Bramer, 1 & 2 Chronicles, p.1

Bramer, 1 & 2 Chronicles, p.16

1 & 2 CHRONICLESMessage:

Chronicles encourages faithful Temple worship out of a loyal heart for Yahweh by chronicling the blessings enjoyed by the Davidic line in faithful worship.

Title:

The books of First and Second Chronicles were originally one continuous work in the Hebrew. The Hebrew title ymyh yrbd (dibre hayyamim) can be translated the events (words, accounts, annals) of the days (i.e. times). The same phrase occurs in references to sources used by the author or compiler of Kings (translated annals in, e.g., 1 Kgs 14:19, 29; 15:7, 23, 31; 16:5, 14, 20, 27; 22:46). The Septuagint translators (translators of the Old Testament into Greek) divided it into two parts and gave both the name Paraleipomevnwn (Paraleipomenon) of things omitted, indicating that they regarded them as a supplement to Samuel and Kings. Jerome (A.D. 347-420), translator of the Latin Vulgate (A.D. 385-405), suggested that a more appropriate title would be Chronicle of the whole sacred history. Luther took over this suggestion in his German version, and others, such as most English translations have followed him by using the title Chronicles.

Author:

The text does not identify the author. According to ancient Jewish tradition in the Talmud, Ezra the priest wrote Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah, but this cannot be established with certainty. It must be acknowledged that the author, if not Ezra himself, at least shared many basic concerns with that reforming priest such as emphasis on the temple, the priesthood, and the theocratic line of David in the southern kingdom of Judah. A priestly perspective is demonstrated by the inclusion of genealogies, temple worship, ministry of the priesthood and obedience to the law of God, though Chronicles is not so narrowly priestly in its perspective as was long affirmed. In addition, the closing verses of Second Chronicles (36:22-23) are repeated with minor changes as the opening verses of Ezra (1:1-3).

Recipient(s):

First and Second Chronicles were addressed to the returned Remnant (see below: Date). Chronicles spends a disproportionate amount on the reigns of David and Solomon because they bring the nation to its ultimate expression of a theocracy. The Remnant is obviously in need of encouragement concerning their heritage and reminding that they must remain faithful as the covenant people of God. This would be especially needed in the coming difficult times.

Date of Writing:

A growing consensus dates Chronicles in the latter half of the fifth century B.C., thus possibly within Ezras lifetime. This is approximately one century after the initial return (538 B.C.) 1 & 2 Chronicles present a special situation since they deal with the pre-exilic time period of the kings but are written in the post-exilic time period for that audience.

Historical Context:

The books of Chronicles contain a genealogy of the Jewish people from Adam to the time of Cyrus. Special attention is given to the Hebrew patriarchs and the twelve sons of Jacob. The actual historical period under consideration in Chronicles extends from the death of Saul (1010 B.C.) until the decree of Cyrus (538 B.C.). The Chronicler focuses on several significant things in his recording of history: the Davidic and Solomonic kingships, the ark of the covenant, the temple, and the southern kingdom.

The historical context for the writing down of the material is as follows: in 560 B.C., during the exile, Jehoiachin, former king of Judah, was elevated by Ewal Marduk, king of Babylon. In 539 B.C. Cyrus invaded Babylon and then issued his famous decree allowing captive peoples and religions to return home. Isaiah 45:1 speaks of Cyrus as the servant of the Lord.

The Jewish remnant that returned faced a difficult situation. Economically, religiously, politically, and morally, the returning Jews ran into great difficulty (see Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi). Judah remained an insignificant province during the Persian and Greek periods. The Chronicler provides covenant continuity and encouragement to the exiles even though they are living in the times of the gentiles (Dan 9:24-27).

Theological Context:

Chronicles function as a divine commentary on Israels history concerning the function of the theocracy in Israel. Gods direct activity, patterns of retribution, temple components, etc. all seek to demonstrate how Israel was a theocracy and a true covenant community of Yahwehs. This is true despite sin, the separation of the kingdoms, disappearance of the northern tribes, the destruction of the southern tribes, and the eventual return of only a small group of Jews to Jerusalem. As the argument will show, Chronicles focuses on the importance of the temple, the ark, the Davidic line, Jerusalem, obedience to the law, and the hope of a complete fulfillment of the Davidic covenant.

