Best Commentaries on 1 & 2 Chronicles

An accessible mid-level option that has been received warmly: Andrew Abernethy calls it “the go-to resource for pastors and Bible Study leaders who aim to savor 1-2 Chronicles,” and David Firth calls it “a wonderful gift to the church.” A natural companion to Eveson for those who teach these books.

Tremper Longman writes Baker’s Old Testament Commentary Survey, one of the primary references for commentaries. Strangely, he does not review any of the series by some smaller publishers like Christian Focus; this is a shame because they come highly recommended by many other experts. Several of those other experts commend Pratt’s work and elevate it to the first position. Derek Thomas says tersely, “Excellent! Keeps the theology of the text central. Identifies 28 major biblical-theolgical motifs.”

WBC’s volumes on 1 & 2 Chronciles are written by different authors which makes them a little bit uneven. Most agree that Dillard’s is superior but that both are excellent resources. Longman praises Dillard’s volume by saying, “This commentary makes 2 Chronicles come alive. It is superb in its analysis of the theological message, given 2 Chronicle’s composition in the postexile period. It is one of the few Old Testament commentaries that explores connections with the New Testament.”

I always try to include one commentary that is written specifically for the general reader and makes a good introductory commentary. Selman’s contribution to the TOTC fits the bill. Keith Mathison says, “As with many other commentaries in the Tyndale series, Selman’s work is clear and concise without being simplistic. This is a good place to begin for laymen who are looking for a basic introduction to the books.”

Japhet’s commentary is written from something of a critical perspective, so an extra measure of discernment will be necessary when consulting it. But most experts still recommend it because of its thoroughness in many areas. Longman says that its greatest weakness is in the area of theology, but still calls it a masterful work and points out that it “covers the bases on the book of Chronciles: philology, text, literary strategy, and history.” He explains that despite Japhet’s moderately critical perspective she still arrives at many sound, conservative conclusions.

I’m not sure how many commentaries on you would actually need in order to study, understand or preach Chronicles. However, if I were to target five, I would want to include Andrew Hill’s volume from the NIV Application Commentary series and for exactly the reasons Keith Mathison gives: “It is one thing to understand what the original author of Chronicles was saying to post-exilic Israel, it is another to understand how the teaching of Chronicles applies to the 21st century church. The strength of the NIV Application series is in bridging the gap between the original audience and today’s audience. Hill accomplishes this goal nicely, resulting in a work that will prove especially valuable for pastors and teachers.”