THE BOOK OF II CHRONICLES
Introduction:
“This book continues the history begun in First Chronicles. It falls into eighteen divisions, by reigns, from Solomon to the captivities; records the division of the kingdom of David under Jeroboam and Rehoboam, and is marked by an ever growing apostasy, broken temporarily by reformations under Asa, 14-16.; Jehoshaphat, 17.1-19; Joash, 24.; Hezekiah, 29-32.; and Josiah, 34-35. But the religious state of the people, even at the best, is described in Isaiah 1-5.” — Scofield.
“The events recorded in Second Chronicles cover a period of 427 years.” —Ussher.
Distinctive Features:
The Spiritual Element in the History is more emphasized in Chronicles than in Kings.
1) See below “The Five Periods of Reformation.”
2) Other illustrations of references found only in II Chronicles,
a. Abijah’s devout address, 2 Chronicles 13:5-12.
b. Asa’s neglect of God, 2 Chronicles 16:12.
c. Jehoshaphat’s foolish alliances, 2 Chronicles 20:35.
d. Cause of Uzziah’s leprosy, 2 Chronicles 26:16-21.
e. Manasseh’s captivity and restoration, 2 Chronicles 33:11-13.
Five Periods of Reformation are described:
1) Under King Asa, 2 Chronicles 15:1.
2) Under King Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 17:6-10.
3) Under the priest, Jehoiada, and King Joash, 2 Chronicles 23:16-19.
4) Under King Hezekiah, 2 Chronicles 29:1–31:21.
5) Under King Josiah, 2 Chronicles 34:1–35:27.
A Brief Summary of the Book:
Part 1
The Reign of Solomon:
1) Solomon’s sacrifices at Gibeon, and his wise choice, 2 Chronicles 1.
2) The building of the temple, 2 Chronicles 2:1–4:22.
3) The glory of the Lord fills the house, 2 Chronicles 5.
4) Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple, 2 Chronicles 6.
5) Jehovah appears to Solomon again at night, 2 Chronicles 7.
6) The prosperity and fame of Solomon, 2 Chronicles 8.
7) The visit of the Queen of Sheba, and the death of Solomon, 2 Chronicles 9.
Part 2
The Folly of Rehoboam lead to the Division of the Kingdom, 2 Chronicles 10.
Part 3
The History of various reigns from Rehoboam to Zedekiah:
1) Abijah, 2 Chronicles 13.
2) Asa, 2 Chronicles 14:1–16:14.
3) Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 17:1–20:37.
4) Jehoram, 2 Chronicles 21.
5) Ahaziah, 2 Chronicles 22:1-9.
6) Athaliah (queen), 2 Chronicles 22:10–23:15.
7) Joash, 2 Chronicles 24.
8) Amaziah, 2 Chronicles 25.
9) Uzziah, 2 Chronicles 26:1.
10) Jotham, 2 Chronicles 27.
11) Ahaz, 2 Chronicles 28.
12) Hezekiah, 2 Chronicles 29:1–32:33.
13) Manasseh, 2 Chronicles 33:1-20.
14) Amon, 2 Chronicles 33:21-25.
15) Josiah, 2 Chronicles 34:1-35:27.
16) Jehoahaz, 2 Chronicles 36:1-3.
17) Jehoiakim, 2 Chronicles 36:4-8.
18) Jehoiachin, 2 Chronicles 36:9-10.
19) Zedekiah, 2 Chronicles 36:11-13.
Spiritual Message: The Power of Prayer to give success and victory, 2 Chronicles 11:16; 13:13-18; 14:11; 15:12; 17:4; 20:3; 26:5; 27:6; 30:18-20; 2 Chronicles 31:21; 32:20; 34:3.
Spiritual Lessons:
1) The Preeminence of wisdom, 2 Chronicles 1:7-12.
2) The Glory of the Lord fills the prepared temple, 2 Chronicles 5:13-14.
3) The Spirit of Praise renders God’s people invincible, 2 Chronicles 20:20-25.