Ralph Porter

© 2002

AUTHOR AND DATE

    These books were originally written as one single volume.

    Although the book doesn't identify the author, the Talmud attributes the book to

         Ezra.

    It was written from a priestly perspective; the temple is central.

          Ezra was a priest and demonstrated the same perspective (Ezr. 7:1-5, 11).

         The genealogies include the days of Ezra and support an author contemporary

              with him.

         A comparison of the introduction to Ezra with the conclusion of 2 Chronicles                     

            indicates that Ezra is a deliberate continuation of Chronicles.

    The author used other historical records.

         As a scribe, Ezra would have had access to the records and would have known

              how to use them.

         The use of other sources would not discredit divine authority.

         God is able to direct the author as he investigates historical sources so as to

              guarantee the veracity and value of the message He wishes to communicate to

              His people.

    Concerning the date of the book, the events cover nearly the entire Old Testament

         period, from Adam up to the restoration of Israel (1-9).

            The more detailed part of the story looks at the period from Saul (1051 B.C.)

                   until Cyrus' decree allowing the people to return to Israel and reconstruct

                   the temple (538 B.C.).

    The author must have written near the end of this period, most likely after his

         return to Jerusalem in 458, probably between 450 and 425 B.C.

BACKGROUND

    Although its genealogies refer to the entire Old Testament period, the principal

         focus is on the Davidic dynasty (1011-586).

              It concludes with a summary concerning the time of the captivity (606-536).

              Politically, the period reflects the conditions of the times of David and of

                   Solomon when there was little foreign intervention and Israel controlled all

                   the territory around them.

    2 Chronicles shows the growing influence of Mesopotamia in the area.

         The area was more and more affected by the potent nations to their north and

              east; first Syria, then Assyria, Babylon and finally, Persia.

    The most notable political power at the beginning of the period was the Davidic

         dynasty over the united kingdom.

    The division of the kingdom after the reign of Solomon produced conflicts

         between the northern and southern kingdoms.

    When the northern kingdom of Israel was taken captive in 722 B.C., the Davidic

         dynasty went on in the south until 586 B.C.

    The political environment became unstable because of the religious instability of

         the people with their God.

    The story concludes with the fall of Judah.

    Cyrus' decree allowing them to return to the land and start over affirms the hope

         of future restoration.

PURPOSE AND THEME

    Three reasons for writing:

         New start in the land

         Discouragement because of their loss

              Loss of throne

              Loss of temple

         Neglect of the temple

    Three purposes:

         Exhort them to be faithful to Yahweh.

         Encourage them to trust Him.

         Demonstrate the importance of reverence for the temple.

WHAT LESSONS SHOULD WE LEARN FROM THESE BOOKS?

Ralph Porter

AN 85% COMMITMENT

The old standard "99.44% pure".

    In recent years there has been an advertisement about home equity loans:

         "Congratulations, Jones, take 85% of the day off!"

              Are you satisfied with water that is 85% pure?

              How about a husband or wife that is 85% faithful?

GOD WILL NOT ACCEPT AN 85% COMMITMENT

Faithfulness is a key to the success of any kind of contract.

The desire of every couple who comes to their wedding day is that their marriage relationship will be characterized by love,

    faithfulness and loyalty.

         Whenever these ingredients are missing, marital happiness quickly flies out the door.

         These three elements are crucial to the marriage agreement:

These same three characteristics were necessary for the covenant that God made with

    Israel.

         Although this covenant was based on God's love for His people, He required

              them to respond with love and loyalty also.

         That's why these ingredients came to be the principal requirements of the

              covenant.

If God expected that response from the people in general, it was even more critical

    for the kings He placed over them.

         When God established His covenant with David, God promised that He would

              never take His loving kindness away from his son Solomon (1 Chr. 17:11-14).

                   "Loving kindness" as used in this promise refers to His "loyal love" for them.

                        It combines the two ideas of love and faithfulness, which God promised,

                             to Solomon and to his children.

                        He would fulfill His promise whether they fulfilled theirs or not.

In Chronicles, it's clear that God has promised His loving kindness, His loyal love, to

    the people of Israel, but He requires them to respond with loyal love.

         The people in general, and the king in particular, were to enjoy the blessings,

              and responsibilities, that accompany a covenant relationship with God.

         This relationship demands their faithfulness and loyalty.

AUTHOR AND DATE

    The present format of these two books makes it hard to keep in mind that these

         books were originally written as one single volume.

    Although the book itself doesn't identify the author, the Talmud, which represents

         the Jewish tradition concerning it, attributes the book to the scribe Ezra, who we

         already know as the author of the book that bears his name and as an important

         participant in the restoration of Israel after the captivity.

    Several evidences support this opinion:

         1)    The tradition itself is an important external evidence because the book was

                    written so late and it was still accepted by the people.

