1 and 2 Chronicles is Volume XI of The Forms of the Old Testament Literature, a series that aims to present a form-critical analysis of every book and each unit in the Hebrew Bible. Fundamentally exegetical, the FOTL volumes examine the structure, genre, setting, and intention of the biblical literature in question. They also study the history behind the form-critical discussion of the material, attempt to bring consistency to the terminology for the genres and formulas of the biblical literature, and expose the exegetical process so as to enable students and pastors to engage in their own analysis and interpretation of the Old Testament texts.
In his introduction De Vries sketches the canonical setting of the books of Chroncles, especially in relation with Ezra-Nehemiah, and then discusses the redacted and original versions of Chronicles. He describes Chronicles as genealogical and narrative history that tells who ideal Israel is, how it has suffered by its unfaithfulness, and how it will remain true Israel by trusting in God. Following the series format throughout his work, De Vries offers an analysis of the structure, genre, setting, and intention of each section of the biblical text. Bibliographies guide the reader to further discussion; a glossary of formulas and genres concludes the volume.
