The kings of Judah, measured by temple worship, down to the exile.
Second Chronicles runs from Solomon's building of the temple through the reigns of the kings of Judah, ending with the Babylonian exile and a note about the later decree allowing the people to return.
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ReadThe temple's construction and dedication dominate the opening chapters.
Learn MoreEach reign judged mainly by its treatment of worship.
Learn MoreBabylon destroys Jerusalem; the book ends looking forward.
Learn MoreThe book gives more space to the temple's construction, furnishings, and dedication than to any other single event. Solomon's wisdom and wealth are noted, but the northern kingdom's later separation is treated only briefly, since Chronicles concentrates on Judah and Jerusalem.
The book works through the kings of Judah, praising rulers such as Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, and Josiah for repairs, reforms, and religious festivals, and criticizing others for neglecting or defiling the temple. Prophets appear regularly to warn kings and interpret military and political outcomes.
After repeated warnings, Jerusalem falls to Babylon, the temple is burned, and the survivors are deported. The final verses jump ahead to the Persian king Cyrus issuing a decree that permits the exiles to return and rebuild, ending the book on an open, forward-looking note.