Michael Wilcock, in THE MESSAGE OF CHRONICLES, sees Chronicles as first and foremost a sermon; its object--to foster a right relationship between God and his people. The Chronicler finds in the records of Israel the 'great overall pattern' of God's hand in history. The Lord's constant mercy, love and faithfulness shine through. With great perception, the Chronicler first selects and then proclaims this vibrant pattern, highlighted in the living events of his nation's actual history. Once its purpose is grasped, the book comes alive. It can be seen as nothing less than a final and moments look back over the entire Old Testament. Viewed in this way, Chronicles has something of the vividness, contrast and drama of the last book of the New Testament, Revelation. Michael Wilcock is former director of pastoral studies at Trinity College, Bristol, England, and is now vicar of St. Nicholas' Church, Durahm, England. He is the author of several commentaries in this series.
