Writing of Chronicles
420 BC
📂 BIBLICAL
📖 About This Event
The Books of 1 and 2 Chronicles, compiled in the post-exilic period (approximately 420 BC), retell the history of Israel from Adam to the decree of Cyrus, with special emphasis on the Davidic dynasty, the Temple, and the priestly worship. The Chronicler (traditionally identified as Ezra) selected and arranged the material from Samuel and Kings with a distinct theological purpose: to encourage the returned exiles by showing them that God's promises to David remained valid, that the Temple worship was central to Israel's identity, and that faithfulness to God brings blessing while disobedience brings judgment.
Chronicles omits much material from Samuel and Kings (such as David's affair with Bathsheba and Solomon's idolatry) while expanding others (such as the Davidic liturgical arrangements and the reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah). The book ends not with the exile but with Cyrus's decree—leaving the returned exiles with a message of hope: God's story with His people is not over.
The Catholic Church includes Chronicles (called 1-2 Parallelibook in the Vulgate) in the deuterocanonical tradition. The genealogy of Jesus in Luke 3 traces His lineage back through Chronicles to Adam and ultimately to God Himself. Key Scripture: 1 Chronicles 1-9; 2 Chronicles 36; Luke 3:23-38; 1 Esdras; CCC 59-62
📜 Key Facts
Date
420 BC
Category
Biblical
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