Differences Between Samuel/Kings And Chronicles:Chronicles should not be regarded as a mere supplement nor a parallel account to Samuel/Kings. It has a different purpose and audience; it can assume a knowledge of the materials of Samuel/Kings now available for over a century and therefore is selective in what it omits and what it includes.

Samuel/KingsChronicles

The continuation of Israel's history from the united kingdom, through the divided kingdom, to the two captivitiesFocuses on the southern kingdom and therefore David and the Davidic dynasty

Written by authors soon after the eventsWritten many years after the events but as an relevant account for the history of Israel

Political history Religious history (+ve religious interest)

Emphasizes kings and prophets Emphasizes the ark, temple and priests. Much material on David and Solomon are devoted to the preparations and building of the temple (1 Chr 21-29; 2 Chr 2-7). They couldn't reestablish the kingship at this time but they could reestablish wholehearted religious devotion to God as exemplified in much of Chronicles.

More negativerebellion and tragedyMore positiveapostasy, but hope in spite of tragedy. Little on the sins of David and Solomon. Retribution is prominent for post-Solomonic kings (principle of 2 Chr 7:14)

Message of judgment (needed to warn of coming exiles)Message of hope (needed in light of present and coming difficulties). People who fear God can expect divine favor and blessing.

Man's failingsGod's faithfulnessChronicles serves as a proper background for the restored Jewish state and their need to trust the LORD

Prophetic authorship: emphasizes the prophetic ministry and moral concernsPriestly authorship probable: emphasizes the priestly ministry and spiritual concerns

In Hebrew Scriptures, part of the former prophetsIn Hebrew Scripturesput at the end of the Kethubim (the writings), at the very end of the Hebrew Bible

No account given of the establishment of the northern kingdom under Jeroboam

Little information on Israel unless it is definitely related to developments in Judah

Yet, the Chronicler seeks to show that God's people (both kingdoms) are still a unity, a viable entity, even in his own day.

Attitude of the heart (humble vs. proud; willing, joyful vs. reluctant), not just mere outward obedience, is extremely important to the Chronicler

Second Chronicles is more explicit in the development of earlier theological themes such as the Blessings of Rest, Peace and Security, Great Name, Spiritual Fame, Prosperity, Victory, Victory of Yahweh.

It also develops the theological concept of the Warning Curses and Curses of the Final Destruction (cf. Deut 28 and Lev 26).

The Davidic Covenant, as could be expected, also receives extensive treatment.

To the remnantto encourage reform and revival as in David's time

There are five major prayers, all by good kings, in 1 and 2 Chronicles

Literary Features:

In his recounting of pre-exilic history the Chronicler relied on many written sources. About 50% his work was taken from Samuel and Kings; he also drew on the Pentateuch, Judges, Ruth, Psalms, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations and Zechariah (though he used texts of these books that varied somewhat from those that have been preserved in the later standardized Hebrew texts). There are frequent references to still other sources: the book of the kings of Israel (9:1; 2 Chr 20:34; cf. 2 Chr 33:18), the book of the annals of King David (27:24), the book of the kings of Judah and Israel or. . . of Israel and Judah (2 Chr 16:11; 25:26; 27:7; 28:26; 32:32; 35:27; 36:8), the annotations on the book of the kings (2 Chr 24:27). It is unclear whether these all refer to the same source or to different sources, and what their relationship is to Samuel and Kings or to the royal annals referred to in Kings. In addition, the author cites a number of prophetic writings: those of Samuel the seer (29:29), Nathan the prophet (29:29; 2 Chr 9:29), Gad the seer (29:29), Ahijah the Shilonite (2 Chr 9:29), Iddo the seer (2 Chr 9:29; 12:15; 13:22), Shemaiah the prophet (2 Chr 12:15), the prophet Isaiah (2 Chr 26:22), the seers (2 Chr 33:19). All these he used, often with only minor changes, to tell his own story of the past. The conservative view is that he did not invent, but he did select, arrange and integrate his sources to compose a narrative sermon for postexilic Israel as she struggled to reorient herself as the people of God in a new situation. His perspective was not a mere history, which they already had in Samuel/Kings, but a theological perspective on their history with relevance to the contemporary society.

