Ezra 1-6

The Chronicler continues his narrative of post-exile Israel in this book. The remnant of Israel descending from those captured by Nebuchadnezzar and taken to Babylon are freed by King Cyrus. Cyrus virtually commands them to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple of the Lord. The narrative recounts a census taken at the time, which reveals just how small this group of believers has been reduced to. But this group resolutely sets about rebuilding the temple--hiring skilled laborers and arranging for the delivery of the necessary raw materials. Over the years, there is interference from citizens and government officials, until finally King Darius, decades after Cyrus, acknowledges the earlier king's original decree and reiterates it in a decree of his own. Thus ensured royal protection and endorsement, and bolstered by the support of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, the people rebuild the altar of the Lord. This is cause for much joy and thanksgiving, and the Chronicler describes an especially joyful Passover celebration as the rebuilding continues.

2 Chronicles 17-28

The author of 1 & 2 Chronicles, known (not surprisingly, I suppose) as the Chronicler, covers much of the history already covered in prior books. I did a bit of research and learned that those earlier books are a primary (but not the exclusive) source for these later books. The Chronicler drew from other sources as well, but also seems to bring a different historical and political perspective. More importantly, to my mind, he also brings a more advanced sophisticated understanding of the relationship between God and man. 

In earlier books, the critical attribute of the man of God is obedience. Abraham is asked by God to sacrifice his son, Isaac, and he obeys--stopped at the last moment by an angel of God. Noah builds the ark and assembles the menagerie of animals as instructed. They did not question; they obeyed. 

The Chronicler shifts the emphasis to "faithfulness of heart". David is the paradigm of the man who is faithful of heart. Did he always obey the Lord's commands? No. But he oriented his life toward God, he begged for God's forgiveness, he sought God's help, and he trusted God's counsel. These last two are emphasized in this section of 2 Chronicles. The Lord expects--indeed, demands--that his faithful people seek His help. He is angered when they seek assistance elsewhere. God does not rest on what He has already done for His people, awaiting their gratitude, but instead insists that we ask for more. 

This section of 2 Chronicles is filled with leaders who did not seek the Lord in this way, leading to their failures and to the suffering of Israel and Judah as a result. Asa and Jehoshaphat are the best examples of faithfulness of heart in this section, although they too are flawed, but the other kings turn away from the Lord (and lead their people there, too), thus displeasing Him.