Author : Keith Sharp
History Covered
Second Chronicles traces the story of God’s ancient people, the Jews, from the time of Solomon through the historical periods of the Divided Kingdom, Judah Alone, and the Babylonian Captivity to the decree of Cyrus of Persia to restore Israel to Palestine. During the Divided Kingdom period, unlike First and Second Kings, Second Chronicles only relates the stories of the kings of Judah, rather than of both Israel and Judah. This is because the chronicler is concerned with the restoration of Israel based on the rule of David and the Levitical priesthood, and only Judah had kings of the lineage of David and priests descended from Aaron.
Theme
This book demonstrates that righteousness toward God is the basis of national greatness (7:11-22). In fact the theme of Second Chronicles is righteousness is the basis of Israel’s glory. The glory of the reigns of David and Solomon departed because Judah became unrighteous (36:11-21).
Outline
I. The Glory of the Temple & of the Reign of Solomon – chapters 1 – 9
A. Solomon Comes to Power – chapter 1
B. Solomon Builds the Temple – chapters 2-7
C. Solomon’s Glory – chapters 8-9
II. Kings of Judah (The Glory Departs) – 10:1 – 36:21
A. Rehoboam – chapters 10 – 12
B. Abijah – chapter 13
C. Asa – chapters 14 – 16
D. Jehoshaphat – chapters 17 – 20
E. Jehoram – chapter 21
F. Ahaziah – 22:1-9
G. Athaliah (Queen) – 22:10 – 23:21
H. Joash – chapter 24
I. Amaziah – chapter 25
J. Uzziah – chapter 26
K. Jotham – chapter 27
L. Ahaz – chapter 28
M. Hezekiah – chapters 29 – 32
N. Manasseh – 33:1-20
O. Amon – 33:21-25
P. Josiah – chapters 34 – 35
Q. Jehoahaz – 36:1-4
R. Jehoiakim – 36:5-8
S. Jehoiachin – 36:9-10
T. Zedekiah – 36:11-21
III. The Decree of Cyrus – 36:22-23
