Word Biblical Commentary Vol. 15, 2 Chronicles

Word Biblical Commentary #15

by Raymond B. Dillard

The early Christian scholar Jerome wrote, "The book of Chronicles is of such importance that without it anyone who claims to have a knowledge of the Scriptures makes himself a fool." Dr. Raymond Dillard holds similarly high regard for this portion of the Bible, but equal recognition that understanding its full import depends upon a thorough knowledge of the whole Scripture. "There are few issues in the history of exegesis," he says, "that are not in some way touched by Chronicles, so that along with their richness they involve the interpreter in a labyrinth of related questions." Among the issues and events examined in this thoroughgoing study Dr. Dillard throughout demonstrates his commitment to the Bible as the word of God. Affirming a view of Scripture that follows the pattern of the Incarnation-that the Bible is both divine and human-he shows the Chronicler, like the other biblical writers, as having been guided by a divine hand, and, like them, in their humanity, having shaped their material through their own personalities and varying theological "Chronicles is through and through a theological essay; the Chronicler describes the put to demonstrate the validity of particular premises that addressed the needs of Israel in his own day. Chronicles is not only a writing of history; it is a tract." Dr. Dillard's lucid writing and careful study, solidly based on his familiarity with ancient languages and historical backgrounds and his use of a wide range of scholarly research materials, make his volume on 2 Chronicles an invaluable resource for preacher, teacher, and serious student.

Genres: Reference

330 pages, Hardcover

First published January 19, 1988

Reviews

[Jacob Aitken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dillard, Raymond. *2 Chronicles* Word Biblical Commentary. Waco, TX.

Raymond Dillard’s commentary follows the standard format in the Word Biblical Commentary series: Translation, textual critical notes, form/setting, interpretation, and explanation. He provides a very useful commentary on an otherwise overshadowed book.

Although his explanations often fall flat (something that happens when otherwise outstanding technical commentaries try to “preach”), he does make one unique point: the “application” in 2 Chronicles is tied to an eschatological perspective. Because of the audience’s return from exile and their diminished role as a nation, they can only look forward to a future hope, a hope in some way tied to the temple and worship.

He divides 2 Chronicles into two large sections, beginning with the Chronicler’s Solomon and then everyone else.

**Chronicler's Solomon** (2 Chr 1-9)

The Chronicler does not only omit Solomon's sins, but he also modifies his virtues. For example, wisdom is no longer wisdom in the abstract but wisdom for building the temple.

There are some parallels between David/Solomon and Moses/Joshua. Both Moses and David were disqualified from their final. There is also a double announcement for both of the successors. Both Joshua and Solomon lead Israel into rest.

*Outlines and Structure*

A. Solomon's wealth/wisdom (1:1-17)
B. Recognition by Gentiles (2:1-16)
C. Temple Constructed (2:17-5:1)
D. Dedication of the Temple (5:2-7:10)
D' Divine Response (7:11-22)
C' Other Construction (8:1-16)
B' Recognition by Gentiles (8:17-9:12)
A' Solomon's wealth/wisdom (9:13-28)

A. Conscription of laborers (2:2)
B. Solomon's letter to Hiram (2:3-10)
B' Hiram's Letter to Solomon (2:11-16)
A' Conscription of laborers (2:17-18)

**Reward and Punishment in Chronicles: The Theology of Immediate Retribution (2 Chr. 10-36)**

For background, one can see a chiastic structure in 1 Kgs 12

A. Rehoboam to be king (12:1)
B. Jeroboam's arrival (12:2)
C. Israel speaks to Rehoboam: issue of forced labor (12:3-4)
D. 1. Three day break (12:5)
2. Advice of elders (12:6-7)
3. Advice of young men (12:8-11)
D'1. Three day break (12:12)
2. Advice of elders (12:13)
3. Advice of Young men (12:14-15)
C' Israel speaks to Rehoboam: issue of forced labor (12:16-19)
B.' Jeroboam's arrival (12:20)
A' Jeroboam to be king; Rehoboam king of house of David (12:20)

The Chronicler highlights something else than the author of kings: Jeroboam was involved early on in the schism.

Conclusion

Much of the commentary is highly technical and assumes some knowledge of Hebrew. With that understood, it is a valuable resource for the pastor and teacher.

[Thomas Creedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compared to Braun’s 1 Chron, I felt this was less strong. Good on some themes but showing it’s age. Occasionally cursory, lacking application, and Z’s choice of POD hardback is a shame though print quality was ok.