2 Chronicles

2 Chronicles 1

Solomon requests wisdom from God after ascending to the throne, promising not to ask for riches or honor. God grants his request and also promises wealth, honor, and a large army. Solomon then returns to Jerusalem and establishes his kingdom.

2 Chronicles 2

Solomon plans to build a temple for God's name and kingdom. He requests materials from King Huram of Tyre, including skilled craftsmen and cedar trees. The chapter concludes with Solomon numbering the foreign workers in Israel.

2 Chronicles 3

Solomon begins building the Temple in Jerusalem, following plans and instructions from God. He uses gold, precious stones, and fine materials to adorn the interior and exterior of the structure. The chapter describes the elaborate details of the Temple's design and construction.

2 Chronicles 4

Solomon makes an altar of brass, a molten sea with oxen under it, and various other vessels for the Temple. He also makes candlesticks, tables, and other items for the priests to use in worship. The chapter concludes with Solomon's completion of all these vessels.

2 Chronicles 5

Solomon completes the work on the Temple and assembles Israel's leaders to bring up the Ark of the Covenant from David's city, Zion. The Ark is placed in its designated location under the wings of the cherubim, and a grand ceremony is held with music, sacrifices, and praise. The glory of the Lord fills the Temple, causing the priests to be unable to stand due to the overwhelming presence.

2 Chronicles 6

Solomon dedicates the Temple to God, expressing gratitude for his father David's legacy and asking that God dwell among them. He prays for forgiveness when Israel sins, restoration when they confess their wrongdoing, and protection from enemies. Solomon also asks God to hear the prayers of strangers who come to worship in the Temple.

2 Chronicles 7

Solomon completes the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem with a grand dedication ceremony. The chapter describes the elaborate offerings made by Solomon and the people, including 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. God appears to Solomon at night, promising to hear their prayers and forgive their sins if they humble themselves.

2 Chronicles 8

Solomon completes building projects in Jerusalem and throughout his kingdom, including fortifying cities and establishing tribute from non-Israelite populations. He also establishes a system for worship and sacrifice, following the commandments of Moses. Meanwhile, he sends ships to Ophir with Huram's help, acquiring gold.

2 Chronicles 9

The queen of Sheba visits King Solomon at Jerusalem, bringing a large entourage and gifts, to test his wisdom. Impressed by Solomon's vast wealth, knowledge, and craftsmanship, she praises him and returns home with her servants. Meanwhile, Solomon's kingdom prospers, with ships arriving from Tarshish bearing exotic goods and riches.

2 Chronicles 10

Rehoboam is crowned king at Shechem, but Jeroboam and the people demand that he ease the heavy yoke imposed by his father Solomon. Rehoboam rejects their advice and responds with a harsh message, leading to Israel's rebellion against Judah. The kingdom splits as a result.

2 Chronicles 11

Rehoboam gathers an army to fight against Israel but is told by God through Shemaiah not to go, so they return home. Rehoboam then builds fortified cities and strengthens the kingdom of Judah with the help of priests and Levites who come from all over Israel. He also marries several women and has many children.

2 Chronicles 12

King Rehoboam forgoes God's law, leading to an Egyptian invasion led by Shishak, who captures Jerusalem and takes its treasures. The Israelites humble themselves before God, and He spares them from total destruction. King Rehoboam reigns in Jerusalem but does evil in the eyes of God.

2 Chronicles 13

Abijah, king of Judah, confronts Jeroboam, king of Israel, on Mount Zemaraim. Abijah argues that God gave the kingdom to David and his sons by covenant, while Jeroboam has rebelled against Solomon's son Rehoboam. The battle ensues, with God on Judah's side, resulting in a great slaughter of Israelite forces.

2 Chronicles 14

Asa, the new king of Judah, eliminates idolatrous practices and promotes worship of the Lord. He then leads a successful military campaign against Zerah the Ethiopian, relying on God's help. The Ethiopians are defeated, and Asa's people return to Jerusalem with much spoil.

2 Chronicles 15

Prophet Azariah encourages King Asa to seek God's presence, reminding him that if they forsake Him, He will forsake them. Asa responds by removing idols from Judah and Benjamin, renewing the altar, and gathering the people for a covenant to seek God with all their heart. The chapter concludes with Asa's military victories and the establishment of peace in Judah.

2 Chronicles 16

King Asa of Judah sends silver and gold to Benhadad, king of Syria, asking him to break his alliance with Baasha, king of Israel. Benhadad complies, and the cities of Ijon, Dan, and Abelmaim are captured. However, a seer named Hanani rebukes Asa for relying on the king of Syria rather than God, predicting that Asa will face wars as a result.

2 Chronicles 17

Jehoshaphat, son of King Asa, strengthens his position against Israel by placing forces and garrisons in strategic locations. He seeks to follow God's commandments and removes idolatrous high places from Judah. The chapter concludes with Jehoshaphat's military strength and the loyalty of his captains.

2 Chronicles 18

King Jehoshaphat joins forces with King Ahab to go to war against Syria, but before they engage in battle, Micaiah prophesies that Israel will be defeated. Despite this warning, the two kings proceed with the battle plan, and Ahab is eventually killed by a stray arrow. Meanwhile, Micaiah's prophecy is fulfilled as he is imprisoned for speaking truthfully.

