Top 5 Commentaries on the Books of 1 & 2 Chronicles
If you randomly select one hundred Christians and ask them to name their five favorite books of the Bible, it is unlikely that the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles will be found on many lists. These books are largely neglected by Christians today. They are, however, part of God’s inspired and inerrant Word, and since they are Scripture, these books are profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16). Chronicles was written to the people of Israel in the early post-exilic period to guide them during the period of restoration following their long exile. These theologically rich books contain principles that remain as relevant for the people of God today as they were for the people of God then. The following are five of the most helpful commentaries on 1 and 2 Chronicles.
1. Roddy L. Braun and Raymond B. Dillard — 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles (Word Biblical Commentary, 1986, 1987).
Although they are on the more technical side, the commentaries by Braun and Dillard in the Word Biblical Commentary series are indispensable for serious study of the text. Each also offers helpful theological insight, sometimes missing from technical commentaries. The layout of the Word Biblical Commentaries can take some getting used to, but in the case of these two works, it is worth the effort.
2. Richard L. Pratt — 1 & 2 Chronicles (Mentor Commentary, 1998).
Pratt’s commentary on 1 & 2 Chronicles is distinctive in that it concerns itself primarily with the theological aspects of the books. For those who have had difficulty understanding the relevance and significance of Chronicles, this will be a good place to start. It is an intermediate-level commentary that should be of use to laymen, pastors, and scholars.
3. Mark Boda — 1–2 Chronicles (Cornerstone Biblical Commentary, 2010).
Mark Boda has written a number of helpful works on biblical theology. That insight and the ability to trace themes comes across clearly in this commentary and is one of its strengths. If you’ve ever found 1 and 2 Chronicles difficult or boring, Boda will be helpful.
4. Martin Selman — 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries 1994).
As with many other commentaries in the Tyndale series, Selman’s work is clear and concise without being simplistic. This is a good place to begin for laymen who are looking for a basic introduction to the books.
5. Andrew E. Hill — 1 & 2 Chronicles (NIV Application Commentary, 2003).
It is one thing to understand what the original author of Chronicles was saying to post-exilic Israel, it is another to understand how the teaching of Chronicles applies to the twenty-first century church. The strength of the NIV Application series is in bridging the gap between the original audience and today’s audience. Hill accomplishes this goal nicely, resulting in a work that will prove especially valuable for pastors and teachers.
Runners-Up:
There are a number of other helpful commentaries on 1 and 2 Chronicles. Among them are the introductory-level works by Michael Wilcock and Cyril J. Barber (Vol. 1, Vol. 2). Also worth consulting are the commentaries by J.G. McConville, J.A. Thompson, and Leslie Allen.
Helpful Related Works:
The chapters on Chronicles in Bruce Waltke’s Old Testament Theology and Miles Van Pelt’sA Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament are very helpful.
This article is part of the Top 5 Commentaries collection.