Introduction to the second book of Chronicles
The 14th Book of the Bible: Solomon, the Temple, and the Kingdom of Judah
Since the Books of Chronicles originally formed a single volume, the Second Book of the Chronicles follows seamlessly from the First
It begins by recounting the reign of Solomon, the son of King David, with particular emphasis on the construction and dedication of the Temple.
After Solomon’s death, under his son Rehoboam, the land is divided into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, which remains under the Davidic dynasty.
The Second Book of Chronicles then recounts the history of the divided kingdoms, focusing on the kings from David’s line.
Although kings such as Hezekiah and Josiah arise in Judah who attempt to restore God’s order, the Southern Kingdom also faces ruin due to its increasing godlessness.
This comes to a definitive end with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 B.C. by the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar.
The Second Book of Chronicles ends during the Babylonian Exile with an edict by the Persian King Cyrus II around 538 B.C., which permits the Jews to return from exile and even commissions them to build a temple in Jerusalem.
Outline of the Second Book of Chronicles:
Chapters 1–9 – The reign of Solomon, construction and dedication of the Temple
Chapter 10 – Breakdown of unity, division of the kingdom
Chapters 11 through 36, verse 16 – History of the Southern Kingdom of Judah
Chapter 36, verse 17 through the end – The Destruction of Jerusalem, Exile, Permission to Return
Content of the second book of Chronicles:
- 2. Chronicles chapter 1
- 2. Chronicles chapter 2
- 2. Chronicles chapter 3
- 2. Chronicles chapter 4
- 2. Chronicles chapter 5
- 2. Chronicles chapter 6
- 2. Chronicles chapter 7
- 2. Chronicles chapter 8
- 2. Chronicles chapter 9
- 2. Chronicles chapter 10
- 2. Chronicles chapter 11
- 2. Chronicles chapter 12
- 2. Chronicles chapter 13
- 2. Chronicles chapter 14
- 2. Chronicles chapter 15
- 2. Chronicles chapter 16
- 2. Chronicles chapter 17
- 2. Chronicles chapter 18
- Jehoshaphat and Ahab form an alliance to wage war against the Syrians
- The favorable prediction of the 400 prophets; Micaiah is to be consulted
- Micaiah’s initial prophecy of good fortune, followed by his prophecy of doom
- Micaiah’s mistreatment by Zedekiah and his capture by Ahab
- Defeat of the allies at Ramoth; Ahab’s death
- 2. Chronicles chapter 19
- 2. Chronicles chapter 20
- Jehoshaphat’s prayer after the enemy invasion
- God’s answer: The Levite Jahaziel’s promise of victory
- The march against the enemies; the enemies‘ self-destruction; the Judeans‘ vast spoils
- The conclusion of Jehoshaphat’s reign and the sources of his history
- Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahaziah of Israel and the punishment for it; his death
- 2. Chronicles chapter 21
- 2. Chronicles chapter 22
- 2. Chronicles chapter 23
- 2. Chronicles chapter 24
- 2. Chronicles chapter 25
- 2. Chronicles chapter 26
- 2. Chronicles chapter 27
- 2. Chronicles chapter 28
- 2. Chronicles chapter 29
- 2. Chronicles chapter 30
- 2. Chronicles chapter 31
- 2. Chronicles chapter 32
- Hezekiah’s Prudent Measures Against the Enemy
- Sennacherib’s Demand for the City’s Surrender from Lachish
- The Arrogance of Sennacherib and His Envoys
- Hezekiah’s Prayer; God’s Help: Sennacherib’s Defeat, Withdrawal, and Death
- Hezekiah’s Illness, Pride, and Repentance
- Hezekiah’s Wealth; Jerusalem’s Water Supply and Temptation by the Babylonian Envoys
- Conclusion of the History of Hezekiah
- 2. Chronicles chapter 33
- 2. Chronicles chapter 34
- 2. Chronicles chapter 35
- 2. Chronicles chapter 36