Year of the Bible: Part Six of Twelve Sample

It’s Significant, Not Déjà Vu

Today’s passage is not a case of déjà vu: the Bible does not repeat stories just to repeat stories, but some stories appear more than once. Sometimes the Bible seems to be redundant, but further study can reveal that there are significant differences between repeated stories. These differences do not contradict and often enlighten us with different perspectives. A repeated story tells the same truth from various points of view.

Back in 1 Kings 3, we read that King Solomon asked for wisdom when God made His generous offer. Here we are again with the same story. However, the timeline that each version was written in is significant. 1 Kings was written before the Babylon takeover, whereas 2 Chronicles 1 was written after. This is significant because of the writer’s intentional perspective. 1 Kings documented a more historical view of Solomon’s achievements and happenings. With this point of view, we get a more practical and personal perspective on Solomon’s interaction with God. On the other hand, 2 Chronicles focuses on the spiritual aspect of God’s provisions and integrity. This point of view emphasizes God’s presence, with more detail on how Solomon specifically honors God through sacrifice and prayer.

Today’s passage gives more or less detail about certain parts of a repeated story, and the difference in voice is also important. 2 Chronicles has more of an encouraging tone, highlighting God’s glory rather than Solomon’s mistakes. This perspective also reveals God’s love and intention to preserve His people. Furthermore, it’s not by chance that 2 Chronicles was written after the exile. Perhaps this was God’s way of embracing the Israelites after their return from captivity.

Question: When you read the Bible, how can you identify intentional perspectives? When you read this passage, where do you notice God’s intention to encourage the reader?

Prayer: As you submit to the Lord in prayer, ask Him to reveal His heart as you read the Bible and to give you the ability to retain what it says.