Some believe the text contains evidence here and there of later expansions after the basic work had been composed. While editorial revisions are not unlikely nor in opposition to inspiration, all specific proposals regarding them remain tentative.

Purpose(s):

Purpose: to encourage faithful Temple worship by chronicling the blessings enjoyed by the Davidic line in faithful worship in view of the promised seed. Just as Deuteronomy was given as a reiteration of Israel's history as a nation up to the point of conquest so that it might serve as a framework for the conquest generation's (nation's) commitment to God in the renewal of the covenant, so Chronicles, as a selective history, serves as a framework for the post-exilic generation's (remnant's) commitment to worship and obedience to the covenant. The remnant does not have all the national hopes of the generations prior to the exile but it still can anticipate the promised seed who will return them to their position of "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation".

Descriptive Outline:

I. Genealogies: Israel's historical roots (1 Chr 1-9)

A. The Patriarchs [from Adam to Israel for whom the nation is named] (ch. 1)

1.Adam to Noah (1:1-4)

2.Noah to Abraham (1:5-27)

a.Line of Japheth (1:5-7)

b.Line of Ham (1:8-16)

c.Chosen Line of Shem (1:17-27)

d.Line of Abraham (1:28-34)

i.Descendants of Hagar (1:29-31)

ii.Descendants of Keturah (1:32-33)

iii)Descendants of Sarah [Esau and Isaac] (1:34)

e.Line of Esau (1:35-42)

f.List of Edomite kings (1:43-54)

B. The 12 Sons of Jacob /Israel with Focus on Judah down to David (2:1-55)

1.A summary of the sons of Israel (2:1-2)

2.Genealogy from Judah through Hezron to King David (2:3-17)

3.Non-kingly Alternate lines of Hezron through Caleb (2:18-24)

4.Non-kingly Line of Jerahmeel (2:25-41)

5.Non-kingly Line of Caleb (2:42-55)

C. The Kingly Line from David (3:1-24)

1.David's Immediate Family (3:1-9)

a.David's line born in Hebron (3:1-4)

b.David's line born in Jerusalem (3:5-9)

2.The Kingly Line to Zedekiah [Athaliah not mentioned] (3:10-16)

3.David's line in the Exilic and Post-exilic periods (3:17-24)

D.The 12 Sons of Jacob /Israel which Avoids Focus on the Davidic line within Judah (4:1-8:40)

1.Other Lines of Judah [Fourth born] (4:1-23)

2.Line of Simeon [Second born] (4:24-43)

Simeon, which was assimilated into Judah's territory, and Judah were the two southern tribes that constituted the kingdom of Judah (Josh 19:1b).

3. Line of Reuben [First born] (5:1-10)

4.Line of Gad [Seventh born] (5:11-22)

Verses 18-25 contain a narrative on the Transjordan tribes

5.Line of the Half-tribe of Manasseh on the east side of the Jordan [Son of Eleventh born Joseph] (5:23-26)

Chapter 5 contains the genealogies of the 2 1/2 Transjordan tribes.

6.Line of Levi [Third born] (6:1-81)

The amount of space devoted to the descendants of Levi through his three sons, and the inclusion of their musical appointments, indicates the emphasis the Chronicler is placing on the Levitical work in the temple

7.Line of Issachar [Ninth born] (7:1-5)

8.Line of Benjamin [Twelfth born] (7:6-12)

9.Line of Naphtali [Sixth born] (7:13)

10.Line of the Half-tribe of Manasseh on the west side of the Jordan [Son of Eleventh born Joseph] (7:14-19)

11.Line of Ephraim [Son of Eleventh born Joseph] (7:20-29)

12.Line of Asher [Eighth born] (7:30-40)

13.Second and Different List of the Line of Benjamin {see 7:6-12 and 9:35-44} [Twelfth born] (8:1-40)

The tribes of Dan and Zebulun are not even mentioned.

