The Expositor's Bible: The Books of Chronicles by W. H. Bennett

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By Abil Kile Posted on Nov 15, 2025
In Category - Neval
Bennett, W. H. (William Henry), 1855-1920 Bennett, W. H. (William Henry), 1855-1920
English
Hey, have you ever skipped over those long lists of names in the Bible and wondered what you were missing? Turns out, a lot! W.H. Bennett's guide to Chronicles is like having a brilliant, patient friend walk you through the most overlooked history book in the Old Testament. He doesn't just tell you who begat whom; he shows you why these family trees and temple blueprints matter. It's about a nation trying to rebuild its identity after total collapse. If you think Chronicles is just a dry repeat of Samuel and Kings, this book will completely change your mind. It’s a fascinating look at how history gets written by the people who survive it.
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iv. 9, 10, 18, 22, 27, 34-43; v. 10, 18-22; vii. 21-23; viii. 13. Chapter V. The Jewish Community In The Time Of The Chronicler. Chapter VI. Teaching By Anachronism. 1 Chron. ix. (cf. xv., xvi., xxiii.-xxvii., etc.). Book III. Messianic And Other Types. Chapter I. Teaching By Types. Chapter II. David—I. His Tribe And Dynasty. Chapter III. David—II. His Personal History. Chapter IV. David—III. His Official Dignity. Chapter V. Solomon. Chapter VI. Solomon (continued). Chapter VII. The Wicked Kings. 2 Chron. xxviii., etc. Chapter VIII. The Priests. Chapter IX. The Prophets. Chapter X. Satan. 1 Chron. xxi.-xxii. 1. Chapter XI. Conclusion. Book IV. The Interpretation Of History. Chapter I. The Last Prayer Of David. 1 Chron. xxix. 10-19. Chapter II. Rehoboam And Abijah: The Importance Of Ritual. 2 Chron. x.-xiii. Chapter III. Asa: Divine Retribution. 2 Chron. xiv.-xvi. Chapter IV. Jehoshaphat—The Doctrine Of Non-Resistance. 2 Chron. xvii.-xx. Chapter V. Jehoram, Ahaziah, and Athaliah: The Consequences of a Foreign Marriage. 2 Chron. xxi.-xxiii. Chapter VI. Joash and Amaziah. 2 Chron. xxiv.-xxv. Chapter VII. Uzziah, Jotham, and Ahaz. 2 Chron. xxvi.-xxviii. Chapter VIII. Hezekiah: The Religious Value Of Music. 2 Chron. xxix.-xxxii. Chapter IX. Manasseh: Repentance And Forgiveness. 2 Chron. xxxiii. Chapter X. The Last Kings Of Judah. 2 Chron. xxxiv.-xxxvi. Footnotes PREFACE To expound Chronicles in a series which has dealt with Samuel, Kings, Ezra, and Nehemiah is to glean scattered ears from a field already harvested. Sections common to Chronicles with the older histories have therefore been treated as briefly as is consistent with preserving the continuity of the narrative. Moreover, an exposition of Chronicles does not demand or warrant an attempt to write the history of Judah. To recombine with Chronicles matter which its author deliberately omitted would only obscure the characteristic teaching he intended to convey. On the one hand, his selection of material has a religious significance, which must be ascertained by careful comparison with Samuel and Kings; on the other hand, we can only do justice to the chronicler as we ourselves adopt, for the time being, his own attitude towards the history of Hebrew politics, literature, and religion. In the more strictly expository parts of this volume I have sought to confine myself to the carrying out of these principles. Amongst other obligations to friends, I must specially mention my indebtedness to the Rev. T. H. Darlow, M.A., for a careful reading of the proof-sheets and many very valuable suggestions. One object I have had in view has been to attempt to show the fresh force and clearness with which modern methods of Biblical study have emphasised the spiritual teaching of Chronicles. BOOK I. INTRODUCTION. Chapter I. Date And Authorship. Chronicles is a curious literary torso. A comparison with Ezra and Nehemiah shows that the three originally formed a single whole. They are written in the same peculiar late Hebrew style; they use their sources in the same mechanical way; they are all saturated with the ecclesiastical spirit; and their Church order and doctrine rest upon the complete Pentateuch, and especially upon the Priestly Code. They take the same keen interest in genealogies, statistics, building operations, Temple ritual, priests and Levites, and most of all in the Levitical doorkeepers and singers. Ezra and Nehemiah form an obvious continuation of Chronicles; the latter work breaks off in the middle of a paragraph intended to introduce the account of the return from the Captivity; Ezra repeats the beginning of the paragraph and gives its conclusion. Similarly the register of the high-priests is begun in 1 Chron. vi. 4-15 and completed in Neh. xii. 10, 11. We...

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Let's be honest: First and Second Chronicles can feel like a daunting homework assignment. It's full of genealogies, temple measurements, and military rosters. W.H. Bennett's classic commentary, part of the famous Expositor's Bible series, is your friendly guide through this complex terrain.

The Story

This isn't a novel, but the story it explains is epic. Chronicles retells Israel's history from Adam to the Babylonian exile, but with a specific focus: the Kingdom of Judah, King David, and the Temple in Jerusalem. Bennett helps us see that the author (often called 'the Chronicler') wasn't just copying old books. He was writing for a community that had returned from exile to a ruined homeland. His version of history highlights God's promises, the importance of proper worship, and the hope that the nation could be restored. It's history with a purpose.

Why You Should Read It

Bennett makes ancient history feel urgent. He has a gift for pointing out small details—why a name is spelled differently here, or why a story from Kings is left out—and showing how they reveal the Chronicler's message. You start to see this not as a boring list, but as a passionate argument for faith, unity, and hope after disaster. It helped me appreciate the Bible as a collection of voices, each with its own perspective and purpose.

Final Verdict

Perfect for curious Bible readers, book club members tackling the Old Testament, or anyone interested in how stories shape national identity. It's a scholarly work, but Bennett writes with clarity and warmth. If you've ever been intimidated by biblical commentary, this is a fantastic and accessible place to start. You'll never skim a genealogy again.



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Jessica King
4 months ago

The formatting on this digital edition is flawless.

Sarah Davis
1 year ago

Text is crisp, making it easy to focus.

Kenneth King
9 months ago

Wow.

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