(1) Book Information

1.1 Title and Definition
• Title: 2 Chronicles – the second part of the originally unified book of Chronicles, titled Divrei Hayamim in Hebrew, meaning “the matters of the days.” The Greek Septuagint calls it Paraleipomena, “the things omitted,” indicating its supplemental perspective to Kings.
• Definition: A theological history that continues from Solomon’s reign through to the Babylonian exile, focusing exclusively on the kings of Judah and the temple, with particular emphasis on religious reform, divine judgement, and covenant hope.

1.2 Authorship and Context
• Author: Traditionally attributed to Ezra the scribe, though the Chronicler remains anonymous. The text was likely written by a priest or Levite with access to temple records.
• When: Written during the post-exilic period, likely between the late 5th and early 4th centuries BC.
• Audience: Post-exilic Jewish community seeking identity, instruction, and reassurance concerning the restoration of temple worship and covenant faithfulness.
• Purpose: To affirm God’s covenant with David and the temple, provide spiritual leadership models through the kings of Judah, and call the community back to wholehearted worship and national faithfulness.

1.3 Literary and Thematic Features
• Literary and Rhetorical Features: Chronicles kingship through a liturgical and theological lens, using speeches, summaries, prayers, sermons, and prophetic encounters.
• Key Themes: Temple centrality, kingship under divine authority, covenant renewal, repentance and reform, national blessing or judgement based on obedience.
• Themes of Redemption and Christology
○ Solomon’s temple and glory prefigure Christ as the true temple and source of divine wisdom.
○ The Davidic kings point toward Christ as the eternal King of Judah.
○ The closing decree of Cyrus (2 Chr. 36:22–23) prepares for messianic fulfilment through return and restoration.
• Symbolism and Imagery
○ The temple represents God’s abiding presence and covenantal relationship.
○ Royal enthronement foreshadows messianic kingship.
○ The cycle of sin and reform embodies the ongoing call to repentance.

1.4 Canonical and Interconnected Significance
• Structure: Two main sections – (1) the reign of Solomon and the temple’s construction (2 Chr. 1–9), (2) the history of Judah’s kings from Rehoboam to Zedekiah (2 Chr. 10–36).
• Canonical Significance: Concludes the Hebrew Bible in Jewish tradition; forms a theological counterpart to Kings, with a redemptive focus.
• Interconnections
○ Related Books: Closely parallels 1–2 Kings but omits much about the northern kingdom to focus on Judah and the temple.
○ Connections to the Old Testament: Reinforces themes from the Torah and Samuel–Kings, especially covenantal obedience, divine presence, and prophetic accountability.
○ Connections to the New Testament: Emphasis on temple and Davidic line sets the stage for Christ as both temple and messianic king. The name Zechariah is referenced by Jesus (Matt. 23:35).
○ Prophetic and Messianic References: The hope for restoration expressed in the return from exile (2 Chr. 36) anticipates the messianic age.
○ Connections with Judaism: Chronicles supports Second Temple worship and reinforces priestly values, national unity, and hope in divine faithfulness.
○ Connections with Islam: Figures like Solomon and Hezekiah are acknowledged as righteous leaders; themes of repentance and divine justice are shared.
• Key Passages or Verses: 2 Chr. 7:14 – “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves…” 2 Chr. 15:2 – “The LORD is with you when you are with Him.” 2 Chr. 20:12 – “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” 2 Chr. 36:23 – Cyrus’s decree to rebuild the temple.

(2) Characters

2.1 Main Figures and Their Roles
• Role of Authors: The Chronicler selects and arranges material to instruct and inspire the post-exilic community through theological reflections on Judah’s kings.
• Who are the Main Characters: Solomon, Rehoboam, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Joash, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Josiah, Zedekiah, various prophets (Azariah, Isaiah, Zechariah), and the people of Judah.

2.2 Roles in Theological Framework
• The Role of God
○ The Father – Sovereign over kings and nations, faithful to His covenant, gracious in restoration.
○ The Son – Foreshadowed in the Davidic monarchy, the temple imagery, and the future hope of restoration.
○ The Holy Spirit – Implied in prophetic inspiration and divine empowerment, especially in revival and worship reforms.
• The Role of Priests, Prophets, and Kings: Priests and Levites are central to temple worship; prophets act as divine messengers; kings are judged by their support or neglect of worship and Torah.
• Role of the Church: The temple-centered identity and royal priesthood foreshadow the Church’s spiritual calling to holiness, worship, and leadership.
• Role of Men and Women: Focus remains on male leadership, though women occasionally influence events indirectly (e.g. Athaliah as usurper, Queen of Sheba visiting Solomon).

