The two historical 'Books of Chronicles' of the Old Testament which may characterized as "Books of Hope." In broad selective strokes, these books trace the history of the nation of Israel [ Jacob ] from Adam to the 'Captivity and Restoration.' Almost all of this material is a repetition of that found in the books of '1 and 2 Samuel' and '1 and 2 Kings.'

The author/writer of 1 and 2 Chronicles apparently wrote his history to encourage the exiles who had returned to Jerusalem after more than 50 years of captivity in Babylon. In fact, this selective history reminded them of Israel's glorious days from the past and gave them 'Hope' for the future as they pondered God's promises to "His Covenant People."

The Books Of 1 and 2 Chronicles were written originally as one unbroken book. In later translations of the Sacred Scripture/Holy Bible, however, this ling narrative was divided into two shorter books. Each of these books falls naturally into two major divisions.

For instance, the nine chapters of 1 Chronicles contain long genealogies, or family histories, that are composed of information from the earliest historical books of the Sacred Scripture/Holy Bible. These genealogies take every reader from the descendants of Adam up through the ancestors of king David.

Apparently, special attention is given to the families of ordained priests and Levites. - chapter 6; 9:1-34 - Israel's first king Saul's family, and particularly to the family of David. - chapter 2 to 3 - The second major section of the book ( chapters 10 to 29 ) focuses on the reign of king David. This long account begin with the death of Saul - chapter 10 - omitting the historical facts that preceded this event. Saul's death is reported to establish the fact that he was unqualified for office and that David was God's choice for this responsibility.

Saul died because he had shown himself unfaithful to Yahweh: he had not kept the word of Yahweh; he had even questioned and consulted a necromancer. He had not consulted Yahweh, who therefore put him to death and transferred the monarch to David son of Jesse. - 1 Chr. 10:13-14 -

The account of David's reign is presented in a positive light, with all the details about David's great sin omitted. First Chronicles also lists the names of all those associated with him as mighty men - chapters 11 to 12 - and records his great victories. - chapters 14, 18 to 20 - This section of the book also lists the names of the Levites, priests, and musicians in David's administration - chapters 23 to 26 - as well as other state officials. - chapter 27 - King David's work is included, in establishing Jerusalem as his capital city and as the center of worship. - 11:4-9, chapters 13,15,16,22,28,29 -

The Book Of 2 Chronicles also contains two major sections. Chapters 1 to 9 focus on the rule of king Solomon, whose greatest accomplishment was the building of the 'Temple' in Jerusalem and included is correspondence between Solomon and Hiram, king of Tyre, about building materials - chapter 2 - as well as a full account of the dedication service when the Temple was completed. - chapters 5 to 7 -

The second major section chapters 10 to 36 is a highly selective account of the kings of Judah - from Rehoboam - chapters 10 to 12 - until the time of the 'Captivity' - chapter 36 - Kings given prominence in this narrative include Abijah - chapter 13 - Asa - chapters 14 to 16 - Jehoshaphat - chapters 17 to 20 - Joash - chapters 23 to 24 - Amaziah - chapter 25 - Uzziah or Azariah - chapter 26 - Hezekiah - chapters 29 to 32 - and Josiah - chapters 34 to 35 - The book ends with the proclamation of king Cyrus of Persia allowing the return of the Jews to rebuild their Temple in Jerusalem. - 36:22-23 -

On particularly interesting fact about the Book Of 2 Chronicles is that it comprises little information about the kings of the northern kingdom, Israel. And the facts which it gives about the kings of Judah are mostly positive. This indicates the author/writer was interested in tracing the line of David and showing that Judah was the nation which remained faithful to the 'Covenant' between God and His people. This fact would have been encouraging to the exiles who returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. They felt they were continuing the forms and traditions which set them apart as the true worshipers of God and gave them a sense of identity as "God's Covenant People."

The author/writer of the Books Of 1 and 2 Chronicles is unknown, although Ezra, the priest and scribe seems the most likely possibility. As in 1 and 2 Chronicles, the Book Of Ezra and Nehemiah were written originally as one unbroken book in the Hebrew language. And the last two verses of 2 Chronicles are repeated in the first three verses of the Book Of Ezra, probably indicating they went together in the original version.

The Books Of 1 and 2 Chronicles cover several centuries of the history of 'God's Covenant People' from the founders of the nation until the end of their captivity in Babylon and Persia about 538 B.C. But the books were written with a specific purpose in mind - to give 'comfort and hope' to those who returned to Jerusalem.

The Books Of 1 and 2 Chronicles tie the entire sweep of the Old Testament together into one great affirmation of hope. These books should not only be read as histories, but for their insights into how God has kept faith with His Covenant People across the centuries. By selecting events that show how God has kept His promises, the author/writer presents a beautiful doctrine of hope that begins with Adam - 1 Chr. 1:1 - and stretches to the end of the Captivity of God's people thousands of years later - 2 Chr. 36:22-23 -

The clear implication for Christians today is that He is still a God of hope whose ultimate purpose will prevail in the world and in lives of His people.

How rich are the depths of God - how deep his wisdom and knowledge - and how impossible to penetrate his motives or understand his methods! Who could ever know the mind of the Lord? Who could ever be his counsellor? Who could ever give him anything or lend him anything? All that exists comes from him; all is by him and for him. To him be glory for ever! Amen. - Rom. 11:33-36 -

                                                                Page 1
Faith . Hope . Love - Welcome donation. Thank You. God bless. 

By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -