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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. |