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This week we witness the rise and fall of Solomon. The monarchy dissolves and a revolt occurs, taking 10 tribes to the north under a new king, setting the stage for the continued conflict between the divided kingdom of Israel (North) and Judah (South). The moral decline of the nation becomes apparent in the turmoil within as they experience oppression from the surrounding nations. May our journey through these dark pages encourage us to take an alternative route in our personal walk with God, and may we learn the lessons of moral failure and spiritual decline from those who have gone before us.
1 Kings
Author
Unknown. The prophet Ezekiel and the priest Ezra are the two most likely candidates. Some traditions also support Jeremiah’s authorship.
Date
Between approx. 560 and 538 B.C., after the release of former King Jehoiachin to the kings’ court in Babylon, and likely before the first return of the captives from Babylon to Palestine, since that was such a huge event in Israel’s history and would probably be mentioned.
Theme
Israel’s King Solomon
This is the account of King Solomon, his triumphs and his wives that led him into idolatry and divided the nation at his death.
Additional Info
Originally written as one book, the books of 1 and 2 Kings record the history of the coming to the throne of Solomon after his father David in 971 B.C. until the final collapse of a divided kingdom in 586 B.C.
© Dr. Rick Taylor
2 Chronicles
Author
Likely compiled by Ezra, with help from the extensive library of the Governor, Nehemiah.
Date
Likely approx. 400 B.C. when Judah returns from Babylon (1 Chronicles 9:1, 2 Chronicles 36:22-23).
Theme
Israel’s Story (Part 2)
This is the story of the Divided Kingdom and of the fall of Israel to Assyria and Judah to Babylon.
Additional Info
The books of 1 and 2 Chronicles were originally written as a single document, and they are directly related to the book of Ezra (2 Chronicles 36:22-23, Ezra 1:1-3). The book of 2 Chronicles specifically records the achievements of King Solomon to the fall of the Kingdom of Judah in 586 B.C. It deals only with the Southern Kingdom, Judah, which was the Davidic line that Ezra was writing to. Special emphasis is placed on the building achievements of each King, especially if he contributed to the Temple or the religious life of Judah.
© Dr. Rick Taylor
Resources for 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles