Series:   I & II Chronicles for Beginners
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The Kings of Judah

By: Mike Mazzalongo     Posted: April, 2025
This one lesson overview provides a summary of the kings who ruled the Southern Kingdom of Judah with emphasis on their role in God's plan to ultimately fulfill His promises to bring the Messiah to the world.
Sources

Primary Biblical Sources:

1. II Chronicles (Chapters 1-36):

  • The main text provides the foundation for the commentary and theological insights.

2. Parallel Accounts in I Kings 3-11 and II Kings 18-25:

  • Many events in Solomon's reign and the history of Judah's kings overlap with accounts in Kings, offering comparative perspectives.

3. Psalms:

  • Particularly Solomon's dedication prayer and the emphasis on worship themes echo Psalms, such as Psalm 132, which celebrates God's presence in the Temple.

Historical and Archaeological Context:

1. The Cyrus Cylinder:

  • An artifact confirming Cyrus' decree to return exiled peoples to their homelands and support their religious practices, corroborating II Chronicles 36:22-23.

2. Ancient Near Eastern Historical Records:

  • Documents from neighboring nations, including Assyrian and Babylonian annals, provide context for events like the Assyrian siege under Sennacherib and the Babylonian exile.

Theological and Historical Commentaries:

1. The Anchor Yale Bible Commentary: 1 & 2 Chronicles by Sara Japhet:

  • Offers detailed theological analysis and explores the Chronicler's distinctive themes, such as the centrality of worship and Temple theology.

2. Tyndale Old Testament Commentary: 1 & 2 Chronicles by Martin J. Selman:

  • Provides concise insights into the literary and theological structure of 2 Chronicles, focusing on the Chronicler's post-exilic audience.

3. The New American Commentary: 1, 2 Chronicles by J.A. Thompson:

  • Explores the Chronicler's theological emphasis and contrasts with the accounts in Samuel and Kings.

Background and Application-Oriented Resources:

1. "A Survey of the Old Testament" by Andrew E. Hill and John H. Walton:

  • Explains the historical and literary context of 2 Chronicles and its place in the Old Testament canon.

2. "The Temple and the Tabernacle" by J. Daniel Hays:

  • Examines the significance of the Temple in Chronicles, linking it to broader biblical themes of God's presence and worship.

3. "The Message of Chronicles" (The Bible Speaks Today Series) by Michael Wilcock:

  • Focuses on practical and pastoral lessons from Chronicles, addressing the Chronicler's theological focus on repentance, worship, and covenant faithfulness.

Archaeological and Historical Analysis:

1. "The Archaeology of the Bible" by James K. Hoffmeier:

  • Provides insights into the historical and material culture of the Chronicler's time, including references to the Temple and Solomon's era.

2. "Biblical History and Israel's Past" by Megan Bishop Moore and Brad E. Kelle:

  • Discusses the historical reliability and theological shaping of Chronicles in light of archaeological evidence.

Theological Themes and Broader Reflections:

1. "Old Testament Theology" by Paul R. House:

  • Highlights key theological themes in 2 Chronicles, such as divine faithfulness, worship, and repentance.

2. "Theology of the Old Testament" by Walter Brueggemann:

  • Addresses the broader theological implications of Chronicles within the Old Testament narrative.
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