Michael Wilcock sees Chronicles first and foremost as a sermon. Its object: to foster a right relationship between God and his people. The Chronicler finds in the records of Israel the great overall pattern of God's hand in history. The Lord's constant mercy, love, and faithfulness shine through. With great perception, the Chronicler first selects and then proclaims this vibrant pattern, highlighted in the living events of the nation's history.
Once we grasp its purpose, the book comes alive. It can be seen as nothing less than a final and momentous look back over the entire Old Testament. In this commentary Wilcock shows how the various characters appearing in Chronicles make vivid the truths by which the Lord's people in every generation are to live.
Part of the beloved Bible Speaks Today series, The Message of Chronicles offers an insightful, readable exposition of the biblical text and thought-provoking discussion of how its meaning relates to contemporary life. Used by students and teachers around the world, The Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for those studying or preaching the Bible and anyone who wants to delve deeper into the text.
This beautifully redesigned edition has also been sensitively updated with more current references and the NRSV Bible text.
Table of Contents:
General preface
Author’s preface
Chief abbreviations
A note on commentaries
Introduction
A. The Tree of the Lord’s planting (1 Chronicles 1–9)
1. Roots (1 Chronicles 1–3)
2. Branches (1 Chronicles 4–7)
3. Fruit (1 Chronicles 8–9)
B. David, the man of war (1 Chronicles 10–29)
4. The unity and individuality of the people of God (1 Chronicles 10–12)
5. Changeless grace in changing circumstances (1 Chronicles 13, 15–16)
6. The fame and fear of the king (1 Chronicles 14, 18–20)
7. Gifts for the house of God (1 Chronicles 17, 21–22)
8. A people prepared (1 Chronicles 23–27)
9. The great continuities (1 Chronicles 28–29)
C. Solomon, the man of peace (2 Chronicles 1–9)
10. Solomon establishes himself (2 Chronicles 1–2)
11. The building of the temple (2 Chronicles 3–5)
12. The dedication prayer (2 Chronicles 6–7)
13. The greatness of Solomon (2 Chronicles 8–9)
D. The kings (2 Chronicles 10–36)
14. Rehoboam and Abijah: the kingdom divided (2 Chronicles 10–13)
15. Asa: the basic pattern (2 Chronicles 14–16)
16. Jehoshaphat: the pastor in his weakness (2 Chronicles 17–20)
17. Jehoram, Ahaziah, Athaliah: near-disaster (2 Chronicles 21–22)
18. Joash and Amaziah: covenant, justice, mercy (2 Chronicles 23–25)
19. Uzziah: the pastor in his strength (2 Chronicles 26)
20. Jotham and Ahaz: Israel re-emerges (2 Chronicles 27–28)
21. Hezekiah: the kingdom renewed (2 Chronicles 29–32)
22. Manasseh and Amon: God’s dealings with the worst of men (2 Chronicles 33)
23. Josiah: the pastor alone (2 Chronicles 34–35)
24. The last kings: war and peace (2 Chronicles 36)
About the Author :
Michael Wilcock was director of pastoral studies at Trinity College, Bristol, and then minister of St. Nicholas’ Church, Durham. He has also written the volumes on Judges, Luke, Psalms, and Revelation in The Bible Speaks Today series.
