RamistThomist
Puritanboard Assessor
Dillard, Raymond. *2 Chronicles* Word Biblical Commentary. Waco, TX.
Raymond Dillard’s commentary follows the standard format in the Word Biblical Commentary series: Translation, textual critical notes, form/setting, interpretation, and explanation. He provides a very useful commentary on an otherwise overshadowed book.
Although his explanations often fall flat (something that happens when otherwise outstanding technical commentaries try to “preach”), he does make one unique point: the “application” in 2 Chronicles is tied to an eschatological perspective. Because of the audience’s return from exile and their diminished role as a nation, they can only look forward to a future hope, a hope in some way tied to the temple and worship.
He divides 2 Chronicles into two large sections, beginning with the Chronicler’s Solomon and then everyone else.
**Chronicler's Solomon** (2 Chr 1-9)
The Chronicler does not only omit Solomon's sins, but he also modifies his virtues. For example, wisdom is no longer wisdom in the abstract but wisdom for building the temple.
There are some parallels between David/Solomon and Moses/Joshua. Both Moses and David were disqualified from their final. There is also a double announcement for both of the successors. Both Joshua and Solomon lead Israel into rest.
*Outlines and Structure*
A. Solomon's wealth/wisdom (1:1-17)
B. Recognition by Gentiles (2:1-16)
C. Temple Constructed (2:17-5:1)
D. Dedication of the Temple (5:2-7:10)
D' Divine Response (7:11-22)
C' Other Construction (8:1-16)
B' Recognition by Gentiles (8:17-9:12)
A' Solomon's wealth/wisdom (9:13-28)
A. Conscription of laborers (2:2)
B. Solomon's letter to Hiram (2:3-10)
B' Hiram's Letter to Solomon (2:11-16)
A' Conscription of laborers (2:17-18)
**Reward and Punishment in Chronicles: The Theology of Immediate Retribution (2 Chr. 10-36)**
For background, one can see a chiastic structure in 1 Kgs 12
A. Rehoboam to be king (12:1)
B. Jeroboam's arrival (12:2)
C. Israel speaks to Rehoboam: issue of forced labor (12:3-4)
D. 1. Three day break (12:5)
2. Advice of elders (12:6-7)
3. Advice of young men (12:8-11)
D'1. Three day break (12:12)
2. Advice of elders (12:13)
3. Advice of Young men (12:14-15)
C' Israel speaks to Rehoboam: issue of forced labor (12:16-19)
B.' Jeroboam's arrival (12:20)
A' Jeroboam to be king; Rehoboam king of house of David (12:20)
The Chronicler highlights something else than the author of kings: Jeroboam was involved early on in the schism.
Conclusion
Much of the commentary is highly technical and assumes some knowledge of Hebrew. With that understood, it is a valuable resource for the pastor and teacher.
Raymond Dillard’s commentary follows the standard format in the Word Biblical Commentary series: Translation, textual critical notes, form/setting, interpretation, and explanation. He provides a very useful commentary on an otherwise overshadowed book.
Although his explanations often fall flat (something that happens when otherwise outstanding technical commentaries try to “preach”), he does make one unique point: the “application” in 2 Chronicles is tied to an eschatological perspective. Because of the audience’s return from exile and their diminished role as a nation, they can only look forward to a future hope, a hope in some way tied to the temple and worship.
He divides 2 Chronicles into two large sections, beginning with the Chronicler’s Solomon and then everyone else.
**Chronicler's Solomon** (2 Chr 1-9)
The Chronicler does not only omit Solomon's sins, but he also modifies his virtues. For example, wisdom is no longer wisdom in the abstract but wisdom for building the temple.
There are some parallels between David/Solomon and Moses/Joshua. Both Moses and David were disqualified from their final. There is also a double announcement for both of the successors. Both Joshua and Solomon lead Israel into rest.
*Outlines and Structure*
A. Solomon's wealth/wisdom (1:1-17)
B. Recognition by Gentiles (2:1-16)
C. Temple Constructed (2:17-5:1)
D. Dedication of the Temple (5:2-7:10)
D' Divine Response (7:11-22)
C' Other Construction (8:1-16)
B' Recognition by Gentiles (8:17-9:12)
A' Solomon's wealth/wisdom (9:13-28)
A. Conscription of laborers (2:2)
B. Solomon's letter to Hiram (2:3-10)
B' Hiram's Letter to Solomon (2:11-16)
A' Conscription of laborers (2:17-18)
**Reward and Punishment in Chronicles: The Theology of Immediate Retribution (2 Chr. 10-36)**
For background, one can see a chiastic structure in 1 Kgs 12
A. Rehoboam to be king (12:1)
B. Jeroboam's arrival (12:2)
C. Israel speaks to Rehoboam: issue of forced labor (12:3-4)
D. 1. Three day break (12:5)
2. Advice of elders (12:6-7)
3. Advice of young men (12:8-11)
D'1. Three day break (12:12)
2. Advice of elders (12:13)
3. Advice of Young men (12:14-15)
C' Israel speaks to Rehoboam: issue of forced labor (12:16-19)
B.' Jeroboam's arrival (12:20)
A' Jeroboam to be king; Rehoboam king of house of David (12:20)
The Chronicler highlights something else than the author of kings: Jeroboam was involved early on in the schism.
Conclusion
Much of the commentary is highly technical and assumes some knowledge of Hebrew. With that understood, it is a valuable resource for the pastor and teacher.
