Definition

Proper noun 1. A book of the Old Testament: "I Chronicles" is the first of two historical books in the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament. It recounts genealogies and the history of the kingdoms of Judah and Israel, focusing on the reign of King David, and concludes with the decree allowing the return from the Babylonian exile.

Usage Examples

• As a title:
• Referencing content:

Advanced Usage

• "The books of Chronicles": This phrase refers to the combined work of I Chronicles and II Chronicles.
  • The books of Chronicles offer a priestly perspective on Israel's history.

Variants and Related Words

• 1 Chronicles: A modern, alternative spelling and common reference for the same book.
• First Chronicles: The full written form of the title.
• II Chronicles (or 2 Chronicles): The direct sequel and second book in the series.
• Chronicler (n): A person who writes a chronicle, or historical record.
• Chronicle (v): To record events in the order they happened.

Synonyms

• The First Book of the Chronicles: A formal synonym.
• 1 Chr.: A standard abbreviation used in biblical citations.

Notes on Meaning

• Historical vs. Theological: While "I Chronicles" contains historical narratives, its primary purpose within the biblical canon is often considered theological, emphasizing God's covenant with David and proper worship in Jerusalem.
• Relationship to Samuel and Kings: "I Chronicles" covers much of the same period as the books of Samuel and Kings but from a different perspective and with different emphases, often omitting well-known failures and highlighting religious unity.

Noun

1. the first of two Old Testament books telling the history of Judah and Israel until the return from the Babylonian Captivity in 536 BC