Chronicles, Books of

The Books of Chronicles (originally one book in the Hebrew canon, where they were titled dibre hayyamim — words of the days) provide a retelling of Israel's history from Adam's genealogy to the edict of Cyrus permitting the return from Babylon (538 BC). The Septuagint's title Paraleipomena (things omitted) reflected the view that Chronicles supplemented Kings, but modern scholarship recognizes it as a distinct theological work with its own emphases rather than merely a supplement.

The Chronicler's focus falls almost entirely on Judah and the Davidic dynasty, with the northern kingdom of Israel receiving minimal treatment. The books give substantial attention to the organization of Levitical worship, the temple, and the roles of priests and musicians — suggesting a post-exilic community concerned with restoring proper worship. David's preparations for the temple occupy as much space as his political and military achievements. The books conclude with Cyrus's proclamation, linking the history of Israel's covenant God to the movement of world empires and setting the stage for Ezra and Nehemiah.