1 Chronicles — Read All Chapters Online
David's reign retold for a people rebuilding their identity.
First Chronicles opens with nine chapters of genealogies stretching from Adam to the twelve tribes, written to help exiles newly returned from Babylon reconnect with their covenant heritage. The remaining chapters focus on King David's reign and his preparations for the Temple his son Solomon would build. Start reading at 1 Chronicles chapter 1.
About 1 Chronicles
First Chronicles is the thirteenth book of the Bible, written around 450-400 BC likely by Ezra the scribe for the Jewish community returning from Babylonian exile, and spanning 29 chapters. It begins with nine chapters of genealogies from Adam through the twelve tribes of Israel -- establishing the returned exiles' identity and continuity with God's covenant people -- then focuses almost exclusively on King David's reign, particularly his preparation for the Jerusalem Temple that his son Solomon would build. Major themes include the proper ordering of worship, the priority of seeking God, Levitical service and the music of praise, and the unbroken Davidic line that points toward the Messiah. Key chapters include 1 Chronicles 16 (David's psalm of praise), 1 Chronicles 17 (the Davidic covenant), and 1 Chronicles 29 (David's prayer of consecration for the Temple offerings). Famous verses include 1 Chronicles 16:11 -- Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always -- and 1 Chronicles 29:14 -- Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. First Chronicles KJV presents David as the model of a worshipping king. 1 Chronicles Bible read online resources help believers connect with their spiritual heritage. Read the Book of 1 Chronicles online here in full.