September 15, 2003, Vol.3,
No.18.
Two new articles every two weeks.
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us.
THIS ISSUE: "Introduction
to First Chronicles" (see below)
and "Faith and Facts"
Introduction to First
Chronicles
by Keith Sharp
Arrangement
The two books of Chronicles were originally one. "Chronicles"
means "journals," "annals," or "records."
Author
The author of Chronicles is unknown. Jewish tradition designates
Ezra as the author. Apparently Chronicles was written during
the time of Ezra (cf. 1 Chronicles 3:19; Ezra 2:1-2; also 2 Chronicles
36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-4). The writer made extensive use of earlier
historical documents (cf. 2 Chronicles 9:29; 16:11; 20:34; 24:27;
25:26; 27:7; 28:26; 32:32; 33:18; 35:27; 36:8).
Purpose
The purpose of First Chronicles was to provide the basis for
the restoration of Israel to Canaan after the Babylonian captivity.
The land was divided by inheritance from ancestors (Numbers
26:51-56). To return to inherit the land, the Israelites had
to know their ancestry. Also, the priesthood was hereditary (Exodus
29:29-30,44). Furthermore, the genealogies had to be preserved
so they could know Christ when He came. He was to be descended
from Abraham (Genesis 12:3), Judah (Genesis 49:10), and David
(1 Chronicles 17:11-15; cf. 2 Samuel 7:12-16). Jesus met these
genealogical demands (Matthew 1:1; Luke 1:30-33). Thus, genealogies
were vital to Old Testament Israel.
The Jewish genealogical records were destroyed when Jerusalem
and the temple were destroyed in A.D. 70. No Israelite today
knows what tribe he is from. The Jews cannot restore the rule
of the lineage of David on this earth, the priesthood of the
lineage of Aaron, or the inheritance by tribes. Thus, Old Testament
Israel cannot be restored (cf. Jeremiah 19:10-11). We are not
to be concerned religiously with genealogies (1 Timothy 1:4;
Titus 3:9).
Analysis
The first nine chapters of First Chronicles are the genealogical
tables of Israel from Adam to the time of Ezra. These tables
provide one major basis of the restoration that took place following
Cyrus, decree that the Jews could return to Palestine (2 Chronicles
36:22-23; cf. Ezra 1:1-4). Contrary to the claims of premillennialists,
who contend that only Judah was restored, there was a remnant
from every tribe in Israel who returned (1 Chronicles 9:2; cf.
Nehemiah 7:73).
Chapters ten through twenty-nine discuss the basis of the
glory of the nation: the glorious reign of David. David's rule
was glorious because He was loyal to the Lord (1 Chronicles 29:10-19),
and the Lord was therefore with him (1 Chronicles 12:18). David's
organization of temple worship is given in detail (chapters 22-26)
as a basis for restoration of temple worship.
Outline
1. The Genealogies - chapters 1 - 9
a. Adam to Israel - chapter 1
b. Judah to David - chapter 2
c. Descendants of David to Return from Babylon - chapter 3
d. The Tribes of Israel - chapters 4 - 7
e. Benjamin Through House of Saul - chapter 8
f. Possessions & Service of Levites After Return from Babylon-
chapter 9
2. The Basis for the Kingdom's Glory: The Reign of David -
chapters 10-29
a. David Established as King - chapters 10-12
b. David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem - chapters 13-16
c. David Purposes to Build a House for the Lord - chapter 17
d. David's Victories - chapters 18-20
e. David Prepares for the Temple - chapters 22-26
(1) Preparations for Building - chapter 22
(2) Levitical Duties - chapter 23
(3) Priestly Duties - chapter 24
(4) Musicians - chapter 25
(5) Porters, Treasurers, Officers, Judges - chapter 26
f. David's Captains - chapter 27
g. David's Final Words & Prayer - chapters 28-29
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