Monday, September 2, 2013

2 Chronicles 6:1-8:18

THE YEAR OF BLOGGING BIBLICALLY: DAY 132

It is hard to read these chapters without a strong sense of deja vu. The accounts are taken over almost verbatim from 1 Kings 8-9. The differences, though minor, are telling.

For example, in 1 Kings 8 Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple concludes with references to the Exodus. The Chronicler is not much interested in the Exodus and so ends Solomon's prayer with a quote from Psalm 132 which refers to King David.

At 2 Chronicles 7:10 the Chronicler speaks of David "and Solomon" where the parallel in 1 Kings 8:66 mentioned only David.

2 Chronicles 7:12-15 is another addition to the same account from 1 Kings. Here YHWH, in his second appearance to Solomon, gives a direct response to the king's prayer from chapter 6 and promises to respond to petitions made toward the temple.

And in 2 Chronicles 8:2, it says that Solomon rebuilt the cities that Huram had given him. The parallel in 1 Kings 9:11 has Solomon giving cities to Hiram!

I think it might be interesting to do a detailed side-by-side comparison of the parallel passages. Unfortunately I have neither the time nor the inclination to take on such a project at the moment.



Next: 2 Chronicles 9-12

2 comments:

  1. Hello Brant I've got one question.

    Once we give up Biblical inerrancy and view those texts with historical eyes, how can we possibly consider them as being inspired?

    And how can they teach us anything about God?


    Lovely greetings from Europe.

    Lothars Sohn – Lothar’s son

    http://lotharlorraine.wordpress.com

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    Replies
    1. Technically, Son of Lothar, that's two questions. :-)

      For the first: there's nothing to give up. Biblical inerrancy is a modern invention. It is not a part of the historical teaching of the Church. There is no hint of it in the creeds. The doctrine arose in the modern age as a response to the perceived threats of historical criticism. The most nuanced versions of inerrancy parse all meaning out of the doctrine. Less nuanced versions are untenable.

      How can the Scriptures, if they are not inerrant, teach us anything about God? The same way any fallible, sinful preacher can: by pointing us in the right direction.

      The Scriptures were written by and for people of faith. They are a conversation between God and God's people, a conversation in which we can become full partners.

      God bless,

      Brant

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