Chapter
Introduction
The contents of the second book of the Chronicles immediately connects to the first book of the Chronicles. Both books form a whole. The history of David, who is mainly mentioned in the first book, and that of Solomon, with whom the second book begins, also form a whole.
The fact that the two books form a whole can also be seen from the overall layout of the two books:
1. Genealogies from Adam to David (1 Chronicles 1-9)
2. The rise and reign of David (1 Chronicles 10-29)
3. The reign of Solomon (2 Chronicles 1-9)
4. The kings of Judah (2 Chronicles 10-36)
The second book of the Chronicles begins with the reign of Solomon and the building of the temple. Then follow the stories of the kings of Judah from the house of David and its decay. The book ends with the exile of the people and the destruction of the temple by Nebuchadnezzar.
However, the last two verses of the book also give a new beginning. In these verses we see the work of the Spirit in the Persian King Cyrus, who sends a proclamation throughout his kingdom that anyone who wants to return to Jerusalem to build the house of the LORD is admitted to do so (2Chr 36:22-23).