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The Second Book of Chronicles

A B C D E G H I J K M N O P R S T Z
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The Second Book of Chronicles, also known as 2 Chronicles, is the 14th book of the Old Testament. This book is a retelling of the history of Israel, focusing on the reigns of the Kings of Judah. It emphasizes the importance of religious observance and the consequences of failing to follow the commandments of God. 2 Chronicles is believed to have been written between 450 and 350 BC. It’s authorship is often ascribed to the priest and scribe Ezra. This book picks up the narrative from 1 Chronicles, beginning with Solomon’s reign and concluding with the decree of Cyrus the Great, allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem. Some of the notable people in this book include Solomon, Rehoboam, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Joash, Hezekiah, Josiah, and Cyrus the Great.

Background of 2 Chronicles

2 Chronicles has a primary focus on the kingdom of Judah and emphasizes the religious life of the nation. The cultural context of this book was during the time when Judah was trying to establish itself as a distinct entity from the northern kingdom of Israel. It was likely written during the Persian period after the Babylonian exile as a reminder to the Israelites of their religious duties and the importance of Temple worship.

Outline of 2 Chronicles

  1. Solomon’s Reign (2 Chronicles 1-9)
    • Solomon asks God for wisdom (2 Chronicles 1:7-12)
    • Solomon builds and dedicates the temple (2 Chronicles 2:1-7:22)
    • Solomon’s wealth and fame (2 Chronicles 8:1-9:31)
  2. The Kings of Judah (2 Chronicles 10-36)
    • Rehoboam’s reign and idolatry (2 Chronicles 10:1-12:16)
    • Asa’s reforms (2 Chronicles 14:1-16:14)
    • Jehoshaphat’s reforms (2 Chronicles 17:1-21:3)
    • The wicked kings and reformers (2 Chronicles 21:4-36:21)
  3. The Decree of Cyrus (2 Chronicles 36:22-23)

Biblical Timeline

  • 970-931 BC: Solomon’s reign (2 Chronicles 1-9)
  • 931-913 BC: Rehoboam’s reign (2 Chronicles 10-12)
  • 913-911 BC: Abijam’s reign (2 Chronicles 13)
  • 911-870 BC: Asa’s reign (2 Chronicles 14-16)
  • 870-846 BC: Jehoshaphat’s reign (2 Chronicles 17-20)
  • 846-841 BC: Jehoram’s reign (2 Chronicles 21)
  • 841 BC: Ahaziah’s reign (2 Chronicles 22:1-9)
  • 841-835 BC: Athaliah’s reign (2 Chronicles 22:10-23:21)
  • 835-801 BC: Joash’s reign (2 Chronicles 24)
  • 801-783 BC: Amaziah’s reign (2 Chronicles 25)
  • 783-732 BC: Azariah’s reign (2 Chronicles 26)
  • 750-735 BC: Jotham’s reign (2 Chronicles 27)
  • 735-727 BC: Ahaz’s reign (2 Chronicles 28)
  • 715-697 BC: Hezekiah’s reign (2 Chronicles 29-32)
  • 697-642 BC: Manasseh’s reign (2 Chronicles 33:1-20)
  • 642-640 BC: Amon’s reign (2 Chronicles 33:21-25)
  • 640-609 BC: Josiah’s reign (2 Chronicles 34-35)
  • 609-598 BC: Jehoiakim’s reign (2 Chronicles 36:5-8)
  • 597-586 BC: Zedekiah’s reign (2 Chronicles 36:11-21)
  • 586 BC: Beginning of the Babylonian Exile (2 Chronicles 36:17-21)
  • 538 BC: Cyrus’s decree and the first return from exile (2 Chronicles 36:22-23)

Practical Lessons from 2 Chronicles

  1. Seek Wisdom (2 Chronicles 1:7-12): Solomon’s request for wisdom from God is an example to seek wisdom and understanding rather than material wealth.
  2. Honoring God Brings Blessing (2 Chronicles 7:1-3): Solomon’s dedication of the Temple shows that honoring God invites His presence and brings blessing and prosperity.
  3. The Consequences of Forgetting God (2 Chronicles 12:1-12): The reign of King Rehoboam serves as a reminder of the consequences when we forget God and abandon His ways.
  4. Integrity and Leadership (2 Chronicles 14:2-5): The reign of King Asa shows the importance of integrity in leadership. Asa removed idols from Judah, demonstrating a leader’s responsibility to eliminate what is morally or ethically wrong in their area of influence.
  5. Trust in God During Crisis (2 Chronicles 20:1-30): The story of King Jehoshaphat teaches us to rely on God in times of crisis. Jehoshaphat led the nation in prayer and fasting when they faced a large enemy coalition. They trusted God’s promise and won the battle without having to fight.
  6. Faithfulness in Troubles (2 Chronicles 20): Jehoshaphat’s prayer and victory demonstrate how reliance on God during times of trouble can bring victory.
  7. Consistent Obedience (2 Chronicles 26:16-21): Uzziah’s story demonstrates the importance of consistent obedience to God. Even after achieving success, Uzziah’s pride led him to disobey God, resulting in serious consequences.
  8. Restoration and Forgiveness (2 Chronicles 33:10-20): Manasseh’s reign teaches us about the power of repentance. Despite his wicked deeds, when Manasseh repented, God heard his plea and restored him, demonstrating God’s willingness to forgive and restore us when we return to Him.
  9. Repentance and God’s Mercy (2 Chronicles 33:12-13): King Manasseh’s story illustrates the power of repentance and God’s willingness to forgive.
  10. Humility Attracts God’s Favor (2 Chronicles 34): King Josiah hears the law of God and tears his clothes in distress. This act of humility led to God’s favor on Josiah and the nation of Judah.

Additional Notes

Extrabiblical Support for 2 Chronicles

Historical validation of the Biblical narrative in 2 Chronicles can be gathered from multiple sources in archaeology and ancient non-Biblical texts. While no extra-Biblical sources directly refer to 2 Chronicles, several archaeological findings and external writings coincide with the historical context and events documented within the book.

Sennacherib’s Annals: King Sennacherib’s invasion of Judah during King Hezekiah’s reign is a significant event narrated in 2 Chronicles 32. Corroborative evidence is found in Assyrian records, particularly Sennacherib’s Annals, where he mentions his military campaign against Judah, asserting that he besieged Hezekiah in Jerusalem like a bird in a cage. This account largely aligns with the narrative in 2 Chronicles.

Siloam Tunnel inscription: Archaeological evidence supportive of the Hezekian narrative in 2 Chronicles also includes the Siloam Tunnel inscription, discovered in Jerusalem in the 19th century. This ancient Hebrew inscription details the construction of a tunnel to divert water into the city during a siege, consistent with the account in 2 Chronicles 32:2-4,30.

Lachish Reliefs: Further archaeological support comes from the Lachish Reliefs, a set of Assyrian panels found in the palace of Sennacherib in Nineveh, which depict the Assyrian siege of Lachish. This event is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 32:9 as a part of Sennacherib’s campaign against Judah.

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