2 Chronicles

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” —2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV


By Leslie M. Grant

Here the gracious summing up of God’s ways in connection with the kings is continued. Solomon’s magnificent kingdom is seen here beautifully typifying the reign of the Lord Jesus in the peace of millennial glory. Nothing is therefore said of his grievous deviation from the path of obedience to God; his marrying many wives and being badly influenced by them.

The dividing of the kingdom in the days of his son Rehoboam must be taken note of, for grace does not set aside God’s government. Rehoboam was forbidden to attempt to bring the ten tribes back again by force. The ten tribes set up a new center at Samaria and a new king. They are therefore only referred to in this book in connection with the history of Judah for God’s grace must be shown only in connection with His chosen line – the line of the true Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. This stands out beautifully in the histories of Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah and Josiah.

Such a review that so magnifies the blessed counsels of the grace of God is a precious intimation [hint] of the character of the judgment seat of Christ for the believer. The books of Kings show us the obnoxious history of man, while Chronicles show how God’s grace transcends man’s sin.

This column is taken from the book: “The Bible, Its 66 Books In Brief.” 
It is available for purchase from Believers Bookshelf USA.

1 Chronicles

“O Lord, for Your servant’s sake, and according to Your own heart, You have done all this greatness, in making known all these great things.”

—1 Chronicles 17:19 NKJV


By Leslie M. Grant

This book summarizes God’s ways of grace toward Israel in reference mainly to the reign of David, the man after God’s own heart. The two books of Chronicles are therefore similar to Deuteronomy, for they are a review from the standpoint of God’s grace. Saul’s reign is not mentioned, but only his sad end in battle. Saul is typical of man in the flesh, who can receive or exemplify nothing of the grace of God. David, however, is a type of Christ, in whom that grace is preciously manifested. Also, no mention is made of David’s 71/2 year reign in Hebron over Judah alone, but only of his reigning over all Israel; for the grace of God embraces all of His people, not merely a part.

The glaring moral evils that affected the house of David are silently dropped from the record here. David’s grievous sin with Bathsheba and Uriah, the sin of David’s son Amnon, and the proud rebellion of Absalom are not mentioned. On the other hand, much is said of David’s preparation and great provision of materials for Solomon to build the temple. This, too, was for the display of the glory and grace of God.

David’s history then is seen here, not as a biography of the man or even officially as king, but as typical of Christ. Thus, those events are dwelt on that show him most strikingly in this character.

This column is taken from the book: “The Bible, Its 66 Books In Brief.” 
It is available for purchase from Believers Bookshelf USA.

2 Kings

“Also the children of Israel secretly did against the Lord their God things that were not right, and they built for themselves high places in all their cities.” —2 Kings 17:9 NKJV


By Leslie M. Grant

This book continues the history of the two separated kingdoms, with the prophet Elisha replacing Elijah as God’s witness both of truth and grace. Other prophets also witnessed and suffered for their faithfulness. The book of Kings gives special prominence to the ministry of the prophets in contrast to the books of Chronicles where the priests and Levites are more often noticed.

Again, no believing king is found in Israel (the ten tribes) in spite of the grace of the prophet Elisha. Israel’s growth in evil led to the invasion of the land by the king of Assyria, who carried them captive out of their land. Since that time the ten tribes have been lost sight of, and only God knows where to find them and bring them back to their land as He will do in days yet to come.

Judah continued in the land for some time longer. The reigns of two godly kings, Hezekiah and Josiah, stand out beautifully in contrast to the general downward trend. Yet both these reigns ended in the sadness of human failure; and eventually Judah was carried captive by the Babylonians.

This is another book of solemn admonition in its application to us. It again emphasizes equity and truth in government. It shows that the true place of man is one of thorough subjection rather than of prominence and authority, which in every case proved beyond the capacity of men – even godly men – to be entrusted with. How all this cries out for the coming of the one true and faithful King, the Lord of Glory!

This column is taken from the book: The Bible, Its 66 Books In Brief. 
It is available from the publisher: Believer’s Bookshelf USA.