         2)    The internal evidence is also quite convincing.

                        The book was written from the perspective of a priest because the temple

                             is central in his presentation.

                        Ezra is identified as a priest and demonstrates this same perspective in

                             the book that we know he wrote (Ezr. 7:1-5, 11).

         3)    The genealogies come up to the days of Ezra and support an author

                        contemporary with him.

                             There is no known candidate as likely to have written such a work.

         4)    The use of Hebrew and the literary style resemble those of Ezra.

         5)    Finally, a comparison of the beginning of Ezra (1:1-3) with the conclusion of

                        2 Chronicles (36:22-23) shows that they are just the same.

                             It would appear that Ezra is a deliberate continuation of the history

                                  Chronicles begins to relate.

    There is evidence that whoever the author was, he used other historical records as

         he wrote the book.

              As a scribe, Ezra would have had access to the records and would have

                   known how to use them.

              The use of other sources would not discredit the divine authority of what is

                   recorded.

              God is able to direct the author as he investigates the historical sources in

                   such a way as to guarantee the veracity and value of the message He wishes

                   to communicate to His people.

    Date:

        Events:

              The events cover nearly the entire Old Testament period, from Adam up to

                   the restoration of Israel (1-9).

              The more detailed part of the story looks at the period from Saul (1051 B.C.)

                   until Cyrus' decree allowing the people to return to Israel and reconstruct

                   the temple (538 B.C.).

        Writing:

              No author lived through all this time to be able to tell the whole story as an

                   eye witness.

              The author looks back, to point out history's lessons to the people of Israel.

                   He must have done so near the end of this period.

                   It is most likely that he did it after his return to Jerusalem in 458.

                   He probably wrote between 450 and 425 B.C.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

    Although the book makes reference to the entire period of the Old Testament in its

         genealogies, the principal focus is on the Davidic dynasty over Judah (1011-586).

              It concludes with a summary concerning the captivity (606-536).

    The emphasis of the book is primarily thematic and theological.

         Therefore, its historical perspective is limited.

         It deals exclusively with the story of the house of David and Judah.

         The more complete story is found in the books of Samuel and Kings.

    Politically, the majority of the book reflects the conditions of the times of David

         and Solomon, when there was little foreign intervention and Israel controlled all

         the territory around them.

    2 Chronicles shows the growing influence of Mesopotamia in the area.

         The area was more and more affected by the potent nations to their north and

              east; first Syria, then Assyria, Babylon (Iraq) and finally, Persia (Iran).

    Concerning the politics of the closest region, the most notable influence at the

         beginning of the period was the reign of the Davidic dynasty over the united

         kingdom of Israel.

    The division of the kingdom after the reign of Solomon produced conflicts

         between the northern and southern kingdoms.

    When the northern kingdom of Israel was taken captive in 722 B.C., the Davidic

         dynasty went on in the south until 586 B.C.

              The political environment became very unstable because of the religious

                   instability of the covenant people with their God.

              The book traces the relationship between these two facts throughout their

                   history.

    The story concludes with the fall of Judah, provoked by its religious decadence.    

        The hope of future restoration is presented when Cyrus' decree that allowed

            them to return to the land and start over is proclaimed.

PURPOSE AND THEME

    THREE REASONS FOR WRITING

        1.    NEW START IN THE LAND: Exhortation to be faithful

                 Return to the promised land

                        The Jews who were still alive after Cyrus' decree, had just returned to the

                             land to rebuild it.

                                  The last time they had been in the land God had judged them and

                                       sent them into captivity because of their unfaithfulness.

                                  Now that they are returning to the promised land, the author wants

                                       to be sure the same thing doesn't happen again.

                        Therefore, he presents this history lesson as a warning and as a stimulus

                             to them.

                                  Their history shows how God controls pagan nations and the destiny

                                       of His people.

                                  Therefore, Israel can count on His faithfulness.

                        In Deut. 28-30, God told them exactly how He would deal with them.

                             If they would submit to His authority and obey the conditions of His

                                  covenant with them, He would bless them.

                             On the other hand, when they disobey and rebel against His authority,

                                  there would be cursing, discipline and destruction.

                             God wants them to learn from the experience of their forefathers and

                                  submit to Him so they might receive blessing.

                             His people had to learn to be faithful to Him.

        2.    DISCOURAGEMENT BECAUSE OF THEIR LOSS

                    LOSS OF THRONE: Encouragement because the heir is there

                    LOSS OF TEMPLE: Encouragement because God is giving them a new

                        start

                        When they came back to Jerusalem and observed the conditions which

                             existed there, they observed that two things were lacking:

                                  the throne and the temple.

                        They would have been discouraged when they focused on what they

                             were missing, their treasured historical treasures.

                        While observing the missing throne, the author tried to encourage them

                             by reminding them that David's heir was still present.

