by Chronicles was originally a single literary work which would have been the longest book in the Bible, but it was separated into two books.[1] Chronicles has similar information in other books of the Bible, but Chronicles emphasize the spiritual side of things and not the historical side like the book of Samuel and Kings does. MacDonald states, “Thus Chronicles concentrates on the reign of David and his successors, and on the temple and its worship. It gives details not previously found concerning the priests, Levites, musicians, singers, and doorkeepers.”[2]
Historical Setting and Date
The approximate dates of when 2 Chronicles 26-29 occurs is estimated to be between 792-697 BC. Chapter 26 involves Uzziah’s reign over Judah which most likely started around 792 BC.[3] The nation of Israel was split between the north (Israel) and south (Judah). The Philistines were to the west of Judah, the Arabs and Meunites were to the south, and the Ammonites were to the east. Chapter 27 explains Jotham’s reign as King of Judah. Chapter 28 is King Ahaz and then Chapter 29 has the end of Hezekiah’s reign which is roughly 697 BC.[4]
The writing of Chronicles was between 450-333 BC. Evans explains, “First Chronicles 29:7 mentions Persian darics (a type of Persian coin), which were not minted until 515 BC. . . The Hebrew of Chronicles does not evince any Greek influence, suggesting that Chronicles was written before Alexander the Great’s conquest of Palestine in 333 BC.”[5]
The building of a city normally meant that walls were constructed around a town that was already inhabited. Fortification consisted of one or two walls of squared stone protected by stockades of wood. The gates were protected with bolts or bars of iron. A stronghold would sometimes be built to resist attack if the walls were breached.[6] Some scholars suggest that the invention of war machines were catapults, but there is no evidence of the use of catapults this early.[7] Not everyone had a standing army, some locations only had an army when called upon.
Regarding the sick, priests would judge on whether someone had one of the worst illnesses, leprosy. If so, then there would be a determination on next steps which could include isolation from others to ensure it does not spread further into the community.
Authorship and Audience
There is no agreement on who authored the two books of Chronicles. What is known comes from the text itself. The person must have had scribal training, familiar with other biblical books, and had access to archival sources as the sources are referred to on multiple occasions.[8] Some scholars mention Ezra himself but the timing of the events within Chronicles does not align correctly.
The audience of Chronicles are the Judean Jews who returned from a lengthy exile in Babylon and a large amount of the returnees were probably born in exile.[9] The reason for writing Chronicles could be that these people might not have had access to the other books of the Bible or there were gaps in those books that needed to be filled so the audience would learn of the major theological themes and apply them correctly for success in the future.
Major Theological Themes
One major theological theme is that those kings who had a good relationship with God prospered, and when they did not do right in the eyes of God, they would be punished. The unfortunate secondary theme is that most of the kings would turn their back on God when they were most successful and benefiting from God’s blessings. Hamilton states, “And sometimes God must humble those who refuse to humble themselves (‘For the Lord brought Judah low because of King Ahaz of Israel’ [2 Chron. 28:19]).”[10]
A similar major theological theme is where each of the kings are depicted as either walking in the ways of David or opposing what David stood for. David is the model of a worshipful king and what all future kings should try to emulate. In chapter 29, Hezekiah is like David because he restores the temple and organizes a celebration for the people of Judah and Israel.[11] This celebration is an example of what should be done when the king is a true follower of God. Mangum mentions, “Furthermore, the narratives in Chronicles depict for the postexilic audience how they are to worship Yahweh while giving them encouragement to follow Yahweh wholeheartedly into the future.”[12] This is part of the Davidic Covenant where there is a promise from God that he would establish for King David a “house” or a dynasty of kings who would perpetually reign over God’s people.
Another theological theme is where the temple is the place for covenant-centered worship and the covenant is the basis for restoration. Uzziah originally respected the temple and was blessed many times over. Jotham honored the temple and grew powerful. Ahaz disrespected the temple and received Divine Punishment. Hezekiah established a covenant with God and consecrated the temple followed by much rejoicing and eating.
Enduring theological Truths
There are at least three enduring theological truths from 2 Chronicles 26-29. Each of them connects to the New Testament and are relevant for Christian life today.
The first enduring theological truth is that obedience to the true God leads to continued success and blessings. Uzziah started to do right with God and was rewarded until his betrayal. Jotham walked steadfastly before God and was buried in the City of David. Hezekiah was a descendant of David and brought much glory to God. This enduring theological truth links to the Davidic Covenant theological theme and connects to the New Testament with the promised Messiah, a descendant of David, Jesus Christ. “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:32-33, NIV). The book of John informs everyone that Jesus brings the greatest gift, eternal life.
The second enduring theological truth is that sin and unfaithfulness have consequences. Uzziah betrayed God by going within a part of the temple that he was not allowed to be in, attempted to burn incense which was only allowed from priests, and then got upset when confronted about it. The punishment was a life of Leprosy and a title to match passed death. Ahaz offenses were worse, and God’s wrath was more harsh. This connects to the similar theological theme that you will be punished if you turn your back on God. This is also in the New Testament and relevant for Christian life today. In the book of Matthew, Jesus explains that there will be judgement on those who have sinned and will be cast into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels as eternal punishment.
The third enduring theological truth, stated by Coggins, “All that has gone wrong is due to the misuse of the temple; the Levites in particular are to be loyal in carrying out their duty to ensure God’s continuing favor.”[13] The correct use of the priests within the temple are to be included. This truth attaches to the theological theme where the temple is the place for covenant-centered worship and the covenant is the basis for restoration. More than 50% of the books within the New Testament were written or influenced by Paul. Paul refers the church to the body of Christ in many of his books that are applicable to Christian life today. Ephesians 4:7-16 mentions the importance of everyone having a duty to perform within the church, and to grow with Jesus Christ as the head of the temple with evangelists, pastors and teachers actively participating under his direction to the congregation. The book of Hebrews mentions that everyone needs to continually give praise to God just like Hezekiah requested during the restoration celebration of the temple.
Mangum explains, “Hezekiah reconsecrates Yahweh’s house and reestablishes the priestly burning of offerings. Judah’s king holds such a joyous Passover feast that it outshines anything that happened in Jerusalem since Solomon reigned. . . All in all, Hezekiah follows Yahweh as much as godly King David did.”[14]
[1] Paul S. Evans, “Chronicles, First and Second Books of,” The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016), Chronicler Overview.
[2] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 423.
[3] John D. Barry, Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), 2 Ch 26:3.
[4] Ibid., 2 Ch 29:1.
[5] Evans, “Chronicles”, Chronicler Overview.
[6] James M. Freeman and Harold J. Chadwick, Manners & Customs of the Bible (North Brunswick, NJ: Bridge-Logos Publishers, 1998), 277.
[7] Victor Harold Matthews, Mark W. Chavalas, et al., The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000), 2 Ch 26:15.
[8] Evans, “Chronicles”, Chronicler Overview.
[9] Victor P. Hamilton, Handbook on the Historical Books (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2001), 478.
[10] Hamilton, Handbook, 483.
[11] Barry, Faithlife Study, Introduction to 2 Chronicles.
[12] Douglas Mangum, Lexham Context Commentary: Old Testament (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020), 2 Ch.
[13] Coggins, “1 and 2 Chronicles”, 308.
[14] Mangum, Lexham Context, 2 Ch 29:1–32:33.