Dr. Esa Autero. 1.1 Introduction to 1-2 Chronicles What is the purpose of Chronicles? Why all the...

Dr. Esa Autero

OTS 501 INTRO TO OLD TESTAMENT

1.1 Introduction to 1-2 ChroniclesWhat is the purpose of Chronicles?

Why all the genealogies?

How often do you read 1-2 Chronicles?

How often have you heard a sermon on Chronicles?

1-2 Chronicles, Ezra-Nehemiah & Esther

Arrangement and place in the canon


English Bible Hebrew Bible LXX

1-2 Chronicles; Ezra & Nehemiah

Chronicles; Ezra-Nehemiah

1-2 Chronicles (Gr. paralipomenon); 2 Esdras (Ezra and Nehemiah)

Part of historical books - after 1-2 Kings

Part of Writings – last books of the HB

Part of histories – after 4 Kingdoms (2 Kings)

Narrative connectionsApp. 50% of 1-2 Chronicles elsewhere in the

BibleDirect connections to 1-2 Sam and 1-2 Kings

Numerous quotes and allusionsGenealogies from Adam to writer’s time – why?

Continuity b/w past and the presentName “1-2 Chronicles”

Jerome: “Chronicle of the whole sacred history”LXX: paralipomenon (“the things omitted”)MT: Hb. dibre yamim (“the words/events of the

days”)


1.2 Historical and Critical IssuesAuthor, date, composition

1-2 Chr is anonymous “Chronicler” – single authorJewish tradition attributes to Ezra (bBaba Bathra 15a)

Possible that one author complied 1-2 Chr and Ezra-NehRecent scholarship questioned the connection b/c of

1-2 Chr emphasize Davidic dynasty and messianism1-2 Chr emphasize “all Israel” (Ez-Neh’s hostility to north)1-2 Chr emphasize prophetic elements (missing in Ez-Neh)

“Chronicler” composed 1-2 Chr b/w 515-333BCConstruction of temple in darics (29:7) – coin minted

515BCReport of the decree of Cyrus in 539BC (2 Chr 36:22-23)David’s genealogy - 2 generations after Zerubbabel (1 Chr

3:17-24)


Chronicles’ use of sourcesSkillful and purposeful use of various sources

Genealogical records (4:33; 5:17; 7:9, 40; 9:1, 22; 2 Chr 12:15)

Letters and official documents (28:11-12; 2 Chr 32:17-20; 36:22-23)

Poems, prayers, speeches, songs (16:8-36; 29:10-22; 2 Chr 29:30; 35:25)

Other histories – Book of Kings of Judah and Israel (2Chr 227:7; 36:8); the Chronicles of David (27:24) etc.

Prophetic writings – Chronicles of Samuel, Nathan, and Gad (29:29); prophecy of Ahijah and the Visions of Iddo the Seer (2Chr 9:29); records of Shemaiah, Jehu, and Isaiah (2Chr 12:15; 20:34; 32:32)


Historical issues & Chronicles perspectival account“Chronicler’s” peculiar view of history

Omissions and ‘changes’ of history (cf. 1-2Sam & 1-2Kings)Chronicler ‘bypasses’ Israel’s (north) history almost

completely Omission of David’s sins (e.g. Bathseba incident)Omission of Solomon’s apostasyDid the Lord/Satan incite David to take census? (2

Sam24:1 /1Chr 21:1)Inclination to enlarge/exaggerate numbers (2Sam

23:8/1Chr 11:11)

What should one think about this?


Some possible solutions to the puzzleReaders assumed to know earlier history (e.g.

David’s adultery)Careful selection of material for theological purposePerspective that promotes “theology of hope”

Archaeological data corroborates some of the dataSome sources used by Chronicler older than 1-

2Sam/KgsThe numbers puzzle

Some are scribal errors (2Kgs 24:8/2Chr 36:9)Rounding off of some numbers

Differences in historical narrativesWho incited the census? Development in salvation

history and understanding of God – “agency of Satan” (cf. Job 1-2)

1-2 Chr as inspired exposition of past history


1.3 Literary structure, purpose, and settingPurpose of 1-2 Chronicles

Demonstrate God’s faithfulness to the postexilic communityReviewing history of God’s faithfulness in the past

Divine retribution – model of past & recipe for present success David & Solomon – continuity b/w pre- and post-exilic community

Structure – three main sections Genealogies (1 Chr 1-9)

From Adam to “present”Continuity b/w past and present

God has always been and still is interested in His people Interest in “all Israel” despite scattering of the 10 tribes

Genealogies of northern tribes (except Zebulum and Dan)Importance of present religious life

Who may perform priestly duties? Who has rights to the land?


