Chronicles Through the Centuries

"Amazing research presented with clarity and careful attention to detail. This history of interpretation of Chronicles provides insights into how readings of the book from early Jewish and Christian interpreters through the medieval period and then especially in early Modern Europe and Colonial America were connected to particular historical contexts. There is so much to learn, discover, and ponder in this vast array of primary sources as a result of this excellent and invaluable treatment by French."--Steven Schweitzer, Bethany Theological Seminary, USA "A superb contribution to a superb series. Blaire French guides us through centuries of interpretation to show how readers have gleaned very different messages from the pages of this often neglected biblical book."--Jacob L. Wright, Professor of Hebrew Bible, Emory University, USA Offering a history of the interpretation of Chronicles in theology, worship, music, literature, and art from the ancient period to the present day, Chronicles Through the Centuries brings to light the power of Chronicles in every age and demonstrates its significance as a biblical book. The work explores important topics within Chronicles that differ from the same narratives told in Genesis through Kings, such as the pious depiction of David, the clear correlation between moral behavior and divine recompense, and the elevation of music in worship. It examines Chronicles' reception among its interpreters, including rabbis of the Talmud, Jerome, Martin Luther, Johann Sebastian Bach, Cotton Mather, and Julius Wellhausen. It also delves into a broad range of interpretation, from Jewish and Christian to ancient and modern to secular and pop cultural. Comprehensive and insightful, Chronicles Through the Centuries reveals the enduring vitality and relevance of this biblical book from its creation to the present day.