Sometimes people wonder why we need both Chronicles and Kings in our Bible, considering the fact that they cover much of the same material in Israel’s history.
Just as the putting the gospels together gives us a fuller picture of Jesus’ story, putting together Kings and Chronicles helps us to get the fuller picture of Israel’s history.
And while there is overlap in the stories, we do get more details by putting the accounts together.
In this passage, for example, you see the repentance of Manasseh. You don’t see that in the Kings’ account. (2 Kings 21)
Beyond that, there are two key differences between Kings and Chronicles.
After Solomon died, the kingdom of Israel split into two kingdoms, the northern kingdom of Israel, and the southern kingdom of Judah.
The kings of Israel were all bad, following idols.
The kings of Judah had many bad kings, but they also had a few good kings who served the Lord.
Kings gives us information about both kingdoms.
Chronicles primarily focuses on Judah.
The other thing about Chronicles is it tends to put more emphasis on the temple and worship at the temple.
You see this in today’s story. Manasseh had wrecked worship at the temple.
It’s absolutely amazing to think that he would put idols of other gods in God’s temple.
Can you imagine setting up a statue of Buddha in your church and worshiping it?
That’s essentially what Manasseh did.
But think about this: We are called temples of God (1Corinthians 6:18-20).
What do you put into your temple?
What kind of music do you listen to?
What kind of things do you watch on TV or on the internet?
What kind of books and magazines do you read?
Are these things pleasing to God?
Is your whole life an expression of worship to God?
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 