V. THE BOOKS OF CHRONICLES.

20.  These books, which originally constituted a single work, are called by the Hebrews:  Words of the Days; that is, History of the Events of the Times, or Chronicles, as they were first called by Jerome.  The Greek name Paraleipomena, things omitted, has its ground in the false supposition that they were designed to be supplementary to the books of Kings, whereas they constitute an independent work having its own plan and end.  The author of the books of Kings doubtless looked forward to the future restoration of his nation; but the time for that joyous event was yet distant, and he could have no immediate reference to the wants of the returning exiles.  His aim was simply to set forth the course of events under the Theocracy from Solomon to the captivity as an illustration of God’s faithfulness in the fulfilment of both his promises and his threatenings.  But the author of the books of Chronicles wrote, as all agree, during the process of the restoration.  In addition to the common aim of all the historical writers, he had a particular object in view, which was to furnish the restored captives with such information as would be especially interesting and important to them, engaged as they were in the reestablishment of the commonwealth.  Hence we may naturally explain the peculiarities of these books as compared with the books of Kings.

(1.) The writer gives particular attention to the matter of genealogy.  The first nine chapters are occupied with genealogical tables interspersed with short historical notices, which the author took, for the most part at least, from documents that have long since perished.  To the returning exiles the lineage of their ancestors must have been a matter of general interest.  A knowledge of the descent of the families of the different tribes would greatly facilitate the people in regaining their former inheritances.  To the priests and Levites, especially, it was of the highest importance that they should be able to show their lineage, since upon this depended their right to minister in holy things.  Ezra 2:61-63.

(2.) The books of Chronicles are very full on all that pertains to the temple service.  The writer devotes, for example, eight chapters to an account of David’s preparations for the erection of the temple, and of his elaborate arrangements for all the different parts of the service pertaining to the sanctuary. 1 Chron. chaps. 22-29.  He gives a particular description of the solemn covenant made by the people with Jehovah under Asa’s direction, 2 Chron. 15:1-15; of the reformatory labors and faith of Jehoshaphat, 2 Chron. 19, 20; of Hezekiah, 2 Chron. chaps. 29-31; and he adds to the account of Josiah’s efforts against the idolatrous practices of his day, a notice of his solemn observance of the passover, 2 Chron. 35:1-19.