Coexistence of Unconditionality and Conditionality of the Davidic Covenant in Chronicles

Abstract

TheDavidic covenant is the basis of the hope for a restoration of theDavidic kingdom inChronicles. TheChronicler's retention of both the unconditionality and conditionality of theDavidic covenant does not mean that he was inconsistent; in my view, he views the two as complementary. The royal promise is conditional in the sense that theDavidic kings are disciplined and punished, and the kingdom ceases to exist when it does not meet the conditions set down byYHWH; it is unconditional in thatYHWH'swill never depart from the kingdom, as seen in 1Chron. 17:13 whereYHWHdistinguishes his promise toDavid from his promise toSaul. Following this line of thought, theChronicler yearns for further change in the postexilic temple‐centered society through a restoration of the lost kingdom by appealing to theDavidic covenant. The latter subtends the preservation of theDavidic kingdom in the preexilic period and a possible restoration in the postexilic period.