Table of Contents
Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………1
Historical Setting and Date……………………………………………………………………...1
Authorship and Audience……………………………………………………………………….1
Theological Theme……………………………………………………………………………….2
Interpretive Commentary……………………………………………………………………….3
Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………..3
Bibliography……………………………………………………………………………………...4
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INTERPRETIVE COMMENTARY 1
Introduction
THe Chronicle books of the bible are books detailing the history of Israel when they
started having kings rule over them. It is important for Christians today to look at these texts and
use them as ways to live their lives according to the standard that God put forth for us. Especially
when it comes to the ongoing struggle with idolatry and being influenced by things that are not
of Yahweh.
Historical Setting and Date
The book of 2 Chronicles is set to be written around 340 B.C. by an unknown author. The
whole book covers the time in Judah and Israel when the kings did things that were pleasing or
displeasing to Yahweh. The historical context emphasizes convenatal loyalty and moral lessons
from Judah.1 The book focuses on the Southern Kingdom (Judah), and how obedience to a
faithful and holy God will bless you. In the last few chapters it speaks on the return to the
Promised land from Judah’s exile to their restoration in the land.
Authorship and Audience
It is believed by many that Ezra wrote this book, and has been proven by researchers
throughout the years. The author focuses on the faithfulness of Israel and looks for a spiritual and
moral renewal from them. The writer is aiming to instruct the post-exiled mindset of the people
on how to faithfully observe Yahweh worship within socio-religious contexts.2 The writer is also
trying to help the people not return to idol worship that Ahaz so cherished during his reign. The
tribe of Judah audiences would particularly be receptive to the message as they were getting back
to true worship of Yahweh and idol worship being destroyed.
Theological Themes
1 Dillard, Raymond B. 2 Chronicles. Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 15. Waco, TX: Word Books,
1987, 135.
2 Japhet, Sara. I & II Chronicles: A Commentary. Old Testament Library. Louisville: Westminster John
Knox Press, 1993, 84.
INTERPRETIVE COMMENTARY 2
The major theological theme in these chapters is being faithful to a holy God. Chapters
26-29 particularly focus on Uzziah’s reign through Hezekiah’s reign, bringing to light the fact
that obedience to God results in posterity and apostasy brings judgment.3
We see that pride takes precedence in chapter 26 when Uzziah became strong (v. 16) and
started sinning against Yahweh. Observing a faithful mindset to Yahweh and seeing that we are
nothing without Him (Galatians 6:3) will make us be totally dependent upon Him and not look to
ourselves for strength. The constant obedience to Yahweh will continue to keep you where you
need to be versus doing what is not right in the sight of the Lord (2 Chron. 28:1).
Chapter 27 is short, speaking on King Jotham and how he stayed faithful to the things of
the Lord. He built a gate (v. 3) because he understood the significance of the concern for the
house of the Lord. We can see that truly putting Yahweh first will result in success and that is
exactly what Jotham did during his reign.
We shift to Ahaz and see his embracing of idol worship. God tells us not to worship idols
in Exodus 20, yet here it is, Ahaz is sacrificing things to idols and disrespecting God. That
resulted in Judah being judged and captured because of Ahaz walking in the ways that he thought
was right. Instead of depending on Yahweh, Ahaz put his trust in man. We are to lean not on our
own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). This shows that a mind that is not fully for God, will once
again result in judgment for you.
The theme from chapter 29 is repentance and turning back to God. II Peter 3:9 urges us to
turn away from our wrongdoings because God is being patient with us and because He loves us
(Romans 2:4), He has not judged us just yet. That is a common theme throughout the OT books,
3 McConville, J. G. 1 & 2 Chronicles. New International Biblical Commentary. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson
Publishers, 2001, 117.
INTERPRETIVE COMMENTARY 3
yet when it is too late, it is too late. We have to have the mindset of Hezekiah and get things in
order and right with Yahweh and do things that are pleasing in His sight.
Interpretive Commentary
2 Chronicles 26-29
I. Chapter 26:1-23 King Uzziah
A. Uzziah’s Overview (1-5)
B. The strength, security and fame of Uzziah’s Reign (6-15)
C. Uzziah’s Sin and Punishment (16-21)
D. The Death of Uzziah (22-23)
II. Chapter 27:1-9 King Jotham
A. Jotham’s Overview(1-2)
B. Jotham’s Accomplishments (3-6)
C. Jotham’s End (7-9)
III. Chapter 28:1-27 King Ahaz
A. Ahaz’s Idol Worship (1-4)
B. Captivity of Judah (5-8)
C. The Rebuke of Israel (9-15)
D. Ahaz not trusting the Lord (16-21)
E. Ahaz’s Apostasy and End (22-27)
IV. Chapter 29: 1-36 King Hezekiah
A. Hezekiah’s Overview (1-2)
B. Hezekiah’s Cleansing and Restoration of the Temple (3-19)
C. Hezekiah Organizes Sacrifice and Worship (20-27)
D. Assembly of Judah (28-30)
E. The Joy of Rightful Offerings (31-36)
Conclusion
2 Chronicles 26-29 offers a lesson to be taught in obedience, disobedience and restoration
of rightful worship. These passages are reminders of a covenant mindset and relationship with a
faithful and Holy God. We should be motivated and strive to live a life that is pleasing to God
and not get filled with pride when we start receiving His blessings.
INTERPRETIVE COMMENTARY 4
Bibliography
Dillard, Raymond B. 2 Chronicles. Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 15. Waco:
Word Books, 1987.
Japhet, Sara. I & II Chronicles: A Commentary. Old Testament Library. Louisville:
Westminster John Knox Press, 1993.
McConville, J. G. 1 & 2 Chronicles. New International Biblical Commentary. Peabody:
Hendrickson Publishers, 2001.
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