Events like David’s affair with Bathsheba were omitted not as a public relations move, but because the Israelites knew all the bad stuff already. The purpose of I and II Chronicles is to remind the Israelites—who are in exile at this time—of God’s promises, and how God has protected them through the years and will continue to do so.

I and II Chronicles cover about five hundred years of Jewish history, beginning with King Saul and ending with the Persian Empire releasing the Jewish exiles. The history of the northern kingdom, Israel, is left out entirely because the writer viewed the northern kingdom as an affront to God.