Introduction to the Prayers in First Chronicles

Content material

First Chronicles begins with 9 chapters of family tree—from Adam to those that returned from Exile six or seven many years after Jerusalem was destroyed by Babylon. It’s a historical past, but it surely additionally has a theological objective as a result of additionally it is a historical past of God’s acts: how he chooses, saves, protects, listens, saves, punishes, and presents grace and redemption. The family tree exhibits that these individuals or occasions not disconnected—that is all God’s plan.

Following the family tree, the guide proceeds from the loss of life of Saul to the occasions of David’s kingship. (Second Chronicles begins with Solomon’s reign to the destruction of the northern kingdom, then the southern kingdom, exile, and at last, the return from exile.)

The guide accommodates not solely accommodates genealogies, but additionally lists of varied sorts, and excerpts taken from First Samuel by means of Second Kings. It additionally accommodates a number of speeches, sermons, and, most significantly for us, prayers.

Themes

The identify “Chronicles” means “the occasions of the times”—a chronicle of occasions. First and Second Chronicles had been initially one guide, and painting lots of the similar occasions present in First Samuel by means of Second Kings, however from a unique perspective. The author focuses on the significance of the Temple, the clergymen and Levites, David and Solomon, and on “all Israel” as unified and taking part within the kingship of David and Solomon and the constructing of the Temple.

There’s additionally a theme of retribution—search God and you can find Him; reject Him, and He’ll reject you (see 1 Chr 28.9). That either-or view of God is tempered by one other theme—that of a God who additionally presents grace and can forgive the outcomes of a rejection of him.

Lastly, the Chronicler emphasizes that it isn’t sufficient to easily comply with God’s legal guidelines and do His will. A grateful, joyful, and giving angle can also be required. That is just like the message of later prophets and of Jesus.

Prayers

There are twelve separate prayers unfold all through the twenty-nine chapters (some are a part of the identical scene). The themes of Chronicles are seen within the sorts of prayers included: there are 5 prayers of reward and thanksgiving (some embody a touch of petition or intercession), a prayer of confession, and three common petitions. Most of the prayers are petitions for Israel’s security or course, however there are much more thanksgivings and praises than within the earlier books. Most pf them must do with the Ark, victories, and the start of preparations to construct the temple.

After so many books containing primarily petitions, we now have the chance to deal with prayers of reward and thanksgiving.