                                  God is protecting the royal line of David's house.

                                       He could restore the king to his throne whenever He's ready.

                                       He has been protecting him under the care of the Babylonian

                                            empire, and now, under the authority of Cyrus, His servant.

                        The second thing which was lacking was the temple.

                             The restoration temple would not be as large, nor as glorious as that of

                                  Solomon.

                                       When they looked at the difference between this temple and

                                            Solomon's, many mourned the loss.

                                                 They were discouraged.

                             They needed to recognize that the building itself was never the most

                                  important thing.

                                       Its prominent role in national life was what was important.

                                       Thus they could recognize the importance of the temple and of

                                            God's presence with His people for their national life and rejoice

                                            in what God had given them.

                        He is writing the book to encourage them.

                             God has cared for them and has brought them into the new land.

                             They have to recognize what God is doing for their welfare.

                             Therefore the author shows them what God has done for His people so

                                  that they might enjoy it and take advantage of the new beginning

                                  which God has given them in the land.

                        In order to encourage them and to help them realize what God has done

                             for them, he orients them regarding God's perspective concerning Israel's

                        history.

                        He makes no attempt to hide their faults; those are already too obvious

                             for those who are returning to the land.

                                  He traces the story of the house of David from God's point of view in

                                       order that they might learn how God acts with respect to His king.

                        The story's climax comes with the decree of Cyrus which produces the

                             hope that God's presence with them will be restored and David's

                             throne reestablished.

                                  This hope ought to encourage God's people to start again and to be

                                       faithful to their God.

         3.    NEGLECT OF THE TEMPLE:

                    Demonstration that their interest in the temple is a symptom of their

                        spiritual condition.

                    Lack of care for the temple

                        Throughout the book the central position the temple occupies in the

                             history of Israel is demonstrated.

                                  This emphasis is partially because the author is a priest.

                                  However, it is also because the interest in the temple and its

                                       activities is a symptom of the spiritual condition of the people,

                                       and their relationship with Yahweh who resides in the temple.

                        When he describes the aspects of David's reign that explain the greatness

                             of the king "after God's own heart," one of the most important elements

                             of that position was his attitude concerning the construction of the temple.

                                  In his last years as king he had a fervent desire to build a house for                                     his God.

                        He places a heavy emphasis on Solomon's reign as well, not because he

                             was totally dedicated to God, but rather because of his important role

                             in the building of the temple (2 Chron. 1-9).

                                  Even with all the emphasis on Solomon's glory, six of the nine

                                       chapters revolve around the temple.

                                  It can be readily observed that following the death of Solomon, the

                                       nation abandoned the temple and the worship of Yahweh.

                                  Then wars began to ruin the country.

                                                                                             1-9                                             10-36

                                                                          Exaltation of Solomon                     Degeneration of Judah

                                                                          Construction of the temple               Destruction of the temple

                                                                          Dedication of temple                        Desecration of the temple

                                                                          Solomon's reign                              Judah's ruin

                    The author of the Chronicles evaluates each king with relation to the temple,

                             the center of the spiritual power of the nation.

                                  In essence he ignores the northern kingdom because of its false

                                       religion and rejection of the temple in Jerusalem.

                                  He concentrates his attention on the south, especially on those kings

                                       who did what was right, either because of their interest in the

                                       temple or because of their spiritual reforms.

                                  When the people abandoned God, He took away their blessing.

                        The historical narrative ends with the edict to reconstruct the temple.

                             It was the representation of Yahweh's presence with them and served

                                  as a continual reminder of the privileged position they had before

                                  God.

                             Thus this final comment isn't just another interesting piece of historical

                                  information; it was a prophetic note of hope.

                             The Davidic line, the temple and the priesthood were still theirs. God

                                  has not abandoned His people.

    THREE PURPOSES:

         *    To exhort them to be faithful to Yahweh

        *    To encourage them to trust in Him

        *    To demonstrate the importance of reverence for the temple.

         God requires absolute loyalty and faithfulness from His people, and especially

              from His king. 85% won't do!

                   Throughout Israel's history, when the king has walked properly, the people

                        have followed him.

                   The kings were to blame for having led their people into unfaithfulness.

         The Chronicles present an interpretive account of the history of Israel.

              The basis of the evaluation is their faithfulness to Yahweh.

              When the king remains faithful, the people prosper; when the king leaves

                   God, seeks after other gods, or tries to imitate the world, God judges them.

         The readers, upon returning to the land and getting a new start, need to learn

              this important lesson from their history.

                   God demands faithfulness.

                   If they trust Him and obey His Word, they can be sure of enjoying God's

                        blessing.

ORGANIZATION

    1 Chronicles begins with nine chapters dedicated primarily to the most significant

         genealogies of Israel's history.

              By means of these genealogies, we can see the importance of the Levitical and

                   Davidic lines (1-9).

