Faith & Reason Nexus

MEANING: “The Words of the Day”
Chronicles derives its name meaning from “The Words, Accounts, or Events of the Day.”
AUTHORSHIP: The author of Chronicles is unknown, possibly Ezra or a contemporary of Ezra.
TIME WRITTEN: Probably composed between 450 and 430 B.C.
POSITION IN THE BIBLE: 2 Chronicles in the Context of Scripture

• 14th Book in the Bible.
• 14th Book in the Old Testament.
• 9th of 12 books of History (Joshua – Esther).
• Followed by 52 books in the Holy Bible.

2 CHRONICLES: Key Stats

• CHAPTERS: 36
• VERSES: 822
• WORDS: 26,074

OBSERVATIONS ABOUT 2 CHRONICLES: Historical Overview

• In the Hebrew Bible, 1 & 2 Chronicles were a single book.
• 2 Chronicles, like 1 & 2 Kings, focuses less on the Northern Kingdom (Israel) due to its false worship and refusal to acknowledge the Temple in Jerusalem.

Chronological Coverage:

• Chapters 1-9 cover the 40 years of Solomon’s reign (971-931 B.C.).
• Chapters 10-36 span the 393 years from 931 B.C. to 538 B.C.

Legendary Aspects of Solomon: His wealth, wisdom, palace, and the Temple he built.

Temple-Centric Conclusion: Much of 2 Chronicles revolves around the Temple, concluding with Cyrus’ edict to rebuild it.

Kings of Judah and Their Characteristics:

Approximately 70% of chapters 10-36 deal with the 8 good kings of Judah, while 30% cover the 12 evil rulers.

• 1. Rehoboam – Bad (17 years).
• 2. Abijah – Bad (3 years).
• 3. Asa – Good (41 years).
• 4. Jehoshaphat – Good (25 years).
• 5. Jehoram – Bad (8 years).
• 6. Ahaziah – Bad (1 year).
• 7. Athaliah – Bad (6 years).
• 8. Joash – Mostly Good (40 years).
• 9. Amaziah – Mostly Good (29 years).
• 10. Uzziah – Good (52 years).
• 11. Jotham – Good (16 years).
• 12. Ahaz – Wicked (16 years).
• 13. Hezekiah – Good (29 years).
• 14. Manasseh – Worst (55 years).
• 15. Amon – Among Worst (2 years).
• 16. Josiah – Among Best (31 years).
• 17. Jehoahaz – Bad (3 months).
• 18. Jehoiakim – Wicked (11 months).
• 19. Jehoiachin – Bad (35 months).
• 20. Zedekiah – Bad (11 years).

Historical Highlights:

• Solomon’s reign marks Israel’s boundaries at their greatest extent.
• Chapters 1-9 emphasize the construction and dedication of the Temple.