2 Chronicles focuses on the kings of Judah from Solomon to the Babylonian exile, emphasizing the importance of covenant faithfulness, proper worship, and reliance on God. While covering many of the same events as Kings, the Chronicler highlights God’s mercy, the centrality of the temple, and the consequences of spiritual compromise. The book ends with Judah’s fall and a note of hope through Cyrus’s decree.
Background
Author: Traditionally Ezra or an anonymous chronicler
Audience: Returning exiles seeking identity and spiritual renewal
Date: 450–400 BC
Location Written: Jerusalem
Context: Written after the Babylonian exile, 2 Chronicles retells Judah’s history to show how obedience brings blessing and rebellion brings judgment. The narrative focuses heavily on the temple, priesthood, revival movements, and God’s readiness to hear and heal His people when they humble themselves. The book serves as both a warning and an encouragement to the restored community.
Characters
- Solomon — king who built the temple and ushered in Israel’s golden age
- Rehoboam — king whose unwise leadership helped divide the kingdom
- Asa — king who sought God early but failed later through unbelief
- Jehoshaphat — godly king known for reforms and trust in God
- Hezekiah — faithful king who restored worship and relied on God
- Manasseh — wicked king who later repented and sought God
- Josiah — reforming king who rediscovered the Law and renewed the covenant
- Zedekiah — final king before the exile who rejected God’s word
- Prophets — God’s messengers calling Judah back to faithfulness
- Cyrus of Persia — king who allowed the exiles to return and rebuild the temple
Major Events
- Solomon’s reign, temple construction, and dedication (Chapters 1–7)
- Decline of Solomon and rise of Rehoboam (Chapters 8–12)
- Kings of Judah and cycles of obedience and rebellion (Chapters 13–28)
- Hezekiah’s reforms and miraculous deliverance from Assyria (Chapters 29–32)
- Manasseh’s wickedness followed by repentance (Chapter 33)
- Josiah’s reforms and rediscovery of the Law (Chapters 34–35)
- Final decline of Judah and Babylonian conquest (Chapter 36)
- Cyrus’s decree allowing return from exile (Chapter 36)
Application & Life Lessons
- God blesses those who seek Him with sincere hearts
- Leadership deeply influences a nation’s spiritual direction
- Worship and obedience are central to a healthy relationship with God
- God is patient and merciful but disciplines persistent rebellion
- Revival begins with humility, repentance, and returning to God’s word
- Even the worst sinner can find restoration through repentance
- God’s promises remain intact even through judgment
- Hope always remains because God is faithful to His covenant
Bible Study Videos
Video by the Bible Project providing an overview of 1 & 2 Chronicles
Sermons & Teachings
Sermon by Skip Heitzig offering a brief overview of 2 Chronicles
Podcasts
- Related Podcasts Coming Soon
Articles
- Related Articles Coming Soon
Bible Reading Plans
- Related Bible Reading Plans Coming Soon
Books
This section may contain affiliate links
- Related Books Coming Soon
Related Blog Posts
Related Blog Posts Coming Soon
Disclosures & Notices
Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.