    The rest of the story revolves around those lines.

         When he comes to David's reign (10-29), the king God chose, the author points

              out the aspects of his reign that explain the greatness of the king after God's

              own heart: his relationship with the ark (13-16), with the covenant (17-20), and

              with the temple (21-29).

    2 Chronicles continues the story where 1 Chronicles finished.

         After demonstrating the glory which Solomon reached because of his interest in

              the construction of the temple (1-9), he traces the degeneration of Judah,

              referring to the few encouraging periods of reformation, as he went through

              the list of David's descendants, down to the last king of Judah who saw

              Jerusalem fall under his reign (10-36:14).

         The book ends with the demonstration of the rejection of the kings of Judah and

              the destruction of the city (36:15-21).

         However, he leaves them with a hope for the future as he mentions the decree to

              restore Judah (36:22-23).

                                                                     Genealogies of God's people   1-9

                                                                                            Reign of the king chosen by God   10-29

                                                                     Reign of Solomon   1-9

                                                                                           Reign of the other kings of Judah   10-36:14

                                                                                           Rejection of the kings of Judah   36:15-21

                                                                                           Restoration of Judah decreed   36:22-23

GENEALOGIES OF GOD'S PEOPLE   1-9

    Chronicles begins with a genealogical presentation of Israel's history from Adam

         all the way to the period of the restoration.

    The purposes of the author are revealed by the families that receive the emphasis

         in the list.

    ANCESTRY OF GOD'S KING   1-3

        From Adam to Abraham   1:1-27

              The list moves rapidly through those who are responsible for the establishing

                   of the nations until it gets to Abraham (1:1-27).

              More emphasis is placed on Abraham's line than on that of the others.

              However, the sons of Abraham in general are presented briefly in order to get

                   to the family of Israel, better known as Jacob, who is the specific source of

                   the nation Israel (1:28-54).

        From Abraham to Israel   1:28-54

              Apparently the new name God gave him is used here to call attention to the

                   importance of Israel in this picture.

        From Israel to David   2

              Of all the children of Israel, the family of Judah is chosen to receive special

                   attention.

              At the conclusion of the presentation of Judah's family, the way is prepared to

                   consider the most prominent son of that family, David, the one chosen by

                   God to serve as king over His people.

              Throughout the rest of the book, the state of the nation rests in the hands of his

                   descendants.

        From David to the Captivity   3

              After presenting David's ancestors, the author pays closer attention to his

                   descendants.

              He is most interested in three aspects of David's lineage:

                   First, he introduces all the children of David (3:1-9);

                   Then, he traces the line of those descendants who ruled over Judah

                        (3:10-16).

                   Finally he presents the descendants of Jeconiah, better known as Jehoiachin,

                        who the author considered to be the legitimate heirs to the throne.

              He apparently presents them to demonstrate that even during the captivity

                   period there was always a legitimate heir with the right to claim the throne

                   of David.

              The divine promise to preserve the Davidic throne is sure (3:17-24).

    ANCESTRY OF GOD'S PEOPLE   4-7

         Next, he presents a summary of the genealogies of the 12 tribes.

         The preeminence of the tribe of Judah is again seen by its inclusion at the first of

              the list.

         It is possible that these lists were included so that those who have come back

              from captivity could identify their origin more easily, in order to demonstrate

            their right to an inheritance in the land.

                   Judah   4:1-23

                   Simeon   4:24-43

                   Reuben   5:1-10

                   Gad   5:11-22

                   Manasseh (E)   5:23-26

                   Levi   6

                   Issachar   7:1-5

                   Benjamin   7:6-12

                   Nephthali   7:13

                   Manasseh (W)   7:14-19

                   Ephraim   7:20-29

                   Asher   7:30-40

         The author's special interest in the priesthood can be seen by the emphasis he

              gives to the genealogy of Levi (6:1-81).

         He points specifically to the line of Aaron (6:1-15) and the functions assigned to

              each of the Levitical families.

    ANCESTRY OF BENJAMIN EXPANDED AROUND SAUL   8:1-40

        Line of the king chosen by the people   8

              As he concludes the genealogies of the twelve tribes, the author describes

                   more slowly the line of Benjamin, perhaps because of his identification with

                   Judah in the southern kingdom and because they were the only tribe not to

                leave the authority of the Davidic throne which God had established.

              It is probable that special attention was given to Benjamin also because of

                   their special relationship with Saul, the first king of Israel.

              The enlarged treatment given to Saul's family in the midst of the presentation

                   of Benjamin's line shows the recognition given to him as the first king of

                   Israel.

              It appears to be an attempt to identify his family so as not to forget about him

                   and his role in their history.

              After all, even with all his faults, Saul had been the one to establish the throne

                   over the nation.

