Although chronicles may appear to be a repetition of Samuel and Kings with dull lists of names added, a closer look will reveal it is anything but. The inspired writer, through a careful selection of important historical events, persuades the reader of God’s wondrous affection for His People. Sprinkled with numerous comments1, he makes it clear Yahweh was not aloof from past activities in the kingdom of Israel. His loving concern for His people was always seen in His dealings with their leaders. The message of Chronicles is: whenever Israel is willing to serve the Lord, He is willing to help the nation.
Encouragement for returned exiles
For the exiles who had just returned to the land (after the 70 years’ servitude to Babylon), an increased awareness of God’s past love for His people could prove very helpful. We understand this, for it is encouraging to realize God is conscious of our slightest action. Did not Jesus say: “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6,7).
A careful reading of this book shows that it addresses a similar topic.
Lists of names
As we begin the book, we find nine chapters of mainly genealogical records. For us, reading hundreds of names which are difficult to pronounce could quickly dampen our enthusiasm.
We should not forget, however, that originally the author was endeavoring to rejoin his people to their past. Naming their ancestors would rekindle a sense of continuity in Israel their dispersion had removed. Those returning from exile had roots. These had been carefully recorded and preserved.
In like manner, God has recorded our names in the book of life. If this list were read in our presence, we would certainly pay close attention.
Historical realities
“Adam, Sheth (Seth), Enosh…” (1:1). I Chronicles 1:1-4 summarizes Genesis 5, followed by additional names from Genesis with only an occasional comment. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the three patriarchs are referred to, as well as two wayward sons, Ishmael and Esau.
Interestingly, through the simple device of listing the names, the author has authenticated the time period from Adam (creation) to Jacob. The historical reality of Jacob’s life is thus fully documented by the simple evidence from the past — ancestors.
Families of Israel
Beginning chapter two, the names of Jacob’s 12 sons are listed (2:1,2) with their genealogies occupying chapters 2-8. Although the line of each son is presented, the genealogy of Judah, particularly the family of David, captures most of the author’s attention. The reason, of course, is because this is the line of the kings leading to the Messiah.
Levi’s line also is featured as they were to be the religious leaders and also because they were prominent in the renewed community at Jerusalem.
Following the genealogies, attention is given to the families that had resettled in Jerusalem (9:2-34). They are to be convinced that they are the nation of Israel, God’s people. In spite of their wayward past, God is still interested in keeping His promises. He will go far beyond what His commitments require because He is gracious.
Saul’s genealogy is presented twice. The first list (8:29-38) serves to complete the line for Benjamin; the second list (9:35-44) leads naturally into the brief account of king Saul.
Comments on Saul
With the genealogies completed, the Chronicler presents the divine assessment of Israel’s first king. In spite of Saul’s long reign (20 years [40 years is also a possible length]), only Israel’s defeat by the Philistines and Saul’s death is mentioned. Throughout his lifetime and especially in his final days, Saul disobeyed and turned away from the Lord. In his last act of disobedience, Saul consulted one of the familiar spirits (mediums) that he had previously banished from the land (I Sam. 28:3). Such instability was typical of the man.
Chronicles provides this reason for Saul’s defeat in his final battle: “So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it; and inquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse” (I Chron. 10:13,14).
The brevity of the Chronicler’s account of king Saul is in itself a negative assessment. Whereas the author of I Samuel takes more than 20 chapters to relate Saul’s kingship (9-31), the Chronicler allocates only one. For the returned exiles, the point is surely this: If the nation of Israel is to be restored to its former glory, then Yahweh must be obeyed. The prosperity of the nation, even its survival, always had depended on obedience to God’s laws.
David’s reign contrasts with Saul’s
If Saul’s failure to keep the word of the Lord was reason for defeat, what was in store for a king and nation keeping God’s word? Would exemplary behavior provide a more positive result than Saul’s ignoble death?
Fortunately, the Chronicler’s answer to this question could also be found in Israel’s past. He sets out to supply some of the details as the remaining chapters of this book provide convincing evidence that a happy ending is possible.
Before the nation entered the land, God made Israel this offer: “The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways” (Deut 28:9). One notable king accepted God at His word — David, the servant of Yahweh.
A selective record of David
Although the author does not mention David’s gravest sins, he selects other incidents upon which to build his exhortation (I Chron. 13, 21). The apparently surprising omission of the Uriah occurrence is consistent with the Chronicler’s approach. He is not attempting to present a complete history. Like an exhorting brother, his goal was to interpret history so he could provide lessons for the other brothers and sisters. Those interested in the complete story were invited to turn to his sources which would supply a fuller account (I Chron. 9:1; 29:29, etc.).
The first negative incident recorded in I Chronicles was a case of carelessness on David’s part. His inattention to a procedure for moving the ark cost Uzzah his life (13:10). Initially, David was displeased, but not for long. When he followed the correct procedure, God gave him success and David could not restrain his joy that the ark was in Jerusalem (15:2528). As David must consult God’s word to proceed properly in his circumstances, so must we if we are to do things decently and orderly in our worship.
The second incident appears to have resulted from David’s pride. His foolish numbering of Israel resulted in God’s displeasure against the nation (21:7). Offered three forms of punishment, David chose to fall into the hand of the Lord because His mercies are great. This was a pertinent lesson to the exiles. In their exile, they had often experienced the merciless hands of men. Would they now be convinced to rely on God’s mercy?
David’s great work
Much of the remainder of Chronicles recalls the gathering of material for the temple and the duty of the Levites. Here was additional encouragement and exhortation for the exiles. When David had opportunity, he did not concentrate upon erecting buildings in honor to himself but devoted himself and his resources to the service of his God.
The exhortation to us is clear as we should do the same as we seek to render acceptable service to our Heavenly Father.
- For example, 9:22 notes the orders of Levites were reorganized according to plans laid out by David and Samuel. Since Samuel died while David was fleeing Saul, we are left to wonder when the two could have spent time together contemplating such matters. In scouring the record of David’s life, the most likely time was immediately after his anointing by Samuel (I Sam. 16:13). Comments subsequent to David’s anointing suggest he left keeping the sheep to be trained with other promising contemporaries (v.18). Such training likely took place at the school of the prophets operated by Samuel (cf. I Sam. 19:18-20).
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One