2 Chronicles 19

Jehoshaphat returns to Jerusalem after a successful military campaign, but is rebuked by Jehu the seer for befriending those who hate God. Despite this, Jehoshaphat has taken steps to purge idolatry from Judah and is commended for his efforts. He appoints judges throughout the land to ensure fair and impartial justice.

2 Chronicles 20

King Jehoshaphat of Judah prepares for battle against a massive army from Moab and Ammon by seeking guidance from God through fasting and prayer. The prophet Jahaziel delivers a message from the Lord, assuring them that the battle is not theirs but God's, and they will emerge victorious. The armies are defeated, and the people of Judah return to Jerusalem with joy and praise.

2 Chronicles 21

Jehoram succeeds his father Jehoshaphat as king of Judah, but he follows in the wicked ways of Ahab and murders his brothers. The Lord warns him through Elijah that he will be punished for his sins, and indeed a great plague strikes his people and family. Eventually, Jehoram dies of an incurable disease after two years of suffering.

2 Chronicles 22

Ahaziah, the youngest son of Jehoram king of Judah, becomes king after his father's death. He follows in the wicked ways of Ahab and is eventually killed by Jehu, who had been anointed to destroy the house of Ahab. Meanwhile, Athaliah, Ahaziah's mother, seizes power and kills all the royal descendants except for Joash, who is hidden away by his aunt Jehoshabeath.

2 Chronicles 23

Jehoiada strengthens his position by making a covenant with key leaders in Judah, including tribal captains and Levites. He then orchestrates the coronation of Joash as king, while also ensuring that Athaliah is removed from power. The chapter concludes with Jehoiada's reforms, including the destruction of Baal worship and the re-establishment of proper temple practices.

2 Chronicles 24

Joash, a seven-year-old king, reigns for forty years with the guidance of Jehoiada, who helps him repair the temple and restore worship to God. However, after Jehoiada's death, Joash forgets God's kindness and kills his son Zechariah, leading to Judah's downfall at the hands of the Syrian army. Eventually, Joash is assassinated by his own servants.

2 Chronicles 25

Amaziah becomes king at 25 years old and rules for 29 years, but is criticized for not acting with a perfect heart. He battles the Edomites and captures 10,000 prisoners, but his army is later defeated by Israel's forces led by Joash. Amaziah is eventually captured and taken to Jerusalem, where he is imprisoned and later killed in Lachish.

2 Chronicles 26

Uzziah becomes king at 16 years old and reigns for 52 years. He builds cities, fortifies Jerusalem, and has great military success against the Philistines and other enemies. However, he eventually transgresses against God by burning incense in the temple, resulting in his punishment with leprosy.

2 Chronicles 27

Jotham becomes king at age 25 and reigns for 16 years in Jerusalem, doing right in the sight of the Lord but not entering the temple. He builds the high gate of the house of the Lord and constructs cities and fortifications throughout Judah. Jotham also wages war against the Ammonites and receives a significant payment from them.

2 Chronicles 28

King Ahaz's reign is marked by idolatry and disobedience to God. He makes molten images for Baalim, burns incense in the valley of Hinnom, and sacrifices children to false gods. The chapter also describes Judah's military defeats at the hands of Syria and Israel.

2 Chronicles 29

Hezekiah, king of Judah, begins his reign by restoring the Temple in Jerusalem, which has fallen into disrepair. He orders the priests and Levites to cleanse the Temple and restore its worship, including the altar of burnt offering. The chapter describes the successful restoration of the Temple and the subsequent sacrifices and thank offerings made by the congregation.

2 Chronicles 30

Hezekiah sends letters throughout Judah and Israel to keep the Passover in Jerusalem, as they had not done so for a long time. Many people respond, but some mock or refuse. Eventually, a large congregation gathers in Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of unleavened bread, with Hezekiah providing many sacrifices and offerings. The chapter concludes with the Levites and priests praising God and blessing the people.

2 Chronicles 31

Hezekiah organizes the priests and Levites into courses for burnt offerings and peace offerings. The people bring abundant firstfruits of corn, wine, oil, honey, and livestock to store in heaps. Hezekiah praises God for the bounty and establishes a system for distributing offerings and tithes.

2 Chronicles 32

Sennacherib, king of Assyria, attacks Judah with a large army, but Hezekiah, king of Judah, prepares the city for defense and prays to God for help. The Lord sends an angel that kills off Sennacherib's mighty men, causing him to retreat in shame. Hezekiah is later praised by God for his humility.

2 Chronicles 33

Manasseh, a 12-year-old king, does evil in God's sight by rebuilding high places, worshipping false gods, and sacrificing children. He is later humbled and repents after being taken captive to Babylon. After his return, he destroys the idolatrous objects and repairs the altar of the Lord.

2 Chronicles 34

Josiah begins his reign at eight years old and rules for thirty-three years, doing right in the sight of the Lord. He seeks after the God of David his father and purges Judah and Jerusalem of high places, idols, and groves. The king commissions repairs to the house of the Lord, which leads to the discovery of a book of the law by Moses.

2 Chronicles 35

King Josiah holds a Passover celebration in Jerusalem, with priests and Levites performing their duties as commanded by Moses. The chapter also describes Josiah's final battle against Necho king of Egypt, where he is fatally wounded. This marks the end of Josiah's reign.

2 Chronicles 36

The Babylonians conquer Judah, and the last kings of Judah are taken captive to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar carries off many treasures from the Temple in Jerusalem and destroys much of the city. The chapter concludes with Cyrus's decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple.