1 Chronicles ESV

Bible #13

by Anonymous

The central theme of Chronicles is the significance of the Davidic covenant as the enduring basis of Israel's life and hope. The Davidic covenant is expressed in the two institutions that derive directly from it: the monarchy and the temple. These institutions are mutually related (1 Chron. 17:10b - 14), and together they represent God's kingdom in Israel (2 Chron. 13:5, 8). The Davidic covenant does not replace the Mosaic covenant but builds on it for the new age of the monarchy and the temple.

Genres: Religion, Christian, Nonfiction, Historical, History, Christianity, Scripture

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

Books can be attributed to "Anonymous" for several reasons:

* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author

Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.

See also: Anonymous

Reviews

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book parallels 2 Samuel and gives more information on the life of David. I was really struck by his love for the Lord, his prayers and voluntary sacrifices, and his constant, constant worship! His advice to the Israelites and Solomon is really excellent…

At the same time, you see how he was a real man who struggled and sinned and feared, and yet God says over and over how much pleasure He found in David… It’s a beautiful encouragement.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good stories...but the genealogies and other lists of people were difficult to get through. Having a dramatized audio version helped with those parts.

[Brian Schiebout · Rating 3 out of 5]

1 Chronicles is the thirteenth book in the Bible, it is inspired by God. 1 Chronicles deals with the history of Israel during the reign of King David. In many ways it is similar to 2 Samuel which also deals with this time period. The first third of this book is all genealogies which tell how God has brought forth his people, first from Adam and then later from Abraham. The author focused on how the people came through the exile through the history of their ancestors. The reign of David is also shown in a much more favorable light than how it is shown in 2 Samuel. David seems more focused on preparing for the temple rather than the family issues which were mention in 2 Samuel. It also has many more lists and the personal histories of the people who served God in the temple than occur elsewhere. The book’s interest in musicians and other who assisted in worship make the old testament worship seem more real than just poems and ceremonies. We must remember that as we read through God’s word that to serve him is to follow in the footsteps of many others who came before us. We are not part of a new fad but instead we have people to look back on as examples both of how we are to worship and serve God and how not to behave before the Lord. Worship even in the old covenant was a festive affair which required many people who were committed to it. We must remember that worship today also requires a commitment from us God’s servants and do what we can to praise our lord and master. The Lord blesses his people especially as they commit their lives to him.

[Jules · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part of my READ THE BIBLE WITHIN A YEAR challenge.

Wish me luck, as I've got a long way to go, and I’m really struggling at the moment.

I guess the clue was in the title of this book, so I shouldn’t have been surprised by list after list of genealogies, listing descendants of different families, clans, and tribes.

This book also covers King David’s 40 year rule over Israel. 7 years in Hebron and 33 in Jerusalem.

The book ends where David’s son, Solomon succeeds him as king.

[Ash reads stuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming just after 2 Kings when Jerusalem falls, this book is a reminder to Israel of why they were removed from the Promised Land. We see God's faithfulness and forgiveness again and again, while Israel continues in their sin. A remnant returns to Israel after the dominant Persians (who defeated the Babylonians) allow some Israelites to begin rebuilding their home. This book serves to encourage and exhort them to choose God and therefore blessing so as not to repeat the past.

[Maida]

Re-read July 14, 2016

[francee]

ONE MORE BOOK AND IM DONE WITH THE OLD TESTAMENT

AND EVERYONE CHEERED

[Andy Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

1 Chronicles - who ever thought a history book would be fascinating? But this one is. From David's ascension to the throne of Israel with the death of Saul, through his adultery with Bathsheba and murder of her husband Uriah, to David's last words to Solomon his successor, 1 Chronicles is one adventure after another.

Even if you're not a Jew or a Christian, this book is well worth reading for a sense of history back 900 years before the birth of Christ. It has my highest recommendation.

[Lidija]

Great inspiration for baby names! Jeduthun and Joshbekashah from among the Temple Musicians would be awesome names.

Seriously, I wonder why does taking a census anger God so much? Especially since almost the entire book is cataloging lists of people. God's anger toward and punishment as a result of David's census-taking comes up twice in this book (and once in 2 Samuel, as well, if I remember correctly). God sends an epidemic as a punishment for the census.

[Benjamin Stahl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can't say I really enjoyed this one. It was just a recount of the events primarily throughout the reign of King David. A small portion narrative, which is always more enjoyable. I feel like 90% of this was just lists of names (strange ones at that) and responsibilities. I must confess I skimmed through these parts.

[Robert Munnings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the '84 NIV version. This book really brings together a lot of the Old testament. It is great to cross reference what is happening into previous books as it allows you to build a more complete picture. I am hoping to do further work on looking into differences that I have found in the names and genealogies.

[Loraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

First Chronicles begins with Adams and ends with David's death. I found the many genealogies included in this book to be more difficult to plow through even through I love genealogy. Also following all the Kings of Israel and those of Judah became confusing. I think this is one Bible book that would be easier to follow with a family history chart and a timeline.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

4/23/2024 - 5/27/2024 with The Bible Recap
4/23/2025 - 5/27/2025 with The Bible Recap

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

In some ways 1 Chronicles isn't nearly as good as 1 Kings. Let's be honest, how many of us care that "the sons of Gershon were Ladan and Shimei. The sons of Ladan: Jehiel the chief, and Zetham, and Joel, three. The sons of Shimei: Shelomoth, Haziel, and Haran, three."? Fortunately, there are many chapters that simply give additional details on events highlighted in 1 Kings. THOSE are very interesting. Sometime I need to read those overlapping accounts back-to-back and compare details.

[Books Of The Way · Rating 5 out of 5]

1 and 2 Chronicles can feel a little tedious for some people because it's a lot of genealogies and to many it feels like a repeat of the information in 1&2 Kings.

However from the Jewish perspective, the genealogies are incredibly important as it gave a fatigued and oppressed people who were just returning from exile in Babylon a reassurance that God had not broken His covenant or promises to Abraham and David. God remains faithful, although suffering is present and difficulties abound.

[Jerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

About half of the book consists of name lists of genealogies and political names. It also skips over most of Saul's reign and focuses on David's reign.

[Bobby Daugherty · Rating 3 out of 5]

A retelling of previously covered events.

[Abe Gabe · Rating 3 out of 5]

When you read the first book of Chronicles, the most important question which comes to your mind is that why should you read the history of Judah again? I think it’s kinda important to read Judah’s history with details, especially when it comes to the religious details instead of political matters which has been written in the book of Kings.

[Ashton · Rating 4 out of 5]

(5* in my heart.)

[Hanna Brisbois · Rating 1 out of 5]

BORING. Plus it was a repeat of the story told in Samuel.

[Hawley Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heads up, If your wanting to pick up the Bible and start somewhere, I wouldn’t really recommend 1 Chronicles, BUT reading it alongside 2 Samuel and Psalm has helped me to see past all of the lists, and understand how the details of this book tie in the whole picture of God’s Word, so I would recommend to truly appreciate this book, to do more of a chronological Bible as a whole study as opposed to tackling this book singularly.

[John Stanifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I dare to think of my "least favorite" books of the Bible to read, 1 Chronicles is usually near the top of that list. The first nine chapters are basically just one loooooooooong catalog of names, and even after you get past that part, the narratives are almost a copy-and-paste from the other books you just got through reading, assuming you're reading them in the traditional order they appear in almost all Catholic and Protestant Bibles.

But.

If we pay attention to those names, sometimes we learn something important.

When Christians and Jews speak of Israel as God's "chosen people," it's easy to overlook how diverse a nation it really was. They had different accents (say "Shibboleth" five times fast and then look up what this word refers to). They had different cultures and personalities that could vary from tribe to tribe and city to city.

And perhaps most intriguingly, there were the non-Israelites who are named in the middle of all those court records and family trees.

For example, there's this guy:

"Obil the Ishmaelite was in charge of the camels."
~27:30

Why should we care about the camel guy? Consider the context. In the middle of this long list of King David's royal officials who he has put in charge of his wealth and his personal belongings, we are told that an ISHMAELITE was in charge of the king's camels.

In case that doesn't ring a bell, the Israelites (i.e. the Jewish people) were descended from Abraham through his son Isaac. The Ishmaelites ("Call me Ishmael") were descended from Abraham's older son Ishmael that he had by his wife's servant girl, Hagar.

Benazir Bhutto, the late prime minister of Pakistan who was assassinated by a suicide bomber in 2007, commented in her book "Reconciliation: Islam, Democracy, and the West" that the Arabic peoples believe they are descended from Abraham's son Ishmael.

In other words . . . King David putting an Ishmaelite in charge of his camels is a bit like if one of Israel's prime ministers were to, let's say, hire a Palestinian driver or chef.

As interesting as THAT is to think about, there's more where that came from.

"So the angel of the Lord ordered Gad to tell David to go and set up an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite."
~21:18

In order to put an end to a deadly plague God had brought on Israel, David was told to conduct a sacrifice on a plot of land owned by a Jebusite.

The Jebusites were the original inhabitants of Jerusalem before the Israelites came along. They had been largely conquered by this point (1 Chronicles 11:4-5) but were still living among the Israelites (Joshua 15:63) and were sometimes used as forced labor.

