2 Chronicles

About 2 Chronicles

2 Chronicles follows the kings of Judah from Solomon's glorious temple dedication down to the fall of Jerusalem — then ends, surprisingly, with King Cyrus's invitation to go home and rebuild. It measures every king by one standard: faithfulness to God and true worship. In the Bible's big story, it turns a tragic ending into an open door, insisting that God is not finished with His people.

Written by

Like 1 Chronicles, the book is anonymous; Jewish tradition credits Ezra, and scholars usually speak simply of 'the Chronicler.'

When

It was composed after the exile, likely around 450 to 350 BC, and covers events from about 970 to 538 BC.

Themes

• The temple and true worship
• Seeking God wholeheartedly
• Humble prayer and forgiveness
• Judgment that ends in hope

Key verses

• 2 Chronicles 7:14and if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
• 2 Chronicles 16:9For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.”
• 2 Chronicles 36:23“This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may the LORD his God be with him, and may he go up.’”