Yes, 2 Chronicles is a repeat telling of history that we have already read about, and yet from a different perspective. In the same the gospels give us four perspectives of Jesus, the Chronicles, the Kings and the Samuels give us different perspectives of history. The books of 1 and 2 Kings is more from a political point of view and the Chronicles is definitely more from a priestly perspective. In fact in 2 Chronicles the priests are mentioned 58x, significantly more than any other book of the Bible. Although Ezra with 24 mentions in only 10 chapters has a much higher density of priestly roles.
And Here is What We Learn from 2 Chronicles
- No matter the extent of evil from a leader, evil never could overcome God’s covenant he made with David. Even when it looked like it did. There were times when it looked like the promises had been snuffed out. For example it looked like all the descendants of David had been killed off, which would make God’s promise nullified. Yet the people didn’t know that an aunt had hidden away Joash from his wicked grandmother who was on a killing rampage. He would stay hidden for a number of years and at the right time would become king. God doesn’t forget his covenant.
- Our sins can affect many, even after we’ve repented. Manasseh is a prime example. He did such horrific evil, but God humbled him and he received the message. He repented and let the nation in great reform. But those who followed him didn’t follow him in his repentance. Our sin spreads wider than we will ever understand.
- Leaders have great Influence. When a leader led in righteousness, the people followed and responded to his example. When the leader lead in wickedness, the people, even the leaders of the people followed.
- Children don’t have to follow the ways of their parents. Some of the children saw horrific things from their parents (Hezekiah), yet chose to walk a completely different path.
- The temple was not just a place of sacrifice and offering to deal with sins, but a place of music, celebration and more. Over and over throughout 2 Chronicles we read of the temple being a place of joy, music, singing and more.
- Biblical instruction was key to reformation of society. When there was not Biblical understanding, the people drifted down dark roads. When the priests were released to be teachers among the villages, the people walked more closely in the ways of God. So too the kings (Josiah)
Truly we see in the Chronicles that God desires mercy, not sacrifice. He repeatedly warned people and called them back to repentance from their evil ways. But time and again they did not repent. And as he is no pushover, weak God, he had to bring discipline.
Many say that the God of the Old Testament is a judgmental God, but I’m convinced that is not the case. Rather he is a God that does not allow evil to go unchecked. The same people who say God is as judgmental God are the same people who ask where is God in the face of evil. And they answer their own question.
God always wanted the people to be in right relationship with him (sacrifices and offerings) and to be a people of joy (celebration, worship and singing). This is something clear when we read 2 Chronicles and even the rest of the Old Testament. It was not his desire to bring discipline and judgment, but if he didn’t, he wouldn’t be loving.
Thankfully there were a number of leaders who lead the nation in righteousness, holiness and joy. And when this happened, there was great blessing on the people.
