I. Temple, Religious, and Cultic Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;Temple / House of the LORD (Throughout 2 Chronicles, e.g., Chapters 2-7 describe its construction and dedication; 8:1, 12, 16; 12:9; 15:18; 20:5; 22:6; 23:3-19; 24:4-27; 26:16-20; 27:3; 28:21, 24; 29:3-36; 30:1, 14; 31:10-13; 33:4-7, 11, 15; 34:1-33; 35:2-21; 36:7, 10, 14, 18-19): The central sanctuary in Jerusalem built by King Solomon, dedicated to the worship of Yahweh. It was the successor to the Tabernacle and the focal point of Israelite religious life, housing the Ark of the Covenant and being the prescribed place for sacrifices and major religious festivals. 2 Chronicles gives great prominence to its construction, dedication, and the state of its worship under various kings.;xNLx;Holy Place / Nave (e.g., 2 Chronicles 3:5-7; 4:7-8, 19-22; 5:9, 11; 26:18; 29:7, 16-17): The main hall of the Temple, situated between the vestibule (porch) and the Most Holy Place. It contained items like the golden lampstands, the table for the bread of the Presence, and the altar of incense.;xNLx;Most Holy Place / Inner Sanctuary / Oracle (Hebrew: dvir) (e.g., 2 Chronicles 3:8-13, 16; 4:20, 22; 5:7-10; 35:3): The innermost and most sacred chamber of the Temple, a perfect cube, which housed the Ark of the Covenant. Only the High Priest could enter, once a year on the Day of Atonement.;xNLx;Ark of the Covenant / Ark of God / Ark of the LORD (e.g., 2 Chronicles 1:4; 5:2-10; 6:11, 41; 8:11; 35:3): The sacred chest containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments, symbolizing God's presence, throne, and covenant with Israel. Its installation in Solomon's Temple was a climactic event.;xNLx;Cherubim (e.g., 2 Chronicles 3:7, 10-14; 5:7-8): Winged angelic beings. Two large, gold-overlaid olivewood cherubim stood in the Most Holy Place, their wings overshadowing the Ark. Images of cherubim also adorned the walls, veil, and other Temple furnishings, symbolizing God's majesty and the Garden of Eden.;xNLx;Altar (e.g., 2 Chronicles 1:5-6 [bronze altar from the Tabernacle]; 4:1, 19 [golden altar of incense, bronze altar]; 6:12-13 [bronze platform before the altar]; 7:7, 9; 8:12; 14:3; 15:8; 23:10, 17; 24:18; 26:16, 18-19; 28:24; 29:18-19, 21-22, 24, 27; 30:14; 32:12; 33:3-5, 15-16; 34:4-5, 7; 35:1, 11, 16): A structure for offering sacrifices. Key altars include the large bronze altar for burnt offerings in the Temple courtyard and the smaller golden altar for incense in the Holy Place. The book also mentions illicit altars to pagan gods.;xNLx;Bronze Sea / Molten Sea (2 Chronicles 4:2-6, 9, 14-15): A very large, circular bronze basin in the Temple courtyard, supported by twelve bronze oxen, used by the priests for ritual washing.;xNLx;Stands / Lavers / Basins (2 Chronicles 4:6, 14): Ten elaborate bronze stands, each supporting a bronze laver (basin), also used for washing sacrificial animals or utensils in the Temple courtyard.;xNLx;Pillars (Jachin and Boaz) (2 Chronicles 3:15-17; 4:12-13): Two massive bronze pillars that stood at the entrance to the Temple, named Jachin and Boaz.;xNLx;Dedication (of the Temple) (2 Chronicles Chapters 5-7): The formal ceremonies, sacrifices, and prayers led by Solomon to consecrate the newly built Temple for God's use, culminating in God's glory filling the Temple.;xNLx;Veil (2 Chronicles 3:14): The ornate curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the Temple.;xNLx;Sacrifice / Offering (Frequently throughout, e.g., 2 Chronicles 1:6; 2:4, 6; 4:1 [bronze altar]; 5:6; 7:1, 4-5, 7-9, 12; 8:12-13; 11:16; 13:10-11; 15:11; 23:18; 24:14; Chapters 29-31 [Hezekiah's reforms]; 33:16, 22; 35:1-19 [Josiah's Passover]): Ritual acts of presenting animals, grain, incense, or other items to God (or, in times of apostasy, to false gods). 