2 Chronicles

2 Chronicles retells the history of the kingdom of Judah from Solomon's accession to the Babylonian exile. The book especially highlights the temple, worship, the line of David, and the lives of kings who turned toward God. It presents the same events not merely as political success or failure, but in light of spiritual faithfulness and unfaithfulness. Solomon's construction of the temple, the renewals under Hezekiah and Josiah, and finally the fall of Jerusalem all gain meaning within that frame. For that reason, 2 Chronicles offers more than chronology to readers of Old Testament history; it also shows how public life, ordered worship, and covenant consciousness were intertwined. It is particularly compelling for readers who want to trace themes of prayer, humility, repentance, and renewal.

Author and context

The book is traditionally attributed to Ezra, since its language, concerns, and perspective toward the post-exilic community closely resemble Ezra-Nehemiah. At the same time, the text does not name its author, and modern scholars discuss whether it may have been compiled not by a single person but by a historian or scribal circle working in the post-exilic period. It was most likely written in the Persian era to retell Judah's past with a theological perspective for a community being reshaped around the temple.

Reading tip

As you read this book, it helps to watch not only the succession of kings but also what the narrative chooses to emphasize. 2 Chronicles is a selective form of history writing, especially focused on the temple, prayer, reform, and covenant faithfulness. Comparing it with parallel accounts can be useful, but it is often more illuminating first to follow the book's own theological rhythm and repeated calls.

Chapters

2 Chronicles 1
2 Chronicles 2
2 Chronicles 3
2 Chronicles 4
2 Chronicles 5
2 Chronicles 6
2 Chronicles 7
2 Chronicles 8
2 Chronicles 9
2 Chronicles 10
2 Chronicles 11
2 Chronicles 12
2 Chronicles 13
2 Chronicles 14
2 Chronicles 15
2 Chronicles 16
2 Chronicles 17
2 Chronicles 18
2 Chronicles 19
2 Chronicles 20
2 Chronicles 21
2 Chronicles 22
2 Chronicles 23
2 Chronicles 24
2 Chronicles 25
2 Chronicles 26
2 Chronicles 27
2 Chronicles 28
2 Chronicles 29
2 Chronicles 30
2 Chronicles 31
2 Chronicles 32
2 Chronicles 33
2 Chronicles 34
2 Chronicles 35
2 Chronicles 36

Who wrote the book of 2 Chronicles?

In traditional Jewish and Christian interpretation, the book is often attributed to Ezra. However, the text does not state this explicitly, and modern scholars also consider the possibility that it was compiled by a writer or scribal circle working in the post-exilic period.

What is the book of 2 Chronicles about?

The book narrates the history of the kingdom of Judah from Solomon to the Babylonian exile. It places the relationship with God at the center of historical events, especially through the themes of the temple, worship, the line of David, prayer, repentance, and reform.