Bible Overview 1st Chronicles
Mike Ervin
1 Chronicles: Overview
Authorship
Traditional View:
• Written by Ezra the scribe (5th century BC) as part of a unified history
including 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah.
• Based on earlier sources, including the books of Samuel and Kings.
Modern Scholarly View:
• Likely composed by an anonymous post-exilic priest or Levite.
• Part of the Chronicler’s History (1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah).
• Written between late 5th and early 4th centuries BC.
• Draws on older biblical texts (Genesis, Samuel, Kings) and additional temple
records.
Date of Authorship
• Traditional: Around 450–400 BC (time of Ezra).
• Modern Scholarship: Between 400–300 BC, possibly during or after Persian
rule.
Intended Audience
• Post-exilic Jews returning from Babylonian exile.
• Encourages faithfulness to God, temple worship, and Davidic kingship.
• Reaffirms Israel’s identity after exile.
Major Themes
1. Davidic Covenant – Emphasis on God’s promise to David (1 Chron. 17).
2. Temple and Worship – Focus on Levites, priests, and temple organization.
3. Israel’s Identity – Genealogies connect post-exilic Jews to their heritage.
4. Divine Retribution – Obedience brings blessings; disobedience leads to
judgment.
5. God’s Sovereignty – Emphasis on God’s control over history.
Chapter-by-Chapter Summary
I. Genealogies (Chapters 1–9)
• Ch. 1–3: From Adam to David’s descendants.
• Ch. 4–7: Tribes of Israel, focusing on Judah and Levi.
• Ch. 8–9: Benjamin’s lineage and post-exilic Jerusalem’s inhabitants.
II. Reign of David (Chapters 10–29)
• Ch. 10: Death of Saul (contrast with David).
• Ch. 11–12: David’s mighty men and early reign.
• Ch. 13–16: Bringing the Ark to Jerusalem.
• Ch. 17: Davidic Covenant—God’s promise of an eternal throne.
• Ch. 18–20: David’s military victories.
• Ch. 21: David’s census and its consequences.
• Ch. 22–27: Preparations for the temple and organization of Levites.
• Ch. 28–29: David’s final words and Solomon’s anointing.