The Book of 2nd Chronicles
in a Nutshell
The Book of 2nd Chronicles
in a Nutshell
Embedded Files
in a Nutshell
The Book of 2 Chronicles picks up where 1 Chronicles left off, focusing on the reign of Solomon and then the kings of Judah until the Babylonian exile. Like 1 Chronicles, this book is written from a post-exilic perspective, emphasizing God's covenant with David, the centrality of the Temple, and the spiritual lessons from Judah’s history. The northern kingdom of Israel is largely left out, allowing the spotlight to remain on the Davidic line and proper worship in Jerusalem.
The book begins with Solomon ascending the throne. His wisdom, wealth, and achievements are highlighted, especially the construction and dedication of the Temple. The Temple becomes the heart of Israel’s national identity, symbolizing God’s presence and faithfulness. Solomon prays for God's guidance and commits the people to the covenant. However, as in Kings, his later compromises are noted and serve as a cautionary example.
Following Solomon, the book chronicles the kings of Judah, evaluating each based on their faithfulness to God and their support of Temple worship. Some kings, like Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, and Josiah, are praised for their reforms and efforts to turn the people back to God. Others, like Ahaz and Manasseh, lead Judah into idolatry and corruption, though even Manasseh eventually repents, showing God's willingness to forgive.
Prophets play a key role, repeatedly calling kings and people to return to the LORD. When these warnings are ignored, judgment follows. The narrative builds toward the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem, the destruction of the Temple, and the exile of Judah. Yet the book ends on a hopeful note: King Cyrus of Persia issues a decree allowing the Jews to return and rebuild the Temple, an open door for restoration.
2 Chronicles is a spiritual reflection on Judah’s history. It urges readers to seek God, value true worship, and trust in the enduring promises made to David. Even after failure and exile, the story is not over, God is still faithful, and a restored future is possible through repentance and renewed devotion.
JJ Bowks, ©CDMI
The Bible in a Nutshell Series
The Bible in a Nutshell Series
Hebrew Scriptures
Hebrew Scriptures
(Old Testament Books)
Outline of the Book of 2nd Chronicles
Outline of the Book of 2nd Chronicles
I. The Reign of Solomon – 1:1–9:31
A. Solomon’s Rise and Wisdom – 1:1–17
Solomon’s prayer for wisdom at Gibeon – 1:1–13
His wealth and power – 1:14–17
B. Preparations for the Temple – 2:1–18
C. Construction and Furnishing of the Temple – 3:1–5:1
Temple construction – 3:1–17
Temple furnishings – 4:1–22
Temple completed – 5:1
D. Dedication of the Temple – 5:2–7:22
Ark brought into the temple – 5:2–14
Solomon’s speech and prayer – 6:1–42
Fire from heaven and divine approval – 7:1–3
Offerings and celebration – 7:4–10
Jehovah appears to Solomon – 7:11–22
E. Solomon’s Further Achievements and Wealth – 8:1–9:28
F. Death of Solomon – 9:29–31
II. The Kingdom of Judah (Rehoboam to Zedekiah) – 10:1–36:23
A. Rehoboam – 10:1–12:16
Revolt of the northern tribes – 10:1–19
Strengthening Judah – 11:1–23
Rehoboam’s unfaithfulness and punishment – 12:1–16
B. Abijah (Abijam) – 13:1–22
C. Asa – 14:1–16:14
Religious reforms and victories – 14:1–15
Covenant renewal and revival – 15:1–19
Later failures and death – 16:1–14
D. Jehoshaphat – 17:1–20:37
Strengthening the kingdom – 17:1–19
Alliance with Ahab and Micaiah’s prophecy – 18:1–34
Further reforms and deliverance from enemies – 19:1–20:30
Final acts and alliance with Ahaziah – 20:31–37
E. Jehoram – 21:1–20
F. Ahaziah – 22:1–9
G. Athaliah and Joash – 22:10–24:27
Athaliah’s usurpation – 22:10–12
Joash becomes king – 23:1–21
Joash’s reforms and apostasy – 24:1–27
H. Amaziah – 25:1–28
I. Uzziah (Azariah) – 26:1–23
J. Jotham – 27:1–9
K. Ahaz – 28:1–27
L. Hezekiah – 29:1–32:33
Temple cleansing and Passover – 29:1–31:1
Restoration of worship and provision – 31:2–21
Deliverance from Assyria – 32:1–23
Hezekiah’s illness and pride – 32:24–33
M. Manasseh and Amon – 33:1–25
Manasseh’s idolatry and repentance – 33:1–20
Amon’s evil reign – 33:21–25
N. Josiah – 34:1–35:27
Early reforms and temple repairs – 34:1–13
Discovery of the Law and covenant renewal – 34:14–33
Josiah’s great Passover – 35:1–19
His death in battle – 35:20–27
O. Final Kings and Fall of Jerusalem – 36:1–21
Jehoahaz – 36:1–4
Jehoiakim – 36:5–8
Jehoiachin – 36:9–10
Zedekiah and the fall of Jerusalem – 36:11–21
P. Decree of Cyrus to Return – 36:22–23
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