1 Chronicles
The history retold for the returned exiles — genealogies from Adam, then the reign of David.
Overview
1 Chronicles retells Israel's history for the community that came back from exile, and it has a clear focus: David, the temple, and worship. It opens with nine chapters of genealogy tracing the line from Adam, then tells the reign of King David — his rise, his bringing of the ark to Jerusalem, God's promise of a lasting dynasty, and his careful preparations for the temple his son Solomon will build.
Book facts
- Author
- Unknown; traditionally EzraChronicles was originally one book; tradition credits Ezra the scribe.
- Date written
- c. 400 BCAfter the exile, retelling the history for the returned community.
- Original language
- HebrewHebrew, opening with nine chapters of genealogy.
- Setting
- From Adam to the death of David (retold after the exile)A priestly retelling that centres on David, the temple, and worship.
How it came to be
Chronicles names no author and was originally a single book with 2 Chronicles. Jewish tradition credits Ezra the scribe, writing after the exile.
It retells much of the story found in Samuel and Kings, but from a priestly angle centred on the temple and worship.
The whole book, chapter by chapter
| Chapter | What happens | Who is in it | Where it takes place |
|---|---|---|---|
The genealogies — the line from Adam to the returned exiles, chapters 1–9 | |||
| Chapter 1Adam to Abraham | A genealogy from Adam through Noah to Abraham. | , | — |
| Chapter 2The sons of Judah | The descendants of Judah, the royal tribe. | — | |
| Chapter 3The line of David | The line of David's descendants. | — | |
| Chapter 4Judah and Simeon | Further families of Judah and Simeon. | — | |
| Chapter 5The eastern tribes | The tribes east of the Jordan — Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. | — | — |
| Chapter 6The Levites | The families of Levi, the priestly tribe. | — | — |
| Chapter 7The northern tribes | The families of the northern tribes. | — | — |
| Chapter 8The line of Benjamin | The descendants of Benjamin, Saul's tribe. | — | — |
| Chapter 9The returned exiles | Those who first resettled Jerusalem after the exile. | — | |
The reign of David — David, the ark, and preparing for the temple, chapters 10–29 | |||
| Chapter 10The death of Saul | Saul and his sons die in battle, and the kingdom passes to David. | , | — |
| Chapter 11David made king | David is made king over all Israel and takes Jerusalem; his mighty men are listed. | , | |
| Chapter 12David's warriors | The warriors who rallied to David. | — | |
| Chapter 13The ark and Uzza | David tries to bring up the ark, but Uzza dies touching it. | — | |
| Chapter 14David's victories | David's household grows and he defeats the Philistines. | ||
| Chapter 15The ark brought up | David brings the ark to Jerusalem with music and celebration. | ||
| Chapter 16The song of thanks | David appoints Levites for worship and gives a psalm of thanks. | ||
| Chapter 17The promise to David | Through Nathan, God promises David a lasting dynasty. | , | — |
| Chapter 18David's conquests | A summary of David's victories and administration. | — | |
| Chapter 19The Ammonite war | David's messengers are insulted, and war with Ammon and Syria follows. | , | — |
| Chapter 20The Philistine giants | David's men kill several Philistine giants. | — | |
| Chapter 21The census | David's census brings a plague; he buys the threshing floor for an altar. | ||
| Chapter 22The temple preparations | David gathers materials and charges Solomon to build the temple. | , | |
| Chapter 23The Levite divisions | David organizes the Levites for temple service. | — | |
| Chapter 24The priestly divisions | David divides the priests into orders of service. | — | |
| Chapter 25The musicians | David appoints the temple musicians. | — | |
| Chapter 26The gatekeepers | The gatekeepers and treasurers are assigned. | — | |
| Chapter 27The army divisions | The divisions of David's army and officials. | — | |
| Chapter 28David's charge to Solomon | David charges Solomon and the leaders to build the temple, and gives him the plans. | , | |
| Chapter 29The willing offerings | The people give willingly for the temple; David praises God, and Solomon is made king. | , | |
All 29 chapters. Start reading →
Worth knowing
Tap a name to see who they are.
Tap a place to see where it is.
Some of the book's best-known moments — tap the verse to read it.
- David brings up the ark1 Chronicles 15:28
- God's promise to David1 Chronicles 17:11
- David prepares the temple1 Chronicles 22:5
- "Thine, O Lord, is the greatness"1 Chronicles 29:11