              If he had remained faithful to Yahweh, God would have confirmed his throne

                   over Israel.

              However, in as much as God knew from the beginning what would happen,

                   He chose Judah to be the source from whom His chosen king would come

                   (Gen. 49:8-10).

    RESTORATION OF GOD'S PEOPLE IN JERUSALEM   9:1-34

         As he concluded the genealogical records, the first families to return from

              captivity were identified.

         The majority were from Judah, Benjamin, and Levi, which is logical since the

              majority of those who returned came from Babylonia.

         They were from the captivity resulting from the fall of Jerusalem where these

              tribes were the main ones that resided there.

         Also, the presence of these tribes upholds the author's thesis that they were the

              main ones responsible for the spiritual state of Israel.

                   If they walked faithfully with God, the rest would follow them.

                   In the same way, when they wandered away from Him, the people would

                        follow them in their sin.

         Even so, the other tribes do have some representatives there.

         Although there aren't many details about the ministry of the religious leaders of

              the people there, the author wants to make it clear that they worked hard to

              fulfill their responsibilities faithfully.

         He notes that the priests were effective in the work of the ministry in God's

              house (9:13).

         There were enough men to carry out adequately the ministries of service in the

              temple that God had assigned to them.

    ANCESTRY OF SAUL REVIEWED   9:35-44

         In order to understand the history of David's reign and of his descendants, it is

              necessary to begin with the final days of the reign of Saul, the first king of

              Israel.

         Therefore, the transition from the genealogies to the history of the book is

              introduced by a partial presentation of the genealogy of Saul's family.

    Three lessons for us from the genealogies of Chronicles:

        1.    God blesses those who call on Him   (4:9-10; 5:18-22)

         2.    God disciplines those who turn from Him   (5:24-26; 9:1)

        3.    God requires total commitment

    How should this study affect our lives?

    What does God want me to do?

    Have you received a new start?

    Are you looking back on the discouraging results of a ruined life?

    Afraid things will never be the same?

         He will give us a new start

         He will be with us

            BUT--HE WANTS OUR TOTAL COMMITMENT--

THE RULER OF GOD'S PEOPLE   10-29

    DAVID'S PREDECESSOR   10

              Saul is presented as the first king of Israel, and as the one whose fall brought

                   about the establishment of the Davidic dynasty.

              Thus the history of the ruler of God's people begins with Saul, David's

                   predecessor.

        Death of Saul   1-7

        Display of Saul   8-10

        Burial of Saul   11-12

        Causes of Saul's death   13-14

    DAVID'S ANOINTING   11-12

        His accession   11:1-3

              After Saul's death, the people's support for David as their king is described.

        His capital   11:4-9

              After the people rallied to David, He went up and conquered Jerusalem in

                   order to establish it as his capital.

        His mighty men   11:10-12:40

    DAVID'S REIGN   13-29:21   Three focal points:

        The ark   13-16

                    After taking control of the nation and establishing a new national capital,

                       David's concern turned toward the proper worship of God.

                   They needed the ark in order to worship Him.

                        David brought it back.

                        They celebrated its return.

              Zeal for the ark   13:1-8

              Fear of the ark   13:9-14

              Fame and victory   14

              Journey of the ark   15

              Celebration over the ark   16

    
        The covenant   17-20

                   Having established the ark in Jerusalem, David observed his own elaborate

                        mansion in comparison to God's tent.

                   The desire was awakened in David to build a permanent house for Yahweh.

              Davidic desire to build temple   17:1-2

              Davidic covenant established   17:3-15

              Davidic response in worship   17:16-27

              Davidic victory in battle   18-20

        The temple   21-29:21

              David's tragedy converted to temple site   21-22:1

                   At about that time, Satan tempted David to want to know just how powerful

                        his forces were.

                   God had wanted David to trust Him, not the strength of his armies

                        numbers.

              David's preparation for temple building   22:2-23:1

                   Provision of materials   22:2-5

                   Instruction for Solomon   22:6-16

                   Commission for leadership   22:17-23:1

              David's organization for temple service   23:2-26:32

              David's organization for civil service   27

              David's final instructions for temple building   28-29:21

                   Finally, previous to His death, David calls together an assembly of the

                        people to challenge them with the importance of the temple construction

                        project.

                             He presents his own offering as an example   29:1-5

                             The leaders of the nation likewise contribute generously   29:6-9

                             All the people noticed their dedication to God and rejoiced at it.

    DAVID'S DEATH   29:22-30

         1 Chronicles concludes with Solomon's coronation ceremony.   29:22-25

               The people pledged to follow his leadership and God greatly exalted him as

                    king over all Israel.

         David's death is described and his reign summarized. He had served as God's

              king and God had prospered his reign.   29:26-30

        Future kings would be evaluated on the basis of David's faithful example of

            submission to God's authority over His kingdom.

