2 Chronicles

About 2 Chronicles

2 Chronicles follows the kings of Judah from Solomon's glorious temple dedication down to the fall of Jerusalem — then ends, surprisingly, with King Cyrus's invitation to go home and rebuild. It measures every king by one standard: faithfulness to God and true worship. In the Bible's big story, it turns a tragic ending into an open door, insisting that God is not finished with His people.

Written by

Like 1 Chronicles, the book is anonymous; Jewish tradition credits Ezra, and scholars usually speak simply of 'the Chronicler.'

When

It was composed after the exile, likely around 450 to 350 BC, and covers events from about 970 to 538 BC.

Themes

• The temple and true worship
• Seeking God wholeheartedly
• Humble prayer and forgiveness
• Judgment that ends in hope

Key verses

• 2 Chronicles 7:14If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
• 2 Chronicles 16:9For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
• 2 Chronicles 36:23Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.