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Likely written between 450 and 425 BC, 1 and 2 Chronicles includes many lists of genealogies. Further, much of the content covers the same events found in the books of Samuel and Kings. Surely, God...

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August 14 2015 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

John Appelt

I and II Chronicles, originally one book, seem to duplicate much of the material in the books of the Samuels and Kings and some suppose it is a supplement to those books as wrongly reflected in the Greek Septuagint title ‘things omitted.’ Although half of the Chronicles have material that is unique to them, the Chronicles, which in Hebrew is titled, ‘The Words of the Days,’ have a very important message for the reader.

Samuel/Kings and Chronicles tell the history differently. In Samuel/Kings, the kings of both Israel and Judah are given alternately, whereas the Chronicles present primarily the kings of Judah, the Davidic line. The northern kingdom Israel is not mentioned unless directly involved with Judah’s history. It has been noted how the failures and sins of the kings are minimized or omitted in the Chronicles. Also, in the Chronicles, the revivals under the good kings of Judah are covered in depth.

In Chronicles, David’s contribution to prepare for the temple and temple worship is found, whereas it is not given in Samuel/Kings. In Kings and not in Chronicles, Solomon’s role as king is recounted, namely his throne, palace, officers, provisions, and wisdom. In Kings just four chapters are devoted to Solomon’s temple, but in Chronicles, fifteen chapters are given.

Only in Kings does Josiah purge the land from idolatry, while only in Chronicles does Josiah reinstitute the Passover. Only in Kings is Hezekiah’s illness mentioned, but only in Chronicles is Hezekiah’s purification of the temple.

To summarize the differences, Samuel/Kings relate the official political history of Israel with the emphasis on the THRONE and prophets. The career of Samuel begins this history and also, the ministry of Elijah and Elisha are found here. On the other hand, the Chronicles give the religious and priestly history with the emphasis on the TEMPLE, the priests and Levites. 

The Hebrew Bible indicates a difference of these books as Samuel/Kings are found in the section of the ‘Prophets,’ and the Chronicles are found in the section called the ‘Writings’ where Psalms and Proverbs are. In fact, Chronicles is the last book in the ‘Writings’ ending the Hebrew Bible.

Samuel/Kings was written at the beginning of the Babylonian exile to give the explanation why the kingdoms were taken captive and to call the people to reflect on their terrible situation and to repent of their sin. 

Chronicles was written at the end of the Babylonian exile to encourage and strengthen the people to look forward to the future hope and restoration as Cyrus of Persia had allowed the Jews to return to their land.

Samuel/Kings and Chronicles are two ways of viewing history. Some see Chronicles in relationship to Samuel/Kings as John is in relationship to the synoptic gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke. These last books augment the earlier books and provide a different insight to history. 

The purpose of First and Second Chronicles is to show a different perspective of history to give Israel hope and encouragement to return from captivity.

April 16 2022 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report