David as primary model of repentance in Chronicles: How the Chronicler’s inclusion of David’s illicit census sin impacts David’s legacy

Abstract

This study investigates the Chronicler’s purpose for including the illicit census narrative from his Vorlage and weighs its impact on David’s legacy. The main argument is that the Chronicler intentionally connects the narratives of David’s sin in 1 Chronicles 21.1–22.1 with the narrative of the Lord’s second appearance to Solomon in 2 Chronicles 7.11–22. Here the reader discovers the Chronicler’s central theological conviction and the blueprint for Israel’s restored relationship with God (vv. 12b–16). Through the use of inclusio as well as thematic and linguistic parallels regarding those who humble themselves (כנע‎), pray (פלל‎), seek (בקש‎) the Lord, and turn (שוב) from sin, it becomes apparent that David is the primary model of repentance who offers sacrifices at the designated temple site where God hears (שמע‎), forgives (סלח‎), and heals (רפא‎) the land. Therefore, the Chronicler utilizes David’s life and actions as an essential component in his paradigm of repentance.

Keywords

Book of Chronicles Canonical Criticism David Illicit Census Narrative Narrative Analysis Primary Model of Repentance

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