THE REIGN OF SOLOMON   2 Chronicles 1-9

    Solomon's reign began well.

    Having seen his father's relationship with God and having heard his challenge,

         Solomon determined to follow God.

    Therefore, God established his reign and made him great.

    His priorities as he began his rule are described.

    SOLOMON'S WISDOM   1:1-17

        His greatness   1:1

        His offering   1:2-6

              Although David had moved the ark to Jerusalem, its official house, the

                   tabernacle was still in Gibeon.

                        Solomon wanted to offer burnt offerings to the Lord and determined to

                             do it on the altar God had established, that of the tabernacle.

              God blessed Solomon for his clear profession of submission to God,

                   demonstrated in this way before the entire nation.

        His request   1:7-10

              Because of Solomon's submission and obedience, God offers him the chance

                   to make any request he wants.

              He asks for wisdom to rule God's people wisely. He could have made no

                   better choice.

        His answer   1:11-12

        His wealth   1:13-17

    SOLOMON'S TEMPLE   2-7

              Solomon's greatness is further enhanced because of the priority he placed on

                   the building of the temple as the place where God's people might gather to

                   worship Him.

        Preparation for the temple   2

        Building of the temple   3-4

        Dedication of the temple   5-7

              Preparation for dedication   5

              Solomon's dedication   6

              God's response   7

    SOLOMON'S FAME AND GLORY   8-9:28

              Because Solomon accepted God's priorities as his priorities, God blessed him

                   materially.

              In spite of his weaknesses, Solomon's reign is viewed as a positive addition to

                   the history of God's people.

              He sought to demonstrate true wisdom and to promote the worship of

                   Yahweh.

              Therefore, the kingdom grew and material resources were accumulated.

              After 40 years as king, Solomon died.

                   Never again would the kingdom return to the glory and wealth it enjoyed

                        during his reign, until Messiah comes to establish His kingdom.

        Cities built   8:1-6

        Slave labor conscripted   8:7-10

        Palace for Pharoah's daughter   8:11

        Temple service assigned   8:12-16

        Ships to transport gold   8:17-18

        Visit by queen of Sheba   9:1-12

        Wealth accumulated   9:13-28

    SOLOMON'S DEATH   9:29-31

THE REIGNS OF THE KINGS OF JUDAH   10-36:14

    Although some of the tensions which developed during Solomon's reign surface in

         the narrative after his death, they are not mentioned previously.

    The author wants to concentrate on his positive contribution to the kingdom and

         especially his leadership in building the temple and worshiping Yahweh.

    TWO EVIL KINGS   10-14:1

        Evil reign of Rehoboam   10-12

                When Solomon's son Rehoboam comes to the throne a new tone is begun.

                   His reign was considered evil in Yahweh's sight, and therefore, his

                        weaknesses are demonstrated.

              Revolt of the northern tribes   10:1-11:4

              Consolidation of southern tribes   11:5-23

              Attack from Egypt   12

                   In spite of God's help in the establishment and consolidation of his    

                    kingdom, once Rehoboam became strong, he became proud and forgot

                    about God.

                   The Lord used Shishak, king of Egypt to restore him and bring revival.

                   In spite of Rehoboam's restoration, the overall effect of his reign was

                        negative because he didn't make following the Lord a priority.

        Evil reign of Abijah   13-14:1

              The failures of his father Rehoboam continued during the evil reign of Abijah

                   as well.

              Nevertheless the author chooses not to dwell on those failures.

              He remembers the reign only for the conflict with Jeroboam.

                   The conflict occurs early in Abijah's reign when he's still faithful to Yahweh.

                   Jeroboam wants to conquer Judah.

                        He was not obeying God.

                   Abijah opposes Jeroboam and defeats him.

                   Jeroboam never recovers his strength.

              Abijah's example demonstrates again the importance of trust in and

                   faithfulness to Yahweh.

    TWO GOOD KINGS   14:2-20:37

        Good reign of Asa   14:2-16:14

                   When Asa became king, he immediately began to reform the degenerate

                        condition in Judah.

              Obedience to Yahweh   14:2-7

              Victory over Cushites   14:8-15

              Response to Azariah's prophecy   15

              Treaty with Ben-Hadad   16

                   Near the end of his reign, Asa was confronted by Baasha, king of Israel.

                        Rather than trust God to give him victory as he had earlier, Asa used the

                             temple and royal treasuries to buy a treaty with Ben-Hadad, king of

                             Aram.

                         God's prophet, Hanani, rebuked Asa for his lack of faith and promised

                             that wars would continue throughout his reign,

                         Rather than repent, Asa became angry with the prophet and threw him in

                              jail, oppressing some of the other people of his nation also.

                         As a result of his rebellion, God sent severe illness.

                         Rather than send for help from God's servants, he continued to be angry

                              until his eventual death.

