Moses had made it clear that many children were the blessing of God for fidelity to the covenant (Exodus 32:13; Deuteronomy 30:2–6, Deuteronomy 30:9–10). This is illustrated in several other Old Testament texts (for example, Job 5:25; Psalm 127:3; Isaiah 48:19). The Chronicler’s focus on this theme stems from the older biblical traditions.

In line with these traditions, the Chronicler highlights the increase in numbers that some of the tribes experienced; for example, Simeon (1 Chronicles 4:38), and Issachar (1 Chronicles 7:4). Benjamin also enjoyed this blessing (1 Chronicles 8:40; 1 Chronicles 9:7–9), as did David (1 Chronicles 14:3–7). Rehoboam was blessed with many descendants after responding in obedience to the prophetic word that was given to him (2 Chronicles 11:4); Abijah had many children during his years of faithfulness (2 Chronicles 13:20–21), and Jehoiada’s progeny is briefly mentioned in the Chronicler’s record (2 Chronicles 24:3). In contrast, Saul and his house were killed in an act of God’s judgment (1 Chronicles 10:14). Additionally, the Chronicler points to divine judgment that came upon Jehoram by noting that his children died (2 Chronicles 21:14, 2 Chronicles 21:16–17).

The prophet Zechariah clearly stated that part of the blessing that the postexilic community would enjoy was the presence of many children in Jerusalem (Zechariah 8:5). The Chronicler held fast to this ideal as well. Yet despite these varied encouragements, the population of the restoration community remained relatively small. The Chronicler finds the cause for this in covenant unfaithfulness and that the fulfilment depended on a faithful response to the Lord by the postexilic community.

The increase of progeny is developed in several ways in the New Testament. On the one hand, the expectation is that children become heirs of the covenant alongside their parents (Acts 2:39; Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 7:14). But then, the Chronicler’s emphasis on large numbers within Israel develops into the necessity of multiplication through the proclamation of the gospel. With the first coming of Jesus Christ, many were brought to salvation (Matthew 4:23–25). Many are still being added to the numbers of the church. And when Christ returns, the Chronicler’s emphasis on large numbers will ultimately be fulfilled when all of God’s people gather before his throne in the salvation of Jesus Christ (Revelation 7:9).¹