E.The Record of the Remnant in Jerusalem (9:1-34)

1.IntroductionJudah was taken into captivity because of unfaithfulness (9:1)

2.A Listing of People Inhabiting Jerusalem in the post-exilic period (9:2-34)

a.A list of Israelites [the people] (9:3-9)

b.A list of priests (9:10-13)

c.A list of Levites (9:14-16)

d.A list of temple servants (9:17-34)

i.The gatekeepers (9:17-27)

ii.The people in charge of the utensils (9:28-32)

iii.The singers (9:33-34)

F.A Repeated Genealogy of Saul [see 8:29-40] (9:35-44)

II. The Reign of David (1 Chr 10-29)

A. The Chronicler's perspective on Israel's First King, Saul as seen through his death and burial (ch. 10)

1.Saul's death is recorded (10:1-10)

It is necessary to mention Saul's death both to recount the reason for his rejection by God and to show the rise of David, the messianic ideal.

2.The deeds of the Jabesh-Gileadites at Saul's death is recorded (10:11-12)

3.Saul's rejection, which lead ultimately to his death, and the reasons for it are recorded (10:13-14)

a.He was unfaithful to the Lord and His word [He did not carry out the herem war against Amalek?] (10:13a)

b.He consulted the witch of En Dor (10:13b-14)

Note the reasons as given in 1 Samuel 13-15.

B. David's Coronation and Capital (11:1-9)

1.David anointed King by All Israel (11:1-3)

2.David captures Jerusalem (11:4-9)

C.David's Mighty Men (11:10-12:40)

1.The special soldiers are listed as in Kings (11:10-47)

2.A list is given of men who joined David at Ziklag before he became king (12:1-22)

These men come from Benjamin, Gad, more from Benjamin, Judah, and Manasseh.

3.A numbers list of men who joined David at Hebron is given (12:23-40)

D. David and the Ark Narratives (chs. 13-16)

1.The removal of the ark from Kiriath-Jearim and its subsequent delay at Obed-Edoms home (ch. 13)

2.Record of God's blessing on David (ch. 14)

3.The successful attempt of bringing the ark to Jerusalem [note the importance of the priests and Levites] (15:1-16:6)

4.The appointment of Levites to places of ministry and the joy produced by God's presence (15:16-16:6)

5.David commits a Thanksgiving Psalm to Asaph, et al., for the new dwelling of the ark (16:7-36)

6.A list of servants to the ark/tent is given reflecting David's concern for the universal worship of Yahweh (16:37-43)

E. Institution of the Davidic Covenant (ch. 17)

1.Desire of David to build God's House (17:1-2)

2.God's promise to built David's House (17:1-15)

3.David's praise prayer/response to God (17:16-27)

F. Davids Conquests (chs. 18-20)

1.David's Early Victories are Summarized (18:1-17)

a.Victory over Philistia (18:1)

b.Victory over Moab (18:2)

c.Victory over Zobah [apparently located in the Beqaa Valley between Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountains] (18:3-4)

d.Victory over Syria [Arameans of Damascus] and the Tribute from the King of Hamath (18:5-11)

e.Victory over Edom (18:12-13)

f.Administrative Officials in David's Kingdom (18:14-17)

2.David's Later Victories are Summarized (19:1-20:8)

a.Humiliation of David's Servants by the Ammonites (19:1-5)

b.Subsequent Victory over the Ammonites (19:6-15)

c.Victory over Syria (19:16-19)

d.Addition Victory over the Ammonites (20:1-3)

e.Victory over the Philistine Giants (20:4-8)

G. The Census: A Place for the Temple (ch. 21)

1.The Census and the Punishment (21:1-17)

2.A Place for the Temple Results from the termination of the plague and subsequent sacrifice (21:1-22:1)

H. Preparations of Materials and Leaders for the Construction of the Temple (22:2-19)

1.Materials gathered (22:2-5)

2.Encouragement and Instructions for Solomon (22:6-16)

3.Encouragement and Instructions for Leaders (22:17-19)

I. Administrative Structures of the Temple Service (chs. 23-26)

1.Organizations of the Levitical Houses (23:1-32)

