Bible Pathways: 1 Chronicles

Bible Pathways

1 Chronicles study guide

Preparation Prior to the study session, participants should read:
1 Chronicles 11: 1-19: David becomes king
1 Chronicles 14: David's family grows
1 Chronicles 28: Plans for the temple

Orientation 1 Chronicles is book #13 of 39 in the Old Testament. It is considered a book of History. For more information see the Bible Overview page.
Some events from 1 Chronicles also appear in 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. For a comparison chart, see Harmony of 1 and 2 Chronicles.

Synopsis The writer, believed to be Ezra, used existing scriptures as reference: the books of Moses (Genesis through Deuteronomy), 1, 2 Samuel, and 1, 2 Kings. It is not intended to be a complete history, but rather pulls highlights from history to show God's continuing support of the people of Israel. The writer leaves out the unsavory portions of history (trouble with Saul, adultery with Bathsheba, family troubles).
The entire Israelite family tree is documented, beginning with Adam (1-9). Then the story starts with the death of Saul (10), David becoming king (11), and his establishing Jerusalem as their capital (11:9). David brings the Ark of Covenant to Jerusalem (13). David gets the temple plans from God and begins collecting materials (22) - the construction will begin later by his son [by Bathsheba], Solomon (28:9).

Major Characters Saul, Israel's first king - briefly mentioned at the beginning
David, Israel's second king - main character of this book
Solomon, David's son, and successor as Israel's third king, builder of the temple, briefly mentioned at the end.

Major Events Saul falls on his sword, killing himself (10: 1-14)
David becomes king (11: 1-19)
David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (13: 1-14 and 15:1 - 16:6)
Preparation of materials for the Temple (22, and 28-29)

Activities Using the handout Harmony of 1 and 2 Chronicles, compare the sequence of major events in the reign of David, as recorded in 2 Samuel and here. What events got left out of 1 Chronicles? What events got left out of 2 Samuel? and why? *

Connections The story continues in 2 Chronicles.

For source citations see the home page. Revised April 9 2014

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* 1 Chronicles omits David's struggles with Saul, his 7-year reign in Hebron, his various wives, his adutery with Bathsheba, and Absalom's rebellion. It includes events not in 2 Samuel, such as his preparations for the temple and descriptions of its service.

Preparation	Prior to the study session, participants should read: 1 Chronicles 11: 1-19: David becomes king 1 Chronicles 14: David's family grows 1 Chronicles 28: Plans for the temple
Orientation	1 Chronicles is book #13 of 39 in the Old Testament. It is considered a book of History. For more information see the Bible Overview page. Some events from 1 Chronicles also appear in 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. For a comparison chart, see Harmony of 1 and 2 Chronicles.
Synopsis	The writer, believed to be Ezra, used existing scriptures as reference: the books of Moses (Genesis through Deuteronomy), 1, 2 Samuel, and 1, 2 Kings. It is not intended to be a complete history, but rather pulls highlights from history to show God's continuing support of the people of Israel. The writer leaves out the unsavory portions of history (trouble with Saul, adultery with Bathsheba, family troubles). The entire Israelite family tree is documented, beginning with Adam (1-9). Then the story starts with the death of Saul (10), David becoming king (11), and his establishing Jerusalem as their capital (11:9). David brings the Ark of Covenant to Jerusalem (13). David gets the temple plans from God and begins collecting materials (22) - the construction will begin later by his son [by Bathsheba], Solomon (28:9).
Major Characters	Saul, Israel's first king - briefly mentioned at the beginning David, Israel's second king - main character of this book Solomon, David's son, and successor as Israel's third king, builder of the temple, briefly mentioned at the end.
Major Events	Saul falls on his sword, killing himself (10: 1-14) David becomes king (11: 1-19) David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (13: 1-14 and 15:1 - 16:6) Preparation of materials for the Temple (22, and 28-29)
Activities	Using the handout Harmony of 1 and 2 Chronicles, compare the sequence of major events in the reign of David, as recorded in 2 Samuel and here. What events got left out of 1 Chronicles? What events got left out of 2 Samuel? and why? *
Connections	The story continues in 2 Chronicles.