2 Chronicles emphasizes large-scale sacrifices during times of covenant renewal and festival observance.;xNLx;Burnt Offering: An offering wholly consumed by fire on the altar, a primary form of worship.;xNLx;Peace Offering / Sacrifice of well-being: An offering signifying fellowship, with portions eaten by priests and offerers.;xNLx;Sin Offering / Guilt Offering: Offerings made to atone for sin and desecration. Hezekiah offers sin offerings for all Israel (2 Chronicles 29:21-24).;xNLx;Grain Offering: An offering of flour, oil, and incense.;xNLx;Drink Offering: An offering of wine poured out.;xNLx;Thank Offering: A type of peace offering expressing gratitude.;xNLx;Incense / Altar of Incense (e.g., 2 Chronicles 2:4, 6; 4:19; 13:11; 26:16-19; 28:3; 29:7, 11; 30:14 [idolatrous altars]; 32:12; 34:25): Aromatic substances burned as an act of worship, symbolizing prayer. The golden altar of incense was in the Holy Place. Burning incense on unauthorized altars or by unauthorized persons (like King Uzziah) was a serious offense.;xNLx;Bread of the Presence / Showbread (Hebrew: lechem hapanim) (2 Chronicles 2:4; 4:19; 13:11; 29:18): Twelve loaves of unleavened bread placed weekly on a special table in the Holy Place of the Temple, symbolizing God's continual provision and covenant presence.;xNLx;High Places (Hebrew: bamot) (e.g., 2 Chronicles 1:3, 13 [Gibeon initially]; 11:15; 12:14 [not removed by Rehoboam]; 14:3, 5; 15:17; 17:6; 20:33; 21:11; 28:4, 25; 31:1; 32:12; 33:3, 17, 19; 34:3; 36:14 [holy things profaned]): Localized places of worship, often on hilltops. While Solomon initially worshipped at Gibeon where the Tabernacle was, 2 Chronicles generally portrays the "high places" as sites of illegitimate worship (either of Yahweh outside Jerusalem, or of pagan gods) that righteous kings sought to remove as part of their reforms.;xNLx;Asherah / Asherim (e.g., 2 Chronicles 14:3; 15:16; 17:6; 19:3; 24:18; 31:1; 33:3, 19; 34:3-4, 7): A Canaanite mother goddess, or more commonly, the sacred wooden poles or images representing her, associated with pagan fertility cults. These were repeatedly set up during times of apostasy and torn down by reforming kings.;xNLx;Baal / Baals (e.g., 2 Chronicles 17:3; 23:17; 24:7; 28:2; 33:3; 34:4): A prominent Canaanite and Semitic storm and fertility god, whose worship was a major form of apostasy in both Israel and Judah.;xNLx;Idols / Images (Molten images, graven images, carved images) (e.g., 2 Chronicles 7:19-20; 11:15; 13:8; 14:3, 5; 15:8, 16; 23:17; 24:18; 25:14-15, 20; 27:2; 28:2-3, 23, 25; 31:1; 32:12, 19; 33:2-9, 15, 19, 22; 34:3-7, 25, 28; 36:14): Physical representations of deities whose worship was forbidden. The Chronicler frequently notes kings who either established or destroyed such idols.;xNLx;Consecrate / Dedicate / Devote (Hebrew: qadash, charam) (e.g., 2 Chronicles 2:4 [Temple site]; 5:1 [Solomon dedicates things]; 7:5, 7, 9 [dedication of altar/Temple]; 13:9 [illegitimate priests]; 15:18; 20:3 [Jehoshaphat proclaims a fast]; 26:18; 29:5-35 [Hezekiah consecrates Temple, priests, Levites]; 30:8, 15, 17, 19, 24; 31:5-19; 35:3, 6; 36:14): To set apart persons, objects, time, or places as holy for God's service or use. This includes the dedication of the Temple, its vessels, offerings, and personnel. Charam (devote to destruction) implies a permanent setting apart to God through destruction, usually of enemies or idolatrous items.;xNLx;Levites (Frequently throughout, e.g., 2 Chronicles 5:4-5, 11-12; 7:6; 8:14-15; 11:13-14; 13:9-11; 17:8-9; 19:8, 11; 20:14, 19; 23:2-8, 18; 24:5-6, 11; Chapters 29-31, 34-35 detail their prominent role in reforms and Temple service): Members of the tribe of Levi, responsible for assisting the priests, Temple music, teaching the Law, gatekeeping, managing treasuries, and other sacred duties. The Chronicler gives them a very significant role, often more so than in Kings.;xNLx;Priests (Hebrew: kohanim) (Frequently throughout, e.g., 2 Chronicles 2:4, 6; 4:11; 5:5-14; 6:41-42; 7:2, 6; 8:14-15; 11:13-15, 17; 13:9-12; 15:3 [without a teaching priest]; 19:8, 11; 22:11; 23:1-19; 24:2, 5-6, 11, 14, 16, 20, 25; 26:16-20; Chapters 29-31, 34-35 detail their roles in reforms): Descendants of Aaron who were ordained to offer sacrifices, burn incense, bless the people, and perform other sacred rites in the Temple.;xNLx;Chief Priest / High Priest (e.g., 2 Chronicles 19:11 [Amariah]; 24:6, 11 [Jehoiada]; 26:20 [Azariah]; 31:10 [Azariah]; 34:9 [Hilkiah]): The leading priest, who had unique responsibilities, including overseeing Temple worship and finances. Figures like Jehoiada and Hilkiah played crucial roles in national life.;xNLx;Divisions (of Priests and Levites) (2 Chronicles 8:14; 23:8; 31:2, 15-19; 35:4-5, 10): The systematic organization of priests and Levites into courses for Temple service, as established by David and reinforced by reforming kings.;xNLx;Passover (2 Chronicles Chapter 30; 35:1-19): The annual feast commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt. Hezekiah and Josiah are noted for holding exceptionally grand Passover celebrations as part of their religious reforms.;xNLx;Sabbath(s) (e.g., 2 Chronicles 2:4; 8:13; 23:4, 8; 31:3; 36:21): The weekly day of rest and worship. The Chronicler notes the observance of Sabbaths, and the land enjoying its Sabbaths during the exile.;xNLx;New Moon(s) (e.g., 2 Chronicles 2:4; 8:13; 31:3): Monthly festivals marked by special sacrifices and observances.;xNLx;Appointed Feasts / Festivals (e.g., 2 Chronicles 2:4; 7:8-10; 8:13; 30:13, 21-23; 31:3; 35:17): The regular, divinely commanded religious gatherings and observances in Israel's calendar.;xNLx;Book of the Law / Law of Moses / Law of the LORD (e.g., 2 Chronicles 6:16; 12:1; 14:4; 15:3; 17:9; 23:18; 25:4; 30:16; 31:3-4, 21; 33:8; 34:14-19, 30-32; 35:6, 12, 26): Refers to the Mosaic Law, particularly the book found during Josiah's reign (likely Deuteronomy or a portion thereof), which spurred significant reform. Obedience to this Law is a key criterion for judging kings.;xNLx;Prophet (Hebrew: navi) / Seer (Hebrew: ro'eh or chozeh) (e.g., 2 Chronicles 9:29 [Nathan, Ahijah, Iddo]; 11:2 [Shemaiah]; 12:5, 7, 15 [Shemaiah, Iddo]; 13:22 [Iddo]; 15:1, 8 [Azariah/Oded]; 16:7, 10 [Hanani]; 18:3-27 [Micaiah and false prophets]; 19:2 [Jehu son of Hanani]; 20:14-17, 20, 37 [Jahaziel, Eliezer]; 21:12 [Elijah's letter]; 24:19-20 [Zechariah son of Jehoiada]; 25:7-9, 15-16 [unnamed prophets]; 26:5 [Zechariah]; 28:9 [Oded]; 29:25, 30 [Nathan, Gad, Asaph]; 32:20, 32 [Isaiah]; 33:18-19 [seers]; 34:22, 29 [Huldah]; 35:15 [Heman, Jeduthun]; 36:12, 15-16 [Jeremiah and others]): Individuals called by God to deliver His messages, warn of judgment, call for repentance, and offer guidance to kings and the nation. The Chronicler frequently mentions prophets and their interactions with kings, highlighting the importance of heeding prophetic warnings.;xNLx;Vision (e.g., 2 Chronicles 9:29; 26:5; 32:32): A divine revelation, often experienced by a prophet or seer.;xNLx;II. Royal, Political, and