2.Organization of the Courses of the Priests (24:1-31)

3.Organization of the Orders of the Musicians (25:1-31)

4.Organization of the Gatekeepers (26:1-19)

5.Organization of the Treasuries of the Temple (26:20-28)

6.Organization of the Officers outside the Temple (26:29-32)

J. Administrative Structures of the Political/Military Kingdom (ch. 27)

1.The Twelve Captains of Israel (27:1-15)

2.The Leaders of the Twelve Tribes (27:16-24)

3.The Royal Overseers of Davids Property (27:25-31)

4.The Counselors of David (27:32-34)

K. Davids Final Preparations for Succession and for the Temple (28:1-29:30)

1.Final Exhortations of David as He Publicly Commissions Solomon (28:1-10)

2.Final Provisions (Plan and Gifts) for the Temple (28:11-29:9)

3.Final Prayer of Thanksgiving by David (29:10-19)

4. Coronation of Solomon (29:20-25)

5.Death and Evaluation of David (29:26-30)

III. The Reign of Solomon (2 Chr 1-9)

A. Solomon's Greatness: Wisdom and Prosperity (ch. 1)

B. Building and Dedication of the Temple (2:1-5:1)

1.Preparations to Build the Temple (2:1-18)

2.Construction of the Temple (3:1-5:1)

C.Dedication of the Temple (5:2-7:10)

1.The Installation of the Ark (5:2-12)

2.The Glory of the Lord fills the Temple (5:13-14)

3.Sermon by Solomon (6:1-11)

4.Prayer by Solomon (6:12-42)

5.The Fire of the Lord Consumes the Sacrifices (7:1-3)

6.The Nation Offers Sacrifices (7:4-7)

7.The Nation Celebrates the Feast of Tabernacles (7:8-10)

D.The Lord Confirms the Mosaic [Blessings and Cursings) and Davidic Covenants (7:11-22)

E. Solomons Other Activities which Demonstrate His Greatness (ch. 8)

1.Enlargement of Solomon's Territory (8:1-6)

2.Subjugation of the Non-Jewish Remnant in the Land (8:7-10)

3.Religious and Cultic Practices of Solomon (8:11-16)

4.Economic Activities, Wisdom, and Splendor of Solomon (8:17-9:28)

F. Solomons Death (9:29-31)

IV. The Schism, and the spiritual History of the Kings of Judah (2 Chr 10-36)

A. Rehoboam (chs. 10-12)

1.The division of the nation (10:1-11:4)

2.Rehoboam's kingdom and family established (11:5-23)

3.Shishak of Egypt's Invasion (12:1-12)

4.Rehoboam's evaluation and death (12:13-16)

B. Abijah (13:1-14:1)

C. Asa (14:2-16:14)

1.Asas wisdom and greatness (ch. 14)

2.Asas religious reforms (ch. 15)

3.Asas failure to trust God in his war against Israel (16:1-10)

4.Asas evaluation and death (16:11-14)

D. Jehoshaphat (17:1-21:1a)

1.Summary of Jehoshaphats reign (17:1-6)

2.Jehoshaphats Greatness and Faithfulness (17:7-19)

3.Jehoshaphat and Ahab (18:1-19:3)

4.Jehoshaphat;s appointment of judges (19:4-11)

5.Victory over the Moabite-Ammonite alliance (20:1-30)

6.Jehoshaphats failures (20:31-21:1a)

E. Jehoram (21:1b-20)

F.Ahaziah (22:1-9)

G.Athaliah and Joash (22:10-24:27)

1.Athaliah's Seizure of Power (22:10-12)

2.Jehoiadas Revolt (23:1-21)

3.Joash Reign (ch. 24)

H. Amaziah (ch. 25)

I. Uzziah (ch. 26)

J. Jotham (ch. 27)

K. Ahaz (ch. 28)

L. Hezekiah (chs. 29-32)

1.The cleansing and rededication of the temple (ch. 29)

2.The Passover Celebration (30:1-31:1)

3.Hezekiahs provision for the re-establishment of proper temple worship (31:2-21)

4.Sennacherib threatens Jerusalem (32:1-23)

