose and otherwise. The title was adopted Chronicles of Chronicon term employed by Jerome. It is an appropriate name.

It seems clear that when the chronicler proposes to cover the same ground as the books of Samuel and Kings, want to present the facts according to their own view of the history of God's people, from the days of Samuel until the captivity. The nation needed to rebuild itself on solid spiritual foundation, since the long imprisonment had produced a serious loophole with regard to the ideals and traditions of its own people. Previously, they belonged to a theocracy, where it was hoped that civil and religious leaders to honor and obey both the divine truth as the law.

Israel had been under Persian monarchy whose king was a stranger and pagan, knew nothing of the God of Israel. Only through a strong and strict ecclesiastical organization could keep the nation religious unity. The more the days passed, the more he felt the Jews convinced that the promised Davidic sovereign, life was linked more to the spiritual realm than the secular. So what if he wrote the Book of Chronicles. It was not a skillful priestly caste who wished to impose their ideas against the prophets, as they used to declare it liberal critics. Those who had returned from captivity were to understand their own relationship with God's people.

After reviewing the history of man before the time of David, the chronicler points in the higher meaning of the promise made to the family line of David, particularly with respect to the future Messiah. Emphasis is placed on the previous attitude of kings with reference to religious matters more than their civilian endeavors. Emphasis is placed on the immense importance of the temple, priesthood, religious rites and the moral law. It is shown that when the kings defy the law of God, they are picked up by unequivocal punishment, while those who honor the divine ordinances, they thrive. The Book of Chronicles is markedly didactic, and insists the blessings received by those who live an authentic religious life. The book should be causing stimulating effect on the national religion. Points out only the parts of the story that exemplify the church life (which was now the only sacred sphere); for example, the story of the ten apostate tribes is abondanada seen as not conducive to spiritual edification.

Author:

The books of Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah are closely related, and reflect the same spirit. Chronicles is the antecedent of the other two, and takes care of the events after the captivity. The Talmud and most Jewish writers, as well as parents of the Christian church, attach the books of Chronicles to Ezra. The books Chronicles and Ezra are similar with regard to the language and viewpoint. They have been made objections to the effect that the Chronicles contain accounts of events subsequent to the time of Ezra. We might as well accept Ezra as the main author (or compiler), even when they could have been some additions later. Many conservative scholars see no need to recognize such additions.

The Book of Chronicles was compiled from rich historical sources that consisted of previous files, as well as Samuel and Kings. A careful study of the book has led many credible commentators to set the date between 430 years and 400 BC There is no need to admit a later date.

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Alexander M. Renwick

Doctor in Divinity

Reference

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