                 Asa's life story demonstrates the main point of the book:

                    While he submits to God and places a high priority on the temple and

                        worship, he is blessed.

                    When he depends on the ways of the other nations and turns from God,

                        his kingdom and personal life suffer.

                    Nevertheless, the total impact of his reign is considered good.

        Good reign of Jehoshaphat   17-20

                   Jehoshaphat also contributed to the spiritual edification of the nation as a

                        good king.

              Obedience to Yahweh   17:1-6

              Sending of teachers   17:7-10

              Power of armies   17:11-19

              Alliance with Ahab   18-19:3

                   In spite of a bad alliance that almost cost him his life, the overall impact of

                        Jehoshaphat's rule was positive for God's people.

              Appointment of judges   19:4-11

              Victory over Moabites and Ammonites   20:1-30

              Summary of reign   20:31-34

              Alliance with Ahaziah   20:35-37

                   Like his father, Jehoshaphat never learned to avoid alliances with the

                        wicked descendants of Ahab.

                One of the side effects of his alliances was the marital alliance between his

                    son, Jehoram, and the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel.

    THREE EVIL KINGS   21-23:15

        Evil reign of Jehoram   21:1-20

              The results of the family relationship are seen in his reign.

              Jehoram abandoned his loyalty to Yahweh and served the pagan gods Israel

                   accepted.

              He had his brothers killed so there would be no competitors for the throne.

              Because of his evil reign, Elijah wrote to predict his death by an incurable

                   violent disease, which God brought on him.

              The nation was also weakened.

              When he died, no one cried over the loss.

        Evil reign of Ahaziah   22:1-9

              Ahaziah continues in the same path as his father.

              His mother was his chief adviser and assured that he would remain faithful to

                   the ways of his grandparents, Ahab and Jezebel.

              His alliance with Israel caused him to visit Joram when he was recuperating

                   from battle wounds.

              While he was there, Jehu came to execute God's judgment against the house of

                   Ahab.

              Ahaziah was killed along with the others.

        Evil reign of Athaliah   22:10-23:15

              At the death of Ahaziah, there were no heirs to the throne who were strong

                enough to take control of the nation.

              Therefore, his mother decided to usurp the throne.

              She is totally rejected by the author of the book because she is Ahab's

                   daughter, unfaithful to Yahweh, and not a descendant of David.

              Athaliah set out to eliminate any competition by killing all members of the

                   royal house.

              Jehosheba, a daughter of Jehoram, married to the high priest Jehoiada, hid

                   Joash in the temple.

              After seven years, Jehoiada led the temple guard in an attempt to overthrow

                   Athaliah and establish Joash as king.

              The attempt is successful and a good king finally takes over to remove the

                   contamination caused by Ahab in the southern kingdom.

    FOUR GOOD KINGS   23:16-27:9

              Three of the four have bad periods in their reign, but the overall effect of their

                   reign is considered good for God's people.

        Good reign of Joash   23:16-24:27

              His reforms and restoration of temple   23:16-24:16

                   While Joash was under the guidance of Jehoiada, all went well.

              His failure and fall   24:17-27

                   Once the counsel of Jehoiada was gone, Joash left his loyalty to Yahweh.

                   God sent prophets to warn him but he wouldn't listen.

                   The climax came when Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, come to warn him

                        and is stoned to death in the temple courtyard.

                   God then intervenes against Joash.

                        He sends a small Aramean army to defeat a much larger army from

                             Judah.

                        The Arameans leave Joash wounded and his own officers conspire to

                             finish the job.

                   Once again God demonstrates His control over history.

                   He will judge severely those who turn from Him.

        Good reign of Amaziah   25

                   Although Amaziah's reign is characterized as a good reign, note is taken of

                        the instability of his commitment to God.

              Revenge for father's death   25:1-4

              Organization of military   25:5-10

              Victory over Seir   25:11-13

              Worship of the gods of Seir   25:14-16

                   Victory in battle produces failure in his relationship to God.

                   Amaziah gathers the spoils of battle, brings back the gods of Seir and

                        worships them.

                   When God's prophet rebukes him, the king rejects his message.

                   The prophet then predicts his destruction.

              Destruction by northern kingdom   25:17-28

                   The destruction comes when he decides to attack Israel.

                        Their king tries to warn him.

                        Amaziah refuses all counsel and attacks Israel.

                        As a result God causes his defeat.

                             Some of his own men conspire to kill him.

                             When he escapes to Lachish, they go after him and kill him there.

                   Another sad story of a king who began well demonstrates the danger of

                        turning from God.

        Good reign of Uzziah   26

                   The lesson is repeated in the case of Uzziah.

                   He began well, seeking the Lord and obeying His Word.

                   His success in battle produces pride, which causes his downfall.

                   Uzziah presumptuously entered the temple to offer incense on the altar.

                        When confronted by priests, rather than repent, Uzziah gets angry.

                        As a result, God afflicts him with leprosy.

                        He had to spend the rest of his reign separated from his people and from

                             the temple of his God.

                        His son ruled in his place.

              Obedience to Yahweh   1-5

              Power and prosperity   6-15

              Failure from pride   26:16-23

        Good reign of Jotham   27

            Jotham learned from his father's experience.

              Although his ability to transform the practice of the people was ineffective, he

                   was personally right before God and sought to please Him throughout his

                   reign.

              Jotham was a successful king and God strengthened him.

    EVIL REIGN OF AHAZ   28

         In spite of the example of a father who was strengthened by following God,

              Ahaz rejected that way and sought to imitate the pagan ways of the

              neighboring nations.

         As a result his reign was a tragic story of degeneration and destruction.

    GOOD REIGN OF HEZEKIAH   29-32

              Having seen his father's example, Hezekiah determined that his rule would

                   be different.

              He wanted to follow God.

              He brought reforms at a crucial time in the history of Judah, which resulted in

                   their salvation from destruction.

        Purification and dedication of temple   29

        Celebration of the Passover   30

        Destruction of pagan worship centers   31:1

        Contributions for the priestly ministry   31:2-21

        Invasion by Sennacherib   32:1-23

        Restoration from illness   32:24

        Pride from prosperity   32:25-33

    TWO EVIL KINGS   33

        Evil reign of Manasseh   33:1-20

                   Although his father had been faithful to God, Manasseh chose a different

                        path.

                             He welcomed all the heathen religious customs of the other nations

                                  around them.

                             When God tried to correct them, they ignored him.

                             Therefore, He sent the Assyrians.

                   From captivity, Manasseh called on the Lord and was restored.

                   Although there was repentance and restoration at the end of his reign, his

                        negative influence on the nation weakened much of what Hezekiah had

                        accomplished.

              Imitation of pagan religions   33:1-9

              Invasion by Assyria   33:10-11

              Repentance and restoration   33:12-20

        Evil reign of Amon   33:21-25

              Manasseh's negative influence is noted in the reign of his son, Amon.

              Amon ignored the lessons his father learned late in life and returned to the

                   idolatry which his father had removed at the end.

              His reign was worse than his father's and he never did repent.

    GOOD REIGN OF JOSIAH   34-35

              Josiah learned from his father's tragic end.

              He led the nation in its final reform prior to the captivity.

        His reforms   34:1-7

        His repair of the temple   34:8-13

        His reading of the law   34:14-30

        His reconfirmation of the covenant   34:31-33

        His celebration of the Passover   35:1-19

        His death   35:20-27

              After Josiah's death, the degeneration of Judah proceeded at a rapid pace.

    FINAL FOUR EVIL KINGS   36:1-14

        Evil reign of Jehoahaz   36:1-4

        Evil reign of Jehoiakim   36:5-8

        Evil reign of Jehoiachin   36:9-10

              He was the surviving king in Babylon and considered the legitimate heir to                     the throne of Judah.

        Evil reign of Zedekiah   36:11-14

THE REJECTION OF THE KINGS OF JUDAH 36:15-21

    The story concludes with some divine interpretative commentary on the last few

        chapters of Israel's history.

    The cause for Judah's downfall was their sin and rebellion.

    God sent warnings to them over and over again, but they refused to listen.

    DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM   36:15-19

         When there was no other remedy, God sent the Babylonians to destroy them.

    CAPTIVITY IN BABYLONIA   36:20

         It should not be assumed that God is finished with Judah and has no future for

              them.

         He sent a remnant into exile in Babylon.

    SEVENTY YEARS OF REST   36:21

         God's land would receive seventy years rest to make up for the sabbath rests

              which He had commanded but the people never observed.

         After the seventy years are over, God will again act in favor of His people.

THE RESTORATION OF JUDAH DECREED   36:22-23

    The author, writing after the return of many from captivity to Judah, wants them to

         be excited about what God is doing.

              The decree of Cyrus was part of God's plan to restore the people.

              That was a big first step.

    God's action to restore them to the land is an indication that He will finish the

         process.

    GOD'S CALL TO CYRUS   36:22

    CYRUS' DECREE   36:23

         They may not see the king on throne now, but he will come in the future.

         Their responsibility is to rebuild.

         They need to prepare the land, and even more important, they need to prepare

            their own lives for His kingdom to become a reality.

                God wants a prepared people.

                His restoration program has begun.

                They had better get ready.

God is going to do some great things for His people,

        if they will be faithful to Him!

              85% won't do!

              God is calling for total commitment!

                            "The eyes of the Lord roam too and fro across the land,

                        Looking for people who are totally committed to following Him!"

WHAT LESSONS SHOULD WE LEARN FROM THIS BOOK?