Channels, Spring 2019

Page 14 Shields • Chronicles The external evidence alone cannot decisively place Chronicles at the end of the canon, rather internal evidence within the book itself must be examined. The material that the Chronicler presents within the book is best explained if the author intends for his writing to close the Hebrew Bible. The book’s placement implies theological thrust of both the Writing’s section and the entire Hebrew Bible. Placing Chronicles at the beginning or at the end of the Writings has effects on the way a reader understands the Psalms. The book that closes the canon (Ezra/Nehemiah or Chronicles being the last book) affects the theological trajectory of the Hebrew Bible. The seams that tie the entire canon together (Duet. 34-Josh. 1, Mal. 3-Ps. 1) are disrupted if the book is placed before the book of Psalms. Opposing views argue that the different orders of the books are records of reception history among faith communities and do not find conclusive evidence for the location of Chronicles. In this case, they concede that there are theological implications for the location of books within the canon (mere contextuality), but do not see a fixed order. Order within the Hebrew Bible has theological significance. The composition of the Hebrew Bible found its shape through intentional redaction and organization that gave it its theological meaning. This implies meant contextuality. As has been mentioned earlier, the interpretation of the Hebrew Bible should involve the pursuit of the best explanation for the external and internal evidence of the order. Chronicles as the end of the Hebrew Bible leaves the reader with an eschatological and messianic hope that is meant to strengthen their faith. “Whoever is among you of all his people, may the Lord his God be with him. Let him go up.” 74 74 2 Chronicles 36:23