The Kingdom of God as Liturgical Empire: A Theological Commentary On 1-2 Chronicles

"In this rich theological commentary, Scott Hahn gives a powerful account of Chronicles' inner unity: its creative recollection of Israel's canonical traditions and its inspiring vision of Israel as a priestly kingdom."--Stephen B. Chapman, Duke Divinity School
Chronicles offers the first attempt to understand and interpret the entire sweep of Old Testament history from the creation of the world to the Israelites' return from exile. This commentary on 1-2 Chronicles shows how the author of Chronicles reads the Old Testament as the first canonical critic;as such, the Chronicler is the first biblical theologian. Scott Hahn identifies in the Chronicler's work a decisive biblical worldview and highlights the Abrahamic key to the Chronicler's narrative. He also explores how Chronicles provides readers with important insights into key New Testament concepts such as Jerusalem, Zion, the Temple, the church, the Kingdom, and the messianic identification of Christ as King and Priest. In fact, Chronicles is the only work in the Old Testament to use the expression Kingdom of God. The Abrahamic key helps readers see the importance of the Abrahamic covenant in the theology of the New Testament.
Hahn presents 1-2 Chronicles as a liturgical and theological interpretation of Israel's history, emphasizing the liturgical structure and content of Chronicles and providing fresh insight on salvation history: past, present, and future. The book gives professors, students, and pastors a better understanding of Chronicles, salvation history, and theological interpretation of the Old Testament.
Contents
"Now the Records Are Ancient": An Introduction to Chronicles
1 Chronicles
1. Chronicle of All Divine History: A Genealogy of Grace in a Time of Exile and Restoration (1 Chr. 1-9)
2. Highly Exalted for the Sake of His People Israel: The Rise of David and His Kingdom (1 Chr. 10-16)
3. His Throne Shall be Established Forever: God's Covenant with King David (1 Chr. 17)
4. God Gives Rest to His People: The Beginnings of the Temple-Kingdom Age (1 Chr. 18-29)
2 Chronicles
5. Liturgy and Empire: Theocracy in the Temple Age (2 Chr. 1-9)
6. In Rebellion Since That Day: After the House of David Is Divided (2 Chr. 10-28)
7. Exile and Return: The Fall and Rise of the Kingdom (2 Chr. 29-36)
Indexes