1 & 2 Chronicles (Cornerstone Biblical Commentary | CBC)
Overview
Mark J. Boda makes reference to the point that from a literary and historical standpoint, the books of Chronicles have been ignored and even criticized in Biblical studies. Boda argues that even though Chronicles covers the “whole of sacred history,” the greatest part of its history is included in 1 Chronicles 1–9, although those chapters are filled with genealogical lists where 1 Chronicles 10 through 2 Chronicles 9 deals with David and Solomon’s narratives.
Another reason that Chronicles has not been paid much attention is the incorrect thought that it does not have historical merit. When studying 1 & 2 Chronicles, the Cornerstone Biblical Commentary is beneficial for those wanting to learn more about the history of the book.
Key Features
- Introductions to the historical and cultural context, the literary style, and the major themes and theological concerns
- Exegetical and textual notes
- Commentary pays special attention to context and major theological themes
Top Highlights
“Jewish tradition largely associated the authorship of Chronicles with Ezra. The Babylonian Talmud (b. Bava Batra 15a) claimed that Ezra wrote the book that bears his own name and the genealogies of the book of Chronicles up until his own time and that Nehemiah finished it.” (Page 6)
“The Chronicler makes it clear in 20:22 that it is this praise that initiates the holy war: ‘At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies … to start fighting.’” (Page 331)
“The description of Josiah’s death in Chronicles bears close resemblance to the death of a significant negative character in his source text in Samuel—Kings: Ahab (1 Kgs 22:29–40).1 Like Ahab, Josiah defied a prophetic warning by going to war, disguised himself in vain, was mortally wounded by enemy archers, cried out similar words when wounded, and was carried in and out of battle in a chariot. In the words of Tuell (2001:241), ‘Perhaps the most tragic aspect of Josiah’s sad story is that this righteous, reforming king should end up just like the wicked apostate Ahab.’ By associating Josiah in his death with this king, the Chronicler accentuated Josiah’s loss of divine favor (see Boda 2009b:252).” (Page 420)
“What this account reminds the reader of is the centrality of sacrifice and prayer for the Temple. In addition, even in his failure David is presented as normative for the Chronicler’s audience: a repentant sinner who seeks atonement through sacrifice.” (Page 179)
“ Second, these gifts had been given for the praise of God” (Page 220)
Praise for the Print Edition
An enormously helpful series for the layperson and pastor alike because it centers on the theological message of each book and ties it directly to the text. This approach has been needed for some time and will be an invaluable supplement to other commentary series.
—Grant Osborne
A treasure house of insight into the biblical text. Written by some of the best scholars working today, it is an essential tool for pastors, students, church leaders, and lay people who want to understand the text and how it relates to our lives today. Like the NLT text it uses as its base, this commentary series is extremely readable.
—Tremper Longman III
Product Details
- Title: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: 1 & 2 Chronicles
- Author: Mark J. Boda
- Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
- Publication Date: 2010
- Pages: 456
About Mark J. Boda
Mark J. Boda has authored numerous articles and books in addition to editing several collections of scholarly essays on various topics related to the Old Testament and Christian Theology. He taught for nine years at Canadian Theological Seminary before joining McMaster Divinity College in 2003. Mark enjoys mentoring students and teaches with enthusiasm about the Old Testament and its continued relevance to the Christian life today.