The book does not name its author
Unlike letters that begin by naming Paul, Peter, or another writer, 2 Chronicles gives no author’s name. Its story follows the kings of Judah from Solomon’s reign through Jerusalem’s fall, then ends with Cyrus of Persia allowing exiles to return and rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 36:22-23).
So the most honest answer is simple: the author is unknown. Scripture tells us the book’s message and setting, but it does not tell us the name of the person who arranged and wrote this account.
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the Lord God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The Lord his God be with him, and let him go up.
Why Ezra is often suggested
Many readers have connected 2 Chronicles with Ezra. The final verses of 2 Chronicles and the opening of Ezra both describe how the Lord stirred Cyrus to make a proclamation about rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-3). It is a striking overlap.
That connection may mean Ezra continued the story where Chronicles ended, or that both books drew on the same records and shared the same historical outlook. It does not, by itself, prove that Ezra wrote 2 Chronicles. Faithful Christians can reasonably say Ezra is a possibility while admitting that Scripture does not settle the question.
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.
The writer looked back with a purpose
2 Chronicles is not merely a list of old events. The writer pays close attention to the temple, the priests and Levites, prayer, and the spiritual choices of Judah’s kings. Solomon’s dedication of the temple, for example, highlights God’s willingness to hear a humble people who turn back to him (2 Chronicles 7:14).
The book also keeps showing that seeking the Lord matters. Azariah told King Asa that the Lord would be with Judah as they remained with him, and that seeking him would not be pointless (2 Chronicles 15:2). These moments help explain why the author retold Israel’s history: he wanted later generations to recognise God’s faithfulness and return to wholehearted worship.
And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.
Its ending leaves room for hope
The account is honest about Judah’s failure. Before Jerusalem fell, God repeatedly sent messengers to his people, but they mocked, rejected, and ignored those warnings (2 Chronicles 36:15-16). The exile was not presented as random bad luck.
Yet exile was not the final word. Cyrus’s decree opens a door home and points towards rebuilding (2 Chronicles 36:22-23). Whether Ezra wrote the book or another inspired historian did, the message remains clear: God is holy, people are accountable, and God has not abandoned his purposes.
When you