Bible Academy Start free trial

History · Old Testament · 36 chapters

The book of 2 Chronicles

The temple, the kings of Judah, and the hope of return

Author
Ezra, according to Jewish tradition (the “Chronicler”)
Written
After the return from exile, probably around 450–400 BC
Time covered
About 430 years, from the start of Solomon’s reign (around 970 BC) to the edict of Cyrus (538 BC)
Key word
Seeking God

Solomon asks for wisdom and builds the temple on Mount Moriah; at the dedication, the cloud and then fire from heaven display God’s glory, and he promises to heal the land if his people humble themselves. After the split, the book follows only the kings of Judah. Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah and Josiah seek God and experience revivals and deliverances; others, like Joash, Uzziah or Ahaz, go astray or end badly. Even the wicked Manasseh is forgiven when he humbles himself. But the people despise the prophets, and Jerusalem is destroyed. The book ends with the edict of Cyrus, which allows the return.

Main theme

The history of Judah reveals a constant spiritual law: when the king and the people seek the LORD, they are blessed; when they forsake him, they are forsaken. Yet God forgives anyone who humbles himself, and he keeps the door of return open.

Outline

  1. 2 Chronicles 1-9 — Solomon and the temple

    Solomon’s wisdom, the building and dedication of the temple, and the glory of his reign.

  2. 2 Chronicles 10-20 — The first kings of Judah

    The split of the kingdom, then Rehoboam, Abijah, Asa and Jehoshaphat, torn between faithfulness and compromise.

  3. 2 Chronicles 21-28 — The decline, from Jehoram to Ahaz

    Athaliah, Joash, Amaziah, Uzziah, Jotham and Ahaz: greatness, pride and idolatry.

  4. 2 Chronicles 29-32 — Revival under Hezekiah

    The temple cleansed, the great Passover and the deliverance from Sennacherib.

  5. 2 Chronicles 33-36 — From Manasseh to the return

    Manasseh’s repentance, Josiah’s reform, the fall of Jerusalem and the edict of Cyrus.

Key points

  • Solomon asks God for wisdom to lead his people; God also gives him riches and honor (1:10-12).
  • While the people praise, the cloud fills the temple; after Solomon’s prayer, fire comes down from heaven (5:13-14; 7:1).
  • God promises to hear, forgive and heal the land if his people humble themselves, pray and seek his face (7:14).
  • The principle of the book: “if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you” (15:2).
  • Jehoshaphat, powerless before his enemies, turns his eyes to God, and victory comes during the praise (20:12, 21-22).
  • Joash, Uzziah and Asa start well but end badly: faithfulness has to last to the very end (16:12; 24:17-22; 26:16).
  • Even Manasseh, the most wicked of kings, is forgiven when he humbles himself (33:12-13).
  • Jerusalem falls for despising the prophets, yet the book closes with the edict of Cyrus (36:16, 22-23).
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14 — God’s great promise to a people who humble themselves and seek his face: pardon and healing.
And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.
2 Chronicles 15:2 — The principle that sums up the whole book: God lets himself be found by those who seek him.
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
2 Chronicles 16:9 — God searches the whole earth for hearts fully devoted to him, in order to strengthen them.

Jesus in 2 Chronicles

The glory that fills Solomon’s temple (5:14; 7:1) was fully revealed in Jesus, the Word made flesh who “dwelt among us” and whose glory we have beheld (John 1:14). The line of David, which the Chronicler follows from king to king despite their unfaithfulness, leads to Christ, the faithful King. And the final call to “go up” and rebuild the house of God (36:23) finds its fulfillment in him, the true temple and the builder of his Church.

Did you know?

  • In the Hebrew Bible, Chronicles is the last book: it ends with the edict of Cyrus and its closing invitation, “let him go up!” (36:23).
  • Manasseh’s repentance is recorded only in Chronicles; 2 Kings does not mention it (33:12-13).
  • King Jehoram receives a letter from the prophet Elijah: it is the only written message from Elijah mentioned in the Bible (21:12).

Quiz on 2 Chronicles

What happens when Solomon finishes his prayer of dedication?

According to God’s answer to Solomon, what must his people do for him to heal their land?

Which king of Persia allows the Jews to go up and rebuild the house of God?

There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.