5.Hezekiahs evaluation (pride, success) and death (32:24-33)

M. Manasseh (33:1-20)

N. Amon (33:21-25)

O. Josiah (34:1-36:1)

1.Josiahs reforms (ch. 34)

2.Josiahs Passover (35:1-19)

3.Josiahs death (35:20-27)

P. Josiahs Successors: Last Four Kings of Judah (36:2-14)

1.Jehoahaz (36:1-4)

2.Jehoiakim (36:5-8)

3.Jehoiachin (36:9-10)

4.Zedekiah (36:11-14)

Q. Exile and Restoration (36:15-23)

KINGEVALUATIONREFERENCETEMPLE

CONCERNREFERENCEOBEDIENCE TO THE LAW: REFERENCE

DavidThe Besta man after God's own heart1 Samuel 13:14Many preparations 1 Chr 22:14-19; 23-26; 28:1-29:20

SolomonBuilt & dedicated the temple2 Chr 2-7

RehoboamEvil2 Chr 12:14Temple treasures carried off by Egyptians2 Chr 12:9Ignored counsel of elders

Abijah (Abijam)Good

Evil2 Chr 13:4-12

1 Kgs 15:3Encouraged Levitical priests and sacrifices2 Chr 13:10-12Multiplied wives 2 Chr 13:21

AsaGood

Foolish in his last year2 Chr 14:2

2 Chr 16:9Repaired the altar of the Lord

Took from the treasuries of the LORDs temple2 Chr 15:8

2 Chr 16:2

JehoshaphatGood early

Foolish alliances with Ahab and Ahaziah, kings of Israel 2 Chr 17:3

2 Chr 19:2-3; 20:37

JehoramEvil2 Chr 21:6Married Ahabs daughter 2 Chr 21:6

AhaziahEvil2 Chr 22:4Followed the counsel of the house of Ahab 2 Chr 22:4

[Athaliah]Wicked2 Chr 24:7Her sons broke into the temple and used its sacred objects for the Baals2 Chr 24:7Killed the royal family of the house of Judah 2 Chr 22:10

JoashGood

Evil2 Chr 24:2

2 Chr 24:20Repaired the temple

Abandoned the temple & killed Zechariah in the temple courtyard2 Chr 24:4

2 Chr 24:21

AmaziahGood2 Chr 25:2Obeyed the law of Deut 24:16; 2 Chr 25:3-4

Obeyed the man of God 2 Chr 25:7-10

UzziahGood

Evil2 Chr 26:4-5

2 Chr 26:16Entered the temple to burn incense and was forever excluded from the temple2 Chr 26:16-21

JothamGood2 Chr 27:2, 6Did not enter the temple2 Chr 27:2

AhazEvil2 Chr 28:1Took some temple articles and presented them to the Tiglath-Pileser, King of Assyria

Shut the temple2 Chr 28:21

2 Chr 28:24Idolater, sacrificed his sons 2 Chr 28:3-4

Sent to Assyria for help 2 Chr 28:16

HezekiahGood2 Chr 29:2Purified the temple

Developed the temple worship and duties again

Showed the temple treasures2 Chr 29

2 Chr 31

2 Chr 32:31; cp., 2 Kgs 18:12-18Celebrated the Passover 2 Chr 30

ManassehEvil

Repented in his later life and removed much of his evil images2 Chr 33:2

2 Chr 33:15-16Desecrated the temple 2 Chr 33:4-5, 7Idolater 2 Chr 33:3-4

Sacrificed sons, practiced witchcraft 2 Chr 33:6

AmonEvil2 Chr 22Idolater 2 Chr 33:22-23

JosiahGood2 Chr 34:2Repaired and purified the temple2 Chr 34:8-13Removed idols 2 Chr 34:3-7

Renewed the covenant after the Law was found and read 2 Chr 34:31

JehoahazEvil2 Kgs 23:32

JehoiakimEvil2 Chr 36:5Articles from the temple taken to Babylon during his reign2 Chr 36:7

JehoiachinEvil2 Chr 36:9Articles from the temple taken to Babylon along with the king2 Chr 36:10

