Chronicles, 1 and 2

Two books in the Old Testament that tell the history of Israel. They cover some of the same events as 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings. But the Chronicles concentrate more on the southern kingdom, Judah, than on the northern kingdom, Israel.

Originally Chronicles was just one book. It was divided into two when the Old Testament was translated into Greek. Though the author’s name does not appear in the books, many Bible scholars believe they were written by Ezra, the priest and scribe. After the people of Judah returned to Jerusalem after the exile, Ezra wanted them to know their history and the importance of the reigns of David and Solomon.

The first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles provide genealogies—

family histories—of individuals from Adam to King Saul. First Chronicles 1–29 describe the kingdom of David; 2 Chronicles 1–9 tell about Solomon and the temple he built; 2 Chronicles 1–36 provide the history of the southern kingdom, Judah.