Jewish and Christian traditions hold that Jeremiah was the author of 1&2 Kings, which were originally one book. And that Ezra, the priest, wrote 1&2 Chronicles, which are also one book in the Hebrew. It may be that Ezra wrote these books after his return to Jerusalem. The Greek Septuagint names this book Paraleipomena, which means ‘things left over’. This book does supplement things not found in other books. Compared to the books of Samuel and Kings, Chronicles focuses more on the spiritual misdeeds of the kings and the importance of worshiping the Lord properly through the ministry of the priests and the Temple. This fits well with Ezra being the author.
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/1ch.1.nlt
Here is a favorite verse from today’s reading:
16Wise people think before they act;
fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.
Translation note:
23A poor person’s farm may produce much food,
but injustice [can sweep//sweeps] it all away.
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/pro.13
An important spiritual reality is expressed in chapter 2 verse 6: Because we are joined as one with Christ, we are already seated with Him, reigning together with Him, in heaven. We don't have to wait to die to find out if we will get into heaven! And in my speaking about this in Indonesia I often say, “Those chairs in heaven are not plastic folding chairs.” I also encourage us to bring our requests to God with this in mind— that we are spiritually speaking seated in one of the little thrones surrounding His throne. There are two instances of ‘joined with Christ’ in this chapter.
Translation notes:
5God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed [that secret plan//it] to his holy apostles and prophets.
12[PET: Because we who fully believe in Christ are joined as one with Him, we feel confident/bold/free and no longer need to be afraid to come to God in prayer.//Because of Christ and our faith in him,d we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.]
20-21 PET: May God— who is able to do far more than we can ask or think, always be glorified by the unity of His whole church. Let us glorify Him because of His amazing power which works in each of our lives. And because we are one with Christ Jesus, let us glorify God from age to age, forever! Amen!///NLT:20Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/eph.3
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