I and II Chronicles

Summary

This very large Old Testament Library commentary on Chronicles is a major academic work that treats 1 and 2 Chronicles as a purposeful retelling of Israels story for a post exilic community. It aims to show how the Chronicler reshapes earlier material to emphasise worship, temple life, Davidic hope, and communal responsibility. The commentary is detailed, working carefully through genealogies, speeches, reform narratives, and narrative expansions, and it frequently compares Chronicles with Samuel and Kings to highlight distinctive emphasis. It is not a preaching manual, but it can be a deep resource for those who want to understand why Chronicles matters, how it speaks to a rebuilding community, and how its theology is woven through narrative decisions.

Strengths

The scale of the work allows for thorough explanation of a book many pastors neglect. Chronicles is often treated as repetition, yet it has its own theological voice, and this commentary helps the reader hear it. It highlights the centrality of worship, the role of Levites, the focus on proper temple order, and the repeated call to seek the Lord. It also handles the reform narratives with care, showing how repentance, prayer, and humble response are presented as genuine turning points. Another strength is the sustained comparison with parallel accounts. That comparison can teach pastors to respect emphasis and not to assume that the message of Kings can simply be carried into Chronicles unchanged. Finally, because the commentary gives serious attention to lists and genealogies, it helps readers see that these sections serve a purpose, forming identity and tracing continuity for a community that needs to know who it is.

Limitations

The obvious limitation is size and density. At more than a thousand pages, most pastors will not read it straight through, and it can easily overwhelm preparation time. It also works within a critical academic framework that can become the controlling lens, especially when discussing composition and sources. Pastors who preach Chronicles as Scripture will want to keep the canonical message central and resist being pulled into speculative reconstruction in the pulpit. Another limitation is the lack of explicit Christ centred movement. Chronicles points toward Davidic promise, true worship, and the longing for lasting renewal, but the commentary does not naturally trace these lines to Christ. That is essential for Christian proclamation and must be supplied by the preacher through careful biblical theology. Finally, because the tone is scholarly, it offers limited direct help with pastoral application and with the spiritual weight of preaching worship, repentance, and leadership to a contemporary congregation.

How We Would Use It

We would use this volume for advanced study, especially when planning a series through Chronicles or when teaching the book in a class setting. It can help map major themes, explain how the Chronicler uses earlier material, and clarify what distinctive message a passage carries. We would also consult it when genealogies and lists appear, since those sections often benefit from careful guidance. In preaching, we would use its observations to serve a more confessionally shaped exposition. Chronicles calls a restored people to worship centred faithfulness, showing that the Lord remains worthy of trust and obedience even after judgement. It also keeps Davidic hope alive. From there, we can proclaim Christ as the true Son of David, the builder of the greater temple, and the one who gathers a worshipping people, cleansed and renewed, to serve the Lord with joy and reverence.

Closing Recommendation

A landmark academic commentary that offers exceptional depth on Chronicles and helps readers take the book seriously. Best for advanced study and long term series planning, but pastors should use it with discernment and pair it with more confessionally rooted resources for clear gospel proclamation.