The united monarchy (1 Chr 10-2 Chr 9)“polished” picture of David and Solomon & omissions

ofRivalry & struggle for kingship (David, Saul, Ish-Boseth)Rebellions of Absalom and AdonijahSolomon’s vengeance on David’s enemies (1 Kgs 2)

David and Solomon – glorious, conquering, obedientFocus on David & Solomon as Temple builders

Divided kingdom (2 Chr 10-36)Theology of immediate retribution (not accumulative Jer

31:29; Ezek 18:2)Immediate divine response to events (2 Chr 12:5; 15;

20:20)Piety & obedience rewarded (14:7; 26:5; 31:21)Importance of “seeking” “humbling” “repentance” 7:14;

16:2-9; 19:1-3 etc.


Historical situation of 1-2 ChroniclesPostexilic period

Judah returned from Babylonian Exile – Israel scattered

Judah as insignificant backward province of Persian empire

Overshadowed by Persian and Greek ‘super’ empires

Rival temple in SamariaIdol worship by Greeks and PersiansDisappointment of short-lived reforms by Ezra,

Nehemiah & Haggai’s Zechariah’s messianic kingdom had not materialized

Why write about boring genealogies then?


1.4 Themes is 1-2 ChroniclesWorship

Importance of worshipTemple and its personnel (2Chr 5:2-7:10)

David and Solomon the Temple builders Priests - Levites’ new role (1Chr 24-26; 2 Chr 17:7-9; 19:11)

Ordered worship acc. to liturgical calendar (2Chr 35:1-19) Hezekiah’s two passovers (30:13-22) True worship motivated by fear and love of God (2Chr 6:31-33;

1Chr 28:9; 2Chr 19:9)Experience and act of worship (2 Chr 29; 34:27-28)

Ritual washings & various sacrifices Prayer in various postures Repentance, sack-cloth, sprinkling of ashes Dancing, feasting, singing songs, music making Rituals associated w/ religious festivals Worship as word (oath-taking, liturgical responses, confession)


Retribution and YHWH’s mercyReason for exile – God’s holiness and people’s failure

15 The LORD, the God of their ancestors, sent persistently to them by his messengers, because he had compassion on his people and on his dwelling place; 16 but they kept mocking the messengers of God, despising his words, and scoffing at his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against his people became so great that there was no remedy. 2Chr 36:15-16

Immediate retribution emphasized Wicked kings not successful or richGodly prosper (22:11-13; 29:23; 2Chr14:7; 26:5; 31:21; 32:27-

30)God’s mercy and repentance (2Chr 12:6-12)

Past repentance and mercy as guide for future (2Chr 15:4; 32:26)

Apostate northern kingdom received back – even wicked Manasseh received mercy (2Chr 30:6-9; 33:12-14)


2.1 Introduction to Ezra-NehemiahWhat is the basic message of Ezra &

Nehemiah?

What is the historical situation of Ezra-Nehemiah?

What is the connection b/w 1-2 Chr and Ezra-Neh?


2 Chr 36:22-23

22 In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, in fulfillment of the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD stirred up the spirit of King Cyrus of Persia so that he sent a herald throughout all his kingdom and also declared in a written edict: 23 “Thus says King Cyrus of Persia: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever is among you of all his people, may the LORD his God be with him! Let him go up.”

In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, in order that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of King Cyrus of Persia so that he sent a herald throughout all his kingdom, and also in a written edict declared: 2 “Thus says King Cyrus of Persia: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem in Judah. 3 Any of those among you who are of his people—may their God be with them!—are now permitted to go up to Jerusalem in Judah, and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem.


Ezra 1:1-3

Ezra-Nehemiah & OT historyFrom Cyrus’ edict (539BC) to Nehemiah’s 2nd

governorship c. 433BCFinal events of the OT – situation of postexilic

communityEzra – priest skilled in Law & religious revival (Neh

8:1-12)Nehemiah – skilled administrator; rebuilding of the

wall To Jerusalem from Susa during Artaxerxes I (464-424BC)


Basic messageHebrews’ return to Jerusalem from Babylonian

ExileRebuilding of the Temple and restoration of the

Jerusalem wallsArrival and ministry of Ezra & Nehemiah

Religious and social reform of the communityRestoration of the postexilic communityPrayerful zeal, leadership and practical skills

In Hb. Bible Ezra-Nehemiah a single bookEnglish, Latin, LXX separated


2.2 Historical and Critical IssuesAuthor, date, composition

Anonymous workJewish tradition attributes to Ezra (Ez-Neh & 1-2

Chr)More likely anonymous editor

Stages of compositionIndividual memoirs of Ezra (7-10; Neh 7:73-10:39)

& Nehemiah (1:1-7:73; 11:1-13:31) (c. 440-420BC)Combination of these memoirs by the editor Editor adds Sheshbazzar/Zerubbabel narrative to

memoirs (Ez 1-6)


Ezra includes Aramaic sections (4:8-6:18; 7:12-26; cf. Dan 2:4-7:28)Aramaic lingua franca of the dayWritten in Persia or PalestineThe author had access to Persian state archives

