1. AUTHOR. — Not known. The tradition that ascribes them to Ezra is not improbable. They were compiled from sources well known at the time, some of which at least were used by the author of Kings.

2. DATE. — Perhaps about 450 B. C. Some names may have been added to the genealogical lists later.

3. HISTORICAL OCCASION. — At the time of the religious awakening under Ezra, who de sired Israel's obedience to the law and sup port of the temple service.

4. LEADING TOPICS. — Those events in the history of the Israelites, especially of the kingdom of Judah, which illustrate the pre-eminence and successes of the kings who were most faithful to Jehovah, and which showed the prominence of the priests and Levites. After a list of genealogies is given, the history is followed from the accession of David to the fall of Jerusalem.

5. CHIEF PURPOSE. — To show that the Israelites were to serve Jehovah, especially in maintaining the temple service. To show how this had been provided for by David; how Israel had suffered when it was neglected; and what reforms had been under taken in order to restore it to its position of pre-eminence. The book was to show that former successes were due to fidelity to Jehovah, and it would thus incite especially the returned priests and Levites to a faithful maintenance of the service of Jehovah. Though it runs parallel with the books of Samuel and the Kings, its aim is distinct from theirs.

6. GENERAL ANALYSIS.

Part I. Genealogies, Ch. 1-9.

Part II. Reign of David, Ch. 10–29.

(a) His accession and great men, Ch. 10– 12.

(b) His zeal for Jehovah's worship, Ch. 13-17.

(c) His victories, Ch. 18–20.

(d) Numbering the people, Ch. 21.

(e) Provision for the temple, Ch. 22–29.

Part III. Reign of Solomon, 2 Chron. 1-9.

(a) Building the temple, Ch. 1-4.

(b) Its dedication, Ch. 5–7.

(c) Solomon's greatness and wealth, Ch. 8, 9.

Part IV. Judah, after the revolt of the ten tribes, Ch. 10–36.

7. POINTS OF ESPECIAL INTEREST. — The division of the Levites; the genealogies; David's provision for the temple; Pass over kept by Hezekiah; reforms by Josiah.

8. RELATION TO OTHER O. T. BOOKS. — To the Pentateuch, in showing the extent to which Israel conformed to the law; to the books of Samuel and the Kings, in showing the religious activities and successes of David and the subsequent kings of Judah; to the Prophets, in using the same facts which they used to show that Israel was blessed for obedience.

9. MESSIANIC IDEAS. — The greatness of the Messiah was foreshadowed by the reigns of David and Solomon. The temple sacrifices and priesthood were typical of Messianic truths.

10. TOPICS FOR SPECIAL STUDY. — The fullness and purpose of the Hebrew genealogies; character of the worship in the first temple; the public use of the Psalms; the character of the idolatry of Judah; the book of the law found in the days of Josiah.