Military Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;King (of Judah) (Throughout 2 Chronicles, referring to the Davidic rulers in Jerusalem): The monarch of the southern kingdom.;xNLx;Covenant (See Section I): Especially the Davidic covenant ensuring the perpetuity of David's dynasty, which is a thread throughout 2 Chronicles, despite the failings of many kings.;xNLx;Chariots / Horsemen (e.g., 2 Chronicles 1:14-17; 8:3, 6, 9; 9:25, 28; 12:3; 14:8-9; 16:8; 18:2, 30-33; 21:9; 25:6; 28:18; 32:21; 35:24): Significant military assets. Solomon's accumulation of chariots is noted, and they feature in many battles.;xNLx;Fortified cities / Fortifications / Strongholds (e.g., 2 Chronicles 8:2-6; 11:5-12; 12:4; 14:6-7; 16:6; 17:2, 12-13, 19; 21:3; 26:6, 9-10, 15; 27:4; 32:1-5, 29; 33:14): Cities strengthened with walls, towers, and other defenses to protect against enemy attack. Many kings of Judah are noted for their building or strengthening of fortifications.;xNLx;Levy / Forced Labor (2 Chronicles 2:2, 17-18; 8:7-10; 10:4, 18 [context of Rehoboam and Jeroboam]): Compulsory labor for state projects. Solomon used a levy of resident aliens and Israelites for his building projects. This was a point of contention leading to the kingdom's split (recounted from Rehoboam's perspective in 2 Chronicles 10).;xNLx;Tribute (e.g., 2 Chronicles 9:14, 23-24; 17:5, 11; 26:8; 27:5; 32:23; 36:3): Payments made by subject peoples or other kingdoms to the king of Judah.;xNLx;Spoil / Plunder (e.g., 2 Chronicles 14:13-15; 15:11; 20:25; 21:17; 22:1; 24:23; 25:13, 24; 28:8, 14-15; 32:29): Goods taken in warfare.;xNLx;Exile (2 Chronicles 29:9; Chapter 36:17-21): Forced deportation of the population of Judah to Babylon after the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, a major theme in the book's conclusion.;xNLx;Decree of Cyrus (2 Chronicles 36:22-23): The edict by Cyrus the Great of Persia allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, which concludes the book on a note of hope.;xNLx;III. Social and General Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;Leprosy / Leprous (Hebrew: tsara'ath) (2 Chronicles 26:19-23 [King Uzziah]): A skin disease that afflicted King Uzziah after he illicitly entered the Temple to burn incense, rendering him ritually unclean and forcing him into isolation.;xNLx;Famine / Pestilence / Sword (e.g., 2 Chronicles 6:28-30; 7:13-14; 15:9 [people coming due to God's presence, implying previous lack]; 20:9; 32:11): Calamities often understood as divine judgments for sin, from which the people could seek deliverance through repentance and prayer.;xNLx;Sackcloth (e.g., 2 Chronicles 20:3 [implied with fasting]; 21:16 [sackcloth on loins as judgment]; 32:11 [context of distress]; 33:11 [Manasseh in affliction]): A coarse material worn as a sign of mourning, repentance, or humility.;xNLx;Annals / Chronicles / Book of the Kings (e.g., 2 Chronicles 9:29; 12:15; 13:22; 16:11; 20:34; 24:27; 25:26; 27:7; 28:26; 32:32; 33:18-19; 35:25, 27; 36:8): Historical records or official court histories often cited by the Chronicler as sources for his information. This indicates a wider body of historical writing known in ancient Israel.;xNLx;This list covers many of the key terms and concepts that might require definition for a reader of 2 Chronicles (ESV). Understanding these will aid in appreciating the Chronicler's distinctive theological message concerning the Davidic monarchy, the centrality of the Temple, the importance of adhering to God's law, the role of prophets, and God's ongoing work with His people even through judgment and restoration.