1-2 CHRONICLES

1-2 Chronicles was originally one book, but it was split when the Old Testament was translated into Greek. There is tremendous overlap with other Old Testament books, especially Samuel-Kings. In fact, approximately half of the material in Chronicles is repeated virtually word for word in other Old Testament books.

Chronicles quotes many other books (most of which we do not have), so many that Chronicles could be view as a divinely inspired research project. (The NT Gospel of Luke is similar.)

Many of the negative elements which occur in Kings are absent in Chronicles. Very little time is spent recounting the Northern Kingdom, for from a theological standpoint it was a mistake. Since Chronicles was written will after the exile (about 400 BC), the emphasis was on historical themes which would help the restoration of God's people and encourage proper worship at Jerusalem.

There is a fairly close relationship between Chronicles and Ezra-Nehemiah. Ezra-Nehemiah actually begins by repeating the end of 2 Chronicles. This has led many scholars to believe that the books were written by the same person. However, the professor's view is that Ezra-Nehemiah was written shortly after Chronicles by a different author (although the author might have been acquainted with the author of Chronicles). One of the chief reasons is that Chronicles seems to go to great lengths in avoiding discussion of Solomon's sins, while Nehemiah criticizes Solomon.