2 Chronicles

Definition and Name

Second Chronicles is the fourteenth of the thirty-nine books of the Protestant Old Testament and consists of thirty-six chapters. In the Hebrew Bible it formed a single book with 1 Chronicles. Its original Hebrew title is Divrei Hayamim, meaning "the events of the days." In the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, the work was divided into two books and given a title meaning "the things omitted" (Paraleipomena). The Korean New Korean Revised Version calls it Yeokdaeha, while the Korean Common Translation and some other versions use the title Yeokdaegi Ha ("Chronicles, Part Two").

Biblical and Historical Background

Chapters 1–9 cover the reign of Solomon, centering on the building and dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. Chapters 10–36 recount the history of the kings of Judah after the division of the kingdom into north and south, ending with the Babylonian exile and the decree of Cyrus. Although the book covers the same period as 1 Kings and 2 Kings, it omits most of the history of the northern kingdom of Israel and focuses on the Davidic dynasty, the temple, the Levites, and worship. A clear pattern runs through the narrative: kings who seek God prosper, while kings who forsake Him come under judgment. The book also includes the account of Manasseh's repentance (chapter 33), which does not appear in Kings.

Jewish tradition has regarded Ezra as the author. Scholars refer to the author as "the Chronicler," and many hold that the book was written during the Persian period, after the return from exile. Its closing verses (2 Chronicles 36:22–23) are nearly identical to the opening of Ezra 1. In the Hebrew Bible it is usually placed as the last book.

In Korean Church Practice

• 2 Chronicles 7:14: This verse is part of God's response after the dedication of the temple. It promises that if the people humble themselves, pray, and turn from their wicked ways, He will forgive their sin and heal their land. The verse is frequently cited at united prayer meetings for the nation and at repentance gatherings. Some, however, urge caution about applying a promise given to Israel directly to a modern nation.
• The building and dedication of the temple (chapters 2–7): These chapters are often used in sermons related to church dedication services and church building projects.
• The account of Jehoshaphat (chapter 20): The scene in which King Jehoshaphat appointed singers to go before the army is cited in sermons on worship and praise ministry.
• Hezekiah and Josiah: Hezekiah's restoration of the Passover (chapter 30) and Josiah's reforms (chapters 34–35) serve as sermon texts on the themes of revival and reform.

Denominations agree that 2 Chronicles is canonical. They differ, however, in how they teach its authorship and date of composition. Conservative theological traditions tend to give significant weight to the tradition of Ezra's authorship, while those that accept historical criticism tend to teach primarily the theory of the Chronicler as author.