'Repetition,' Paul said to the Philippians, and it has become one of our favorite slogans at Abba House since we began studying this lovely book, 'is wholesome.' And this is what we should keep in mind when reading Chronicles (1 & 2), which repeats many of the stories already recounted in Samuel and Kings while adding some new elements here and there. These are not the books of the chronicles of the kings of Israel often mentioned in Kings, but two books written after Judah's return from Babylonian exile.
The two books (which were previously one) cover the genealogy of Israel from Adam, and the story from the death of Saul, to the return of Judah from captivity, a few thousand years in all, including more than 490 of stories. Jerome was particularly fond of his books and believed that He who claims to know the Scriptures without knowing them is deceiving himself. Despite the similarity with Samuel (1&2) and Kings (1&2), it is worth highlighting some elements that are particular to them.
First, the context. Chronicles was written after the return from exile (probably by Ezra) at a time when Ezra and the prophets were trying to restore faith and respect for the Word of God and the temple service among the people. The temple, moreover, had just been rebuilt. The aim was to remind the people of their history, their relationship with God since the beginning of time, the origin of the different families, hence the genealogies, and to give them a sense of their destiny.
Then, while the perspective of Kings and Samuel is prophetic-political, Chronicles presents a more ecclesiastical perspective. Particular attention is paid to worship, activities around the temple, and respect for God's law. In the narration of the different episodes in Israel's history, the emphasis is placed on the blessing that accompanies the obedience of the people and their kings and the destruction brought about by idolatry and apostasy.
Thus, Chronicles does not claim to be an exhaustive account of the history of all God's people. This is why, after the division of the kingdom, all attention is now focused on Judah, its kings, and their relationship with God. The unfaithfulness of their fathers led them into exile, and upon returning from exile, it is appropriate to recall past glories in order to chart a better future. The diminished people returning from captivity were thus encouraged to remain faithful to God, who was able to make them prosper.
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