THE BOOK OF I CHRONICLES--A BRIEF OUTLINE

THE BOOK OF I CHRONICLES

Introduction:

These books of Chronicles are in a great measure repetition; so are much of the second and third of the four evangelists: and yet there are no tautologies either here or there no vain repetitions. We may be ready to think that of all the books of holy scripture we could best spare these two books of Chronicles. Perhaps we might, and yet we could ill spare them: for there are many most excellent useful things in them, which we find not elsewhere.” --- Matthew Henry.

Authorship: Uncertain, thought to have been edited by Ezra. First and Second Chronicles are one book in the Jewish Bible.

Time: Probably written during, or shortly after, the captivity and may be regarded as a Supplement to the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, and 1 and 2 Kings.

Some of the historical descriptions are almost identical with those of the preceding books.

Distinctive Features: The books of Samuel and Kings refer to events in both kingdoms, —whereas Chronicles deals almost exclusively with the history of Judah.

Central Thought: The Sovereignty of God, 1 Chronicles 4:9-10; 5:20; 11:14; 12:18; 14:2,10,14,15.

Central Character: David.

Analysis of the Book:

PART 1

1) Genealogies, 1 Chronicles 1:1--9:44.

2) Overthrow and death of Saul, 1 Chronicles 10.

PART 2: The Reign of David.

1) His accession to the throne.

2) The capture of Jerusalem.

3) His mighty men and armies, 1 Chronicles 11:1--12:40.

4) His mistake in attempting to transport the Ark on a "new cart," 1 Chronicles 13.

5) His victory over the Philistines, 1 Chronicles 14.

6) The Ark brought to Jerusalem, 1 Chronicles 15.

7) The great festival of rejoicing, 1 Chronicles 16.

8) The King’s desire to build a temple for Jehovah denied, 1 Chronicles 17.

9) Great military victories, 1 Chronicles 18:1-20:8.

10) The sinful census, 1 Chronicles 21; Note 1 Chronicles 21:23-24, “And Ornan said unto David, Take it to thee, and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes: lo, I give thee the oxen also for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meat offering; I give it all. 24- And king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the LORD, nor offer burnt offerings without cost.”

11) The preparation of materials for the building of the temple, and a charge to Solomon, 1 Chronicles 22.

12) The further organization of the affairs of the kingdom, 1 Chronicles 23:1--27:34.

13) David’s last charge to the people and to his son, Solomon, 1 Chronicles 28:1--29:28.

a. Solomon is made king.

b. The death of David.

Choice Selections:

1) Jabez’s Prayer, 1 Chronicles 4:10.

2) David pours out the water from the well of Bethlehem, 1 Chronicles 11:17-19.

3) David’s Psalm, 1 Chronicles 16:7-36.

4) Description of David’s Chorus Choir and Orchestra, 1 Chronicles 25.

5) David’s last blessing and prayer, 1 Chronicles 29:10-19.