1 Chronicles

About 1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles retells Israel's story for people who had just come home from exile, opening with long family lists that tie them back to Adam, then focusing on King David. It highlights David's heart for worship and his careful preparations for the temple. In the Bible's big story, it reminds a small, discouraged community that they are still God's people and that His promises to David still stand.

Written by

The book is anonymous; Jewish tradition names Ezra the scribe, and many scholars simply call the unnamed writer 'the Chronicler.'

When

It was written after the exile, most likely between about 450 and 350 BC, though scholars debate the exact time within that range.

Themes

• God's promises to David
• Worship at the center of life
• One family line from Adam onward
• Hope and identity after exile

Key verses

• 1 Chronicles 16:34O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
• 1 Chronicles 17:11-14¶ And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee: But I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore.
• 1 Chronicles 29:11Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.