Chronicles and the Writings

This chapter reviews recent scholarly opinions on the date and setting of the Books of Chronicles, different approaches to the study of this book, and related issues. Whereas much of the modern study of these books has taken the lead of Wellhausen and considered Chronicles in view of the similar “history” in Samuel and Kings, this study focuses more on synchronic issues, for example, literary appreciation of the texts and intertextual relationships with other books in the Writings/Ketuvim. It presents several historical views on the “location” of 1–2 Chronicles within the Writings. The final section samples relationships with the Books of Daniel, Ruth, Esther, and Psalms. The intertextual connections with Psalms are the most abundant and raise important questions about postexilic worship, the use of Psalms in narratives, and contemporary theories about Psalms texts at Qumran.