ZedekiahEvil2 Chr 36:12The people defiled the temple2 Chr 36:14Refused to humble himself before the prophet Jeremiah and refused to trust the LORD 2 Chr 36:12-13

Interpretive Problems:

Some Alleged Contradictions and Harmonization

Between Samuel/Kings and Chronicles

Samuel/KingsChroniclesHarmonization

2 Sam 8:4 David captured a 1,000 and 700 [1,700] charioteers [in MT] and 20,000 foot soldiers.1 Chr 18:4 David captured 1000 chariots, 700 charioteers and 20,000 foot soldiers.Possible scribal error in Samuel so the NIV has followed the LXX, DSS, and 1 Chr 18:4)

2 Sam 10:18 (2X) David killed 700 charioteers and 40,000 of their horsemen.1 Chr 19:18 (2X) David killed 7,000 Aramean charioteers and 40,000 foot soldiers.The 700 in Sam is consistent with the use of it above in 2 Sam 8:4.

It appears that the horsemen of Sam should be read foot soldiers in keeping with the context.

2 Sam 23:8 800 men killed.1 Chr 11:11 300 men killed.Possible scribal error in Chr Influenced by the number 30 in the same verse or the similar wording in verse 20..

2 Sam 24:9 (2X) 800,000 men and in Judah 500,0001 Chr 21:5 (2X) 1,100,000 men and in Judah 470,000Chr may have included the regular army of 288,000 (1 Chr 27:1-15) in his total which Sam rounded figure would then be comparable.

The second contradiction is hard to harmonize unless it is seen as a scribal error or a rounded figure in Sam.

The census was incomplete (1 Chr 27:24.

2 Sam 24:131 Chr 21:12

2 Sam 24:241 Chr 21:25

1 Kgs 4:26 Solomon had 40,000 [see NIV note] stalls for chariot horses and 12,000 horses.2 Chr 9:25 Solomon had 4,000 stalls for horses and chariots, and 12,000 horses.

1 Kgs 5:112 Chr 2:10

1 Kgs 5:16; 9:23 (3X)2 Chr 2:2, 18; 8:10 (3X)

1 Kgs 7:15-162 Chr 3:15

1 Kgs 7:262 Chr 4:5

1 Kgs 9:282 Chr 8:18

1 Kgs 10:172 Chr 9:16

1 Kgs 16:8 Elah, son of Baasha, became king of Israel in the 26 year of Asa, king of Judah.2 Chr 16:1 Baasha, king of Israel, was still fighting Judah in the 36 year of Asa's reign.Asa began reigning in 911 B.C. (+36 = 876/5 B.C.)

Baasha reigned from 909-886 B.C.

2 Kgs 8:262 Chr 22:2

2 Kgs 24:8 Jehoiachin was 18 years old when he became king and he reigned in Jerusalem 3 months.2 Chr 36:9 Jehoiachin was 8 [see NIV note] years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem 3 months and 10 days.18 in Hebrew is 8 + 10 plus the 3 months. Obviously the 10 has been shifted in one of the accounts.

Problems with Genealogies

Analysis of genealogies, both inside and outside the Bible, has disclosed that they serve a variety of functions (with different principles governing the lists), that they vary in form (some being segmented, others linear) and depth (number of generations listed), and that they are often fluid (subject to change).

There are three general areas in which genealogies function: the familial or domestic, the legal-political, and the religious. In the domestic area an individuals social status, privileges and obligations may be reflected in his placement in the lineage (see 7:14-19); the rights of the firstborn son and the secondary status of the children of concubines are examples from the Bible. In the political sphere genealogies substantiate claims to hereditary office or settle competing claims when the office is contested. Land organization and territorial groupings of social units may also be determined by genealogical reckoning e.g., the division of the land among the 12 tribes. In Israel military levies also proceeded along genealogical lines; several of the genealogies in Chronicles reflect military conscription (5:1-26; 7:1-12,30-40; 8:1-40). Genealogies function in the religious sphere primarily by establishing membership among the priests and Levites (6:1-30; 9:10-34; Neh 7:61-65).