Theological interests in Ez-NehCovenant renewalRebuilding and rededication (Temple & walls)Restoration and social exclusivity


Chronology – some important dates & BackgroundDestruction of the Temple 587/6 BCCyrus’ edict 539/8BCContemporary prophets

Haggai & Zechariah 520-518BCMalachi 500-475BC

Ezra and Nehemiah minister 538-433BCEzra’s arrival to Jerusalem 458BC (7th yr. of Artaxerxes I)Nehemiah’s arrival to Jerusalem 445BC (20th yr. of

ArtaxerxesI) Israel as forgotten ‘backwater’ province of Persia

Earlier reforms not effective Continuous obstacles & hindrances to reform and

rebuilding (e.g. Ez 4:5-7, 24; Neh 4:1-9)


2.3 Purpose, setting and structurePurpose of Ez-Neh

Recording of postexilic history Return of the Hebrews & reconstitution of the

national lifeDemonstration of YHWH’s faithfulness

Literary structure & styleHistorical introduction Ez 1-6Ezra’s memoirs I Ez 7-10Nehemiah’s memoirs I Neh 1-7Ezra’s memoirs II Neh 8-10Nehemiah’s memoirs II Neh 11-13


2.4 Themes in Ezra-NehemiahYHWH as covenant keeping God

God’s faithfulness in the restoration of the communityRebuilding of the Temple & walls of Jerusalem

Worship & presence of YHWH restored and reinstituted

God’s providential acts in history on behalf of His people“gracious hand of God was upon us” (Ez 8:18; 7:27-8;

8:22-23)Provision of materials (6:6-12; 7:7, 18) – 1st time in

world history when a foreign ruler approved the practice of foreign religion in his empire and FUNDED the rebuilding and upkeeping

Protection in journey (8:21-23, 31-32)Defeat of enemies and obstacles (Ez 4:1-6, 24; 5:1-

6:15)


Religious and social reformCovenant renewal ceremony (Neh 9:38-10:27)

Rehabilitation of the priesthood (Ez 10:18-44)Importance of study & exposition of Scripture (Ez

7:10)Temple ritual and Sabbath observance (Neh 8:13-

18; 13:15-22)Law as the rule of community (Neh 8:1-12)

Social and economic renewalImportance of ethnic purity & ritual purity

Expulsion of foreign wives (Ez 10:1-18; Neh 9:1-9; 13:1-3)

Economic renewal (Neh 5:1-19)Famine, taxes, interest, and restoration of fieldsNehemiah’s generosity and provision of food


3.1 Introduction to EstherWhat is the purpose of Esther?

Peculiar features of Esther?

How come a biblical book does not mention God?

What is the basic storyline of Esther?


3.2 Historical and Critical IssuesAuthorship, date, composition

Anonymous Mordecai as one candidate Author anonymous

Access to Persian court records (10:2)Knowledge of Persian court operation

Setting of the book early to mid 5th century BCEarliest Hebrew manuscript from 1100ADAnalysis of Hebrew language – older than 2nd century

BC Written probably 4th or late 5th century BCLXX includes over 100 additional verses

Probably to insert “God” into the book to make it palatable


Fictitious account, historical novel or historical account?Reasons for assuming largely non-historical character b/c

Plot too artificial Difficulty of verifying events and persons from non-biblical

accounts: Vashti, Esther, Mordecai, Haman unknown elsewhere Herodotus discusses Xerxes’ queen Amestris but she’s not Esther

Some arguments that support the historical nature of Esther10:2 seems to indicate historical nature of the narrativeXerxes’ character as ill-tempered & w/ eye for women (Herd.)Xerxes advised by seven counselors (1:1-13; Herd.; Ez 7:14)Hanging as means of execution (Herd 3:125, 159)Esther may be a blend of history and artistic literary features that

is used to support its theological message Most important issue for inspiration – what is the indented purpose of the book


3.3 Literary structure and purposeLiterary structure

Esther’s rise to power (1-2)Mordecai’s refusal to bow (3:1-15)Plan for deliverance: Esther’s jeopardy (4-5)Esther’s first banquet (6:1-13)Esther’s second banquet (7-8)Israel’s enemies destroyed (9:1-19)Purim observed (9:20-32)Resulting stature of Mordecai (10:1-3)


Purpose of Esther Demonstrate the continuous faithfulness of God

despite His apparent invisibility

3.4 Theological themes in EstherGod’s sovereign work in history

The work of God “behind the scenes”More to history than meets the eye – God is at work

Esther’s beauty; Mordecai overhears assassination plot; Mordecai’s report written in king’s archives; king received Esther; king could not sleep at night etc.

Destruction of Haman and the end of the Amalekite (cf. 1Sam15)

Origins and celebration of Purim - “lots” (9:18-10:3)God’s invisible hand brought about victory and deliveranceGod delivered His people


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