3.1 Geographical, Historical, and Cultural Context
• Geographical Context: Judah, Jerusalem (temple location), surrounding regions involved in alliances, battles, or exile (e.g. Assyria, Babylon, Egypt).
• Historical Context: Post-exilic reflection on Judah’s history from the united monarchy under Solomon to the exile under Babylon in 586 BC.
• Cultural Context: A returnee community rebuilding temple and worship under Persian rule, needing historical roots and theological encouragement.

3.2 Broader Context and Practices

1. Broader Context of the Ancient Near East: The Chronicler draws from and reformulates royal annals, aligning them with theological concerns rather than political prestige.
2. Influence of Israel’s Neighbours: The rise and fall of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylon are shown as instruments of divine judgement; Persian support for temple restoration reflects God’s sovereignty.
3. Cultural and Ethical Influences: The Chronicler critiques foreign worship practices and alliances, affirming Torah-centered reform and covenant obedience.
4. Cultural Practices
   ○ Temple dedication and worship liturgies,
   ○ Royal reforms and national fasts,
   ○ Passover celebrations,
   ○ Prophetic confrontation of idolatry.

(4) Theological and Historical Significance

1. The Book as a Theological Bridge: Concludes the Old Testament historical narrative with a hopeful return and restoration of worship, setting the stage for messianic expectation.
2. Theological Significance: Emphasises God’s sovereign faithfulness, the conditional blessings of the covenant, and the centrality of temple and worship.
3. Spiritual Themes: Repentance, revival, worship, divine mercy, national identity, hope beyond judgement.
4. Key Lessons for Faith and Practice: God’s presence among His people is contingent on humility and faithfulness. Leaders are accountable for spiritual direction. True reform begins in worship.
5. The Book in Christian Theology: A foundation for understanding messianic hope, priestly intercession, and spiritual renewal. Christ is the greater temple and fulfiller of the Davidic line.
6. Historical Reception: Highly valued in Jewish liturgy and history; informs Christian worship renewal, repentance theology, and the significance of holy leadership.

(5) Interfaith and Cultural Perspectives

1. Literary Unity with the Torah (or Canon): Reflects Levitical order and Deuteronomic blessings and curses, culminating in divine judgement and promise of return.
2. The Book in Jewish Tradition: Integral to synagogue teaching on worship, repentance, and covenant fidelity; ends the Tanakh in the Jewish canon.
3. Connections with Islam: Shares figures and themes of divine justice, kingship, and repentance; Solomon in particular is emphasised in Islamic tradition.
4. Influence on Western Civilisation: Encourages spiritual and institutional reform movements; themes of revival and accountability shape Western religious and ethical ideals.
5. Scientific Perspectives: Archaeological and historical studies investigate temple sites, Babylonian captivity, and Persian decrees.
6. Global Perspective: Offers a theological lens for understanding national crisis, restoration, and religious renewal applicable to global faith communities.

(6) Ethical, Practical, and Philosophical Insights

1. Mystical and Esoteric Interpretations: Temple imagery and revival cycles have been interpreted as stages of spiritual ascent or inner purification.
2. Comparative Mythology: Unlike other ANE traditions that glorify monarchs, Chronicles critiques kings morally and theologically in light of divine covenant.
3. Ethical and Philosophical Reflections: Promotes ethical kingship, social justice through worship reform, and spiritual renewal as essential for communal well-being.
4. Ethical Teachings and Practical Applications
   ○ True worship restores broken identity,
   ○ Leadership must serve God’s purpose,
   ○ National repentance brings divine restoration,
   ○ History must be interpreted through God’s perspective.
5. Relevance to Contemporary Issues and Ongoing Relevance: Addresses societal and spiritual breakdown, emphasising the role of memory, renewal, and covenantal faithfulness in rebuilding communities.

(7) Interpretative and Theological Challenges

1. Interpretative Challenges: Understanding the idealised portrayal of kings compared to Kings, interpreting selective omissions, and reconciling theological optimism with historical reality.
2. Theological Debates: Nature of conditionality in the Davidic covenant, the role of the remnant, significance of the temple in Christian theology.
3. Key Questions Addressed: How can a nation return to God after failure? What is the role of worship in national life? What kind of leader brings lasting reform? How is hope sustained in exile?