As to form, some genealogical lists trace several lines of descent (segmented genealogies) while others are devoted to a single line (linear genealogies).

Comparison of genealogical lists of the same tribal or family line often brings to light surprising differences. This fluidity of the lists may reflect variation in function. But sometimes changes in the status or relations of social structures are reflected in genealogies by changes in the relationships of names in the genealogy (see 1:35-42; 6:22,27) or by the addition of names or segments to a lineage (see 5:11-22; 6:27; 7:6-12). The most common type of fluidity in Biblical materials is telescoping, the omission of names from the list. Unimportant names are left out in order to relate an individual to a prominent ancestor, or possibly to achieve the desired number of names in the genealogy. Some Biblical genealogies, for example, omit names to achieve multiples of 7: For the period from David to the exile Matthew gives 14 generations (2 times 7), while Luke gives 21 (3 times 7), and the same authors give similar multiples of 7 for the period from the exile to Jesus (Matt 1:1-17; Lk 3:23-38).

The genealogies of Chronicles show variation in all these properties; the arrangements often reflect the purpose for which the genealogies were composed prior to their being adopted by the Chronicler as part of his record.

Some copies add the phrase, Basileon Iouda, Concerning the Kings of Judah.

See evidence given in Howard, Jr., David, An Introduction to the Old Testament Historical Books, (Chicago: Moody Press), 254-56.

Ibid., 264-66.

Rest, Peace and Security2 Chr 13:20, 21; 14:1, 5-8; 15:15, 19; 17:10; 20:30; 32:22.

Great Name2 Chr 17:5, 10-12; 26:8; 27:5-6.

Spiritual Fame2 Chr 15:9; 17:10; 20:29; 32:23.

Prosperity2 Chr 13:21; 14:7; 17:5, 11; 18:1; 20:25; 26:7-15; 27:5-6; 31:5-7; 31:10, 21; 32:23, 27-30; 35:7.

Victory2 Chr 25:11-12; 26:6-7; 27:5; 32:22b.

Victory of Yahweh2 Chr 13:8, 12, 14-18; 14:11-13; 20:15, 20-30; 25:8; 32:7-8, 20-22.

Warning CurseDisease2 Chr 16:12; 21:15, 18; 30:20?

Warning CurseOppression and Defeat2 Chr 21:16-17; 24:23; 25:22-24; 28:5-6, 17-19; 33:11; 36:6, 10.

Warning CurseChildren Captive2 Chr 21:16-17; 28:7-8; 29:9..

Curses of the Final DestructionDistant Invaders2 Chr 36:17.

Curses of the Final DestructionFinal Siege2 Chr 36:18.

Curses of the Final DestructionDesecrated High Places2 Chr 36:18-19.

Curses of the Final DestructionFallen Fortresses2 Chr 36:19.

Curses of the Final DestructionSlavery/Exile2 Chr 36:20.

Curses of the Final DestructionLand laid waste2 Chr 36:21.

Return to Rebuild2 Chr 36:23.

Davidic CovenantRestsee above.

Davidic CovenantShepherd2 Chr 18:16.

Davidic CovenantTemple2 Chr 15:8, 18; 20:8-9; 23:3-19; 24:4-14, 18; 28:24; 29:15-17; 30:1-31:21; 33:4, 15; 34:8-13; 35:1-19; 36:7, 10, 15.

Davidic CovenantEternal Line of David2 Chr 13:5, 8, 21; 21:7, 12-17; 22:8-11; 23:3, 20; 24:3.

Davidic CovenantRod2 Chr 16:9; 21:5-10; 24:22-23; 25:20-24; 28:1-8, 16-19; 33:10-11; 36:5-6, 9-17.

Davidic CovenantDavidic Standard2 Chr 17:3; 28:1; 29:2; 32:33...

1 Chr 17:16-27; 29:10-19; 2 Chr 6:12-42; 20:5-12; 30:18-19.

The NIV has sought to harmonize many of the alleged contradictions and has often chosen not to translate the Hebrew text and instead follow the Septuagint or some other text. The NIV does make note of such changes in the footnotes.

Some of this material has been taken from the Introduction to Chronicles in the NIV Study Bible.