Channels, Spring 2019

Channels • 2019 • Volume 3 • Number 2 Page 7 Israel, rather he is interpreting it. Therefore, he has written a commentary on the history of Israel. 38 Sailhamer asserts that the goal of the Chronicler is to retell the history of Israel selectively which provides a different perspective and theological message. 39 Biblical authors are purposely selective in their material for theological reasons. In the gospel of John, the apostle is very forthcoming in his method and purpose for writing his gospel. First of all, the apostle is selective in his material: “Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” (John 21:25). 40 Second, John chooses his material for a purpose: “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30-31). In the same way, the Chronicler is writing with a purpose and selectively interpreting historical events. In doing so, the message of Chronicles has three main points of emphasis: David and the establishment of his Davidic Dynasty through covenant, the temple and Jerusalem, and the universal significance of both the Davidic king and the influence of the temple. 41 As part of the author’s selectivity, the Chronicler focuses on the Kings of Judah, leaving the history of the kings in the northern kingdom unmentioned. Genesis 49:10 says that “the scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him.” The Hebrew Bible in its entirety traces the line of the seed of the woman (Gen 3:15) while also describing the seed as one who would bless the nations and possess the gates of his enemies (Gen 22:17). He would be a king from the line of Judah (Gen 17:6; Gen 49:8-12; Num 24:15-19). The Chronicler traces this line to David, who represents the ideal king before God. The Psalms and the Prophets equate the Davidic King with the Messiah. David rightly understood the importance of maintaining proper worship of YHWH in Israel and made a tabernacle for the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem (1 Chron 15:1). He laid the foundation for worship by establishing the temple singers and organized temple service (1 Chron 16:4-42) and established the throne of David in 1 Chronicles 17:7-15. David wanted to build the temple for the Ark, but God said that his son, Solomon, would accomplish this task and that his kingdom would be established forever (vv 12-14). David anticipated that this covenant would reach beyond his son and continue into the future: “You have also spoken of your servant’s house for a great while to come, and have shown me future generations, O LORD God! (v 17). David also understood that Israel was called out of Egypt, elected by God to be a blessing to the nations (vv 21-27). The election of Israel and the election of the House of David are part of God’s universal plan to bring all people to worship himself. 42 The covenant that God made with Israel at Mount Sinai gives the backdrop for the evaluation of the king. For the Chronicler, the act of obedience and trust in God and his law is of utmost importance. 43 The covenant was given with the condition that the people obeyed and trusted God with all their heart, soul, and mind. As the Chronicler assesses the Davidic kings of Israel, the anticipation of the 38 Ibid. 39 Ibid. 40 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. 41 Hendrik Koorevaar, “Chronicles as the Intended Conclusion to the Old Testament Canon”, The Shape of the Writings , 218. 42 Ibid, 219. 43 John Sailhamer. First and Second Chronicles , 11-12.