# Introduction to 1 Chronicles

### Outline of 1 Chronicles

1. Lists of descendants (1:1-9:44)
    * From Adam to Jacob (1:1–2:2)
    * Jacob's descendants (2:2–9:44)
1. Saul dies and David begins to reign (10:1-29:30)
    * Saul dies (10:1–14)
    * David captures Jerusalem (11:1-9)
    * David's mighty men (11:10–12:40)
    * David prospers (13:1–22:1)
    * David prepares for Solomon to build the temple (22:2–29:30)

### What are the Books of 1 and 2 Chronicles about?

The Book of 1 Chronicles retells the line of descendants from Adam to Saul. It then gives the history of Israel during the time of David. The Book of 2 Chronicles gives the history of Israel beginning with Solomon. It ends when the Babylonian army attacks Judah and takes some of the people to Babylon. The writers of Chronicles probably wrote these books for the Jews who returned from exile in Babylon. The purpose was to teach the people to avoid disobeying God as their ancestors did.

### How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators can use the traditional title "1 Chronicles" or "First Chronicles." You may also call this book "The Events of the Kings of Judah and Israel, Book 1" or "The First Book of the Events of the Kings of Judah and Israel."

### Who wrote 1 and 2 Chronicles?

The writers of 1 and 2 Chronicles are unknown. They mention that they used other books when writing Chronicles. The names of these other books are "The Chronicles of Samuel the Seer," "The Chronicles of Nathan the Seer," "The Chronicles of Gad the Seer," "The History of Nathan the Prophet," "The Chronicles of Shemaiah the Prophet and Iddo," "The Story of the Prophet Iddo" and "The books of the kings of Judah and Israel."