Q: Compare the way the Temple, David, Solomon and the Kings of Judah are presented in the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles with the parallel discussion in the books of Samuel and Kings. Offer an explanation for any differences you may find.
The Chronicler, author of Chronicles, bases much of his material on the books of Samuel-Kings. La Sor states 'Indeed, about one-half of the material in Chronicles is repeated virtually word for word from earlier Old Testament books.' (1982:630). The Chronicler's message can be understood by looking at what is omitted and added from the original texts.
Samuel and Kings are written to an exiled nation and seek to explain what had happened to them and how they arrived in this predicament. Chronicles, set at a later date, addresses a nation coming out of exile. The Chronicler seeks to answer the questions, are we still a nation of God? Does God still want us? Does his covenant still stand, despite their being no son of David on the throne?
'The Hebrew Chronicler is not a historian in the strict western sense.
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The United Kingdom of Solomon breaks up, with Jero...
David Berkowitz branded with Dr PepperTo him Israel's history was pregnant with spiritual and moral lessons...' (La Sor, 1982:631). It is with this attitude, and with a priestly background that the Chronicler puts pen to parchment.
THE TEMPLE
The temple plays a central role to the recovering exiled nation of Israel and is the Chroniclers central theme. It is the only surviving symbol of their tattered past and the chronicler links it firmly to their future.
We see extended text regarding the temple in Chronicles not found in Samuel-Kings. There are six unique chapters (1Ch 22-29:1-9) devoted solely to temple preparations.
The author seeks to emphasis the divine planning, role and sanction of the temple. He does this by adding the following...