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April 28, 2025

Bible Survey: 1 Chronicles

by Jason Neill

Scripture reading: 1 Chronicles 12

Have you ever followed a television series diligently, only to set it aside once the season concludes? By the time the next season begins—often months later—it is common to have forgotten many of the details of the storyline. To address this, most shows include a brief recap at the start of a new episode, introduced by the familiar phrase, “Previously on [insert show name here].”

What follows is typically a 30- to 40-second summary highlighting key events from the previous season. This condensed retelling serves as a useful reminder, helping viewers reorient themselves before continuing with the new season.

In a similar fashion, the book of 1 Chronicles serves as a narrative summary within the broader context of the biblical text. It revisits much of the material found in 1 and 2 Samuel, while also offering new details and perspectives. This retelling provides both continuity and fresh insight, equipping the reader for a deeper understanding of the unfolding story of Israel.

With that foundation, let us now take a broad overview of 1 Chronicles. Chapters 1 through 9 consist primarily of genealogies. While these sections may not seem particularly engaging to the modern reader, their inclusion underscores their significance to the original audience.

First, the genealogies trace the lineage of the nation of Israel all the way back to Adam, the first man (see 1 Chronicles 1:1), placing Israel’s story within the broader context of humanity. Second, they preserve the family line through which the Messiah would come. The Messiah doesn't arrive until the New Testament, but the groundwork is carefully laid throughout the Old Testament. The New Testament declares Jesus as the Christ (a title meaning Messiah), traces his lineage through both David and Abraham (see Matthew 1:1), and connects those genealogies to Jesus, showing a continuity between the Old and New Testaments.

Chapter 10 records the death of King Saul. The remainder of the book—chapters 11 through 29—focuses on David’s rise to kingship and the key events of his reign, concluding with his death in chapter 29.

Authorship and date: The events recorded in this book occurred between 970 and 586 B.C., but it was likely written after 450 B.C., assuming Ezra the scribe is the author. Ezra is considered a possible author because 1 and 2 Chronicles and the book of Ezra form a continuous historical narrative (see Ezra 1:1–3 and compare with 2 Chronicles 36:22–23).

Jesus in 1 Chronicles. The Davidic Covenant, originally given in 2 Samuel 7, is reiterated in 1 Chronicles 17 (see also 22:10, 13). While Solomon, David’s son, carried on the royal line, the promise of an eternal kingdom can ultimately only be fulfilled through Jesus, who will sit on David’s throne during the Millennial Kingdom and reign into eternity.

Application. Prayer, like many spiritual disciplines, is an area where we can always grow. The prayers found in 1 and 2 Chronicles offer valuable insights, both in terms of their content and as examples for shaping our own prayers. I encourage you to take time to reflect on the following passages: 1 Chronicles 16:7-36 (David’s psalm of praise), 17:16-27 (David’s prayer of repentance), 29:10-20 (David’s joyful praise for the people's generous gifts toward building the Temple), 2 Chronicles 1:7-10 (Solomon’s request for wisdom), 2 Chronicles 6:12-42 (Solomon’s prayer dedicating the Temple), 2 Chronicles 14 (Asa’s prayer for deliverance), 2 Chronicles 20:5-12 (Jehoshaphat’s prayer seeking God’s help in battle), and 2 Chronicles 30:18-20 (Hezekiah’s prayer for healing of the nation).