To this time the books have fitted one into another and formed a
continuous history. Here we double back and review the whole history,
beginning with Adam, and coming down to the edict of Cyrus which
permitted the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem.

Religious Purpose of the Narratives. Several things show these books
to have a religious purpose. (1) God's care of his people and his
purpose to save them is given special emphasis. (2) The building of
the temple is given much prominence. (3) The kings who served God and
destroyed idols are given the most conspicuous place. (4) He follows
the line of Judah. only mentioning Israel where it seemed necessary.
In this way he was following the Messianic line through David. (5) The
priestly spirit permeates these books instead of the prophetic
elements as in the earlier historical books. The aim, therefore,
seems to be to teach rather than to narrate. He seems to teach that
virtue and vice, in private or in national affairs, will surely
receive their dues-that God must be taken into account in the life of
individuals and of nations.

Analysis of First Chronicles.

I. The Genealogies, Chs. 1-9.

II. The Reign of David, Chs. 10-29.

1. Accession and great men, Chs.10-12.

2. Zeal for Jehovah's house, Chs. 13-17.

3. His victories, Chs. 18-20.