First Chronicles

Author : Keith Sharp

ArrangementThe two books of Chronicles were originally one. “Chronicles” means “journals,” “annals,” or “records.”

AuthorThe 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 The writer made extensive use of earlier historical documents (cf. 2 Chronicles 9:29; 16:11; 20:34; 24:27; 25:26; 27:7; 28:26; 32:32; 33:18; 35:27; 36:8).

PurposeThe 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).

AnalysisThe 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.

Outline1. 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