The fact that David insisted on purchasing this Jebusite's land at top dollar, in order to obey God's command, is intriguing, but that STILL isn't the end of the story.

This plot of Jebusite land would one day become the site of Solomon's temple, the very centerpiece of Israel's worship of God.

This isn't a coincidence.

"Here, too, it was that the angel grasped his sword, and while he laid waste the whole of the ungodly city, he marked out the temple of the Lord in the threshing floor of Ornan, king of the Jebusites. Thus early was it made plain that Christ's church would grow up not in Israel but among the Gentiles."
~Jerome, Letter 46.2

Keanu Reeves: "Whoa."

Even while God was carrying out his promise to build a legacy for King David of Israel, he wasn't about to forget his promise that "all the families of the earth" would be blessed through Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:3).

The picture of David worshipping God on Jebusite land that would, during his son Solomon's reign, become the home of the temple symbolizing God's love and care for the entire human race, is a stunning image on several levels. I've never really stopped to think of the significance of this story before, but now it's hard NOT to.

Yes, reading all those lists of names sometimes feels like a chore, especially if you don't have any idea of the context or symbolism of any of it.

But there are layers of meaning buried there if you're willing to look for it!

[Risa Fey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think for the first time ever, Jesus being called the "Son of David" finally makes sense to me. The hugeness that that implied in the New Testament. Wow.

[Joan Haughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First Book of Chronicles is another challenging read because of the recording of the genealogies. I usually pay strict attention to the genealogy of Judah because that is where the line of Jesus comes from so it does not appear monotonous so I can focus on Jesus which always keeps my interest. The book also chronicled the fall of Saul and the rise of David and the passing of the reigns from David to his son Solomon. It never seize to amaze me every-time I read this book that although David offered to build a house for God and God refused, saying he has been in many wars and hath shed lots of blood so He would commission Solomon to build Him a house, Davis still contributed so much of the material such as gold silver and brass and even precious stones, that build the house of God, he loved God so much. It always touches my heart and his prayer of praise in the latter part of the book, he knows how to praise and worship God. Bless the name of Jesus!

[Overlady · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why did I actually sit and read through everything, oof.
This book is basically recap part 1.

Chapter 1 - list of names.
Chapter 2 - list of names.
Chapter 3 - list of names. example = The sons of Pedaiah:Zerubbabel and Shimei.The sons of Zerubbabel: Meshullam and Hananiah. Shelomith was their sister
Chapter 4 - list of names. example = Eshton was the father of Beth Rapha, Paseah and Tehinnah the father of Ir Nahash. These were the men of Rekah.
It goes on and on and onnnnnnn.
Chapter 5 - list of names with a little bit more facts.
Chapter 6 - list of names.
Chapter 7 - list of names.
Chapter 8 - list of names.
Chapter 9 - list of names. (With some interesting facts)
Chapter 10 - Past events.
Chapter 11 - Past events.
Chapter 21:01 - hmm.
Chapter 23 - list of names.

Ends with death of David.

[Wren (fablesandwren) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sidenote: The reason for such vague and short and "eh" words on each of these books, is because I wasn't challenging the study of the Bible when I read these. I was challenging myself to read the whole Bible in a year because I knew it would be discipline to keep at it daily. I do, however, plan to pick up a book and study what it is saying. Those will be longer reads and more notes.

So here is my review from my "Read the Bible in a Year" challenge. Usually just snippets of thoughts and random things I liked about the book itself. Nothing in-depth.

So here is my review on 01 Chronicles

A lot of genealogy in this book. And accounts for Saul's death. Wasn't the most interesting read, but alas it is important.

[Royce Ratterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this work of immense interest and importance.
The compilation of historical accounts, wisdom & proverbial insights, and thought provoking texts, along with descriptive and informative footnotes, are of great value.
Explanations, including varying scholarly views depicting the material related in this book, are available for each of the 66 individual books of the Bible.
This book is but one of the individual 66 books/letters which were written by forty different authors over at least 1500 years in three different languages on three different continents, which comprise the Bible.
Read for life-related reasons and personal research.
Overall, a great resource for the researcher, enthusiast, and devotee.

[Joan Haughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First book of Chronicles, outlined the different tribes and the different activities and the members who made them up. The book also gave a quick synopsis and summary of the reign of David. It ended when David dies after the he crowned/anointed Solomon as King. Bless the name of Jesus!

[Anne-Marie Chandler]

Chronicles was hard to get through like Numbers and deuteronomy. the kings put up alters/churches and then the next generation tore them down, fought with other kings in area. on and off again in favor of God.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reading of God's Word is so remarkable that there is nothing that I can say to make it any better. Please, if you are a lost soul, turn to God! He can heal you and give you the greatest peace that you will ever know!