Book introduction
The book of 2 Chronicles
2 Chronicles runs from Solomon’s temple to the exile. It follows only the kings of Judah, measuring each by how he treated God’s house and God’s law. It ends with Cyrus of Persia letting the exiles go home.
Read 2 Chronicles 7Start at chapter 1
Who wrote 2 Chronicles?
Not named; see 1 Chronicles.
When was it written?
Written about 450–400 BC. Covers about 970–538 BC.
Main themes
- Seek God and he answers
- Kings who humble themselves and pray are heard.
- Temple and worship
- Reform means restoring worship.
- Return is possible
- The book closes with an invitation to go up to Jerusalem.
Outline of 2 Chronicles
Key verses
and my people, who are known by my name, humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn back from their evil ways, then I will listen from heaven, pardon their sin, and heal their land.
For the eyes of Yahweh range throughout the whole earth to show himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is fully devoted to him. You have acted foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.
He said, Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat! This is what Yahweh says to you: Do not be afraid or dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s.
Quoted from the Lumin Translation.
Where to start
Chapter 7, God’s answer to Solomon’s prayer, holds the book’s best-known verse.
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Questions about 2 Chronicles?
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