1 Chronicles

David’s story retold

1 Chronicles opens with genealogies from Adam to the exile and retells David’s reign, with a focus on the ark of the covenant and preparations for the temple.

Historical context

Written after the exile, it rereads the history in Samuel and Kings for a community rebuilding its life around the temple.

Explanation

Best-known passages

The genealogies (ch. 1–9)
The prayer of Jabez (ch. 4)
The ark comes to Jerusalem (ch. 15–16)
David prepares the temple (ch. 22–29)