REASONS FOR 1st CHRONICLES Fifty thousand Israelites returned to Jerusalem and Judea from Babylon after spending 70 years there as captives. Most, if not all, of those who had been taken away would have died, and those who returned would have been their grandchildren or great-grandchildren. All they had to guide them in nation-building were stories passed down from the elders, so it was likely Ezra, the scribe/priest, who wrote the chronicles. The Holy Spirit came upon him to write what was necessary for their instruction and planning. Ezra wrote Chronicles for the remnant who would have wondered if God was still interested in them. He had been in Babylon and returned with that first group and could pass on to them what the Spirit had told him. That is the two books of Chronicles, which were originally one book. Their chronological place in the history of the Jews would be the last place in the Old Testament. Zechariah and Malachi would have been prophets at that time, and Nehemiah took a leading role when he came several years later. The writer or writers of the Kings lived before and during the exile to Babylon. He knew the people were discouraged and disappointed with themselves, their lives, and their captivity, but he wanted them to know that God had not forgotten His people and promises. To impress this on them, he wrote 1st Chronicles, which mainly relates to the time of David's reign when Israel was a united nation and a power to be reckoned with in the Middle East. "Is God still interested in us even though we have failed to obey Him? Is our relationship with God still intact?" How wonderful it is to be able to read the books of the New Testament and be assured of God's ongoing care and concern for His people, and how, despite failure, we can return to live effectively for Him and walk in fellowship with Him.
That is why 1st Chronicles begins with lists of names. There is an order in the lists and reasons for them. Ch. 1. Their original ancestry: Adam to Abraham. These were people of faith and failure. Ch. 2. Israel’s (Jacob) sons: Despite the reputation of the sons of Jacob, God still keeps His promises Ch. 3. David’s sons: Positives and negatives starting from where the exiles were and going backwards Ch. 4. Family history: Focusing mainly on the tribe of Judah, from which David came Ch. 5. Family history: Good start, bad end. Reuben, Gad Ch. 6. Family history: Service of God – the Levites assigned specific roles to fill for God Ch. 7. Family history: Personality differences and their effects Ch. 8. Family history: A second look into their past. Ch. 9. Family history: Very able men Ch. 10. The end of the beginning: The reign of David begins. Ch. 11. David and his mighty men: Consider your heritage Ch. 12. Diversity and unity: The value of the variety of gifts Ch. 13. Doing the right thing in the wrong way: Sincerity doesn’t excuse carelessness Ch. 14. The Lord confirms a new work: The work is good, but opposition remains Ch. 15. Consecrated service: Learn what is right and then do it Ch. 16. What should we say when people ask: Give all praise and glory to God Ch. 17. Holy conversation: Prayer is a conversation with God. Reverence and respect are essential Ch. 18. The Lord gives victory: Do what is right and just, and trust God for the outcome Ch. 19. Wrong advice: Human opinions and God’s will differ. Ch. 20. Victory and failure: He always wins who sides with God Ch. 21. The sword of the Lord: Temptation often follows victory; get advice from God before action Ch. 22. Don’t quit because you are old: We are not finished until God says so Ch. 23. Orderly transition: When change is necessary, make everything plain to the people involved Ch. 24. Teamwork: There is plenty of work for everyone; not everyone does the same thing Ch. 25. Making music: There is great value in unified singing in which each edifies themselves and others Ch. 26. Delegated duties: Fill your designated role and serve with gladness and all your might. Ch. 27. Order and administration: Fellowship in service is by choice, vision, and wisdom Ch. 28. The Great Gathering: There is great value in conferences and meeting people from different places Ch. 29. Supplication, prayers, intercession, and giving thanks: Live by faith, give God glory, pray when sad, sing when happy