Digital Logos Edition
The Chronicler addressed an Israel separated from its former days of blessing by a season of judgment. The books of 1 and 2 Chronicles bring a divine word of healing and reaffirm the hope of restoration. The Chronicler's theme is straightforward - the promises of God revealed in the Davidic covenant are as trustworthy and as effective as the God who first uttered them.
Martin Selman provides an excellent interpretation of these sorely neglected yet profound Old Testament books. This volume on 2 Chronicles builds on the groundwork laid by its companion in 1 Chronicles.
Get the full commentary set: Tyndale Commentaries | TOTC/TNTC (60 vols.).
“In his fear, Jehoshaphat turns to prayer rather than despair (vv. 6–12) and to fasting (v. 3). His attitude is summed up by the word ‘seek’, which occurs twice in Hebrew though it is variously translated in evv. This is a key word in Jehoshaphat’s reign (cf. 17:3–4; 18:4; 19:3), where it has the basic sense of ‘worship’ (cf. 2 Chr. 1:5; 15:12), but also means to discover God’s will (cf. 2 Chr. 15:4). It shows that Jehoshaphat has a higher trust in God than in his military resources, and that he rightly sees the temple as the place to seek God’s face (v. 5; cf. 2 Chr. 7:14).” (Page 443)
“Chapter 7 is not only central to the message of Chronicles, but it is also one of the most important chapters in the Old Testament. It offers hope to any who call on the name of the Lord, even if they have incurred God’s wrath, because God’s desire is for full reconciliation. The overall theme is encapsulated in a passage most of which is unique to Chronicles (vv. 12–16), and which contains one of the best-known verses in Chronicles (v. 14).” (Page 348)
“The Chronicler’s aim in any case is not to explain how the villages came to be in Solomon’s possession, only that he rebuilt them. While textual disturbance is possible (Willi, Williamson), it seems more probable that they had been returned to Solomon, either because they were unacceptable (1 Kgs 9:12–13) or because they had been collateral for a loan (1 Kgs 9:14).” (Page 361)
“ ‘To believe’ really means ‘to exercise firm trust’, so that the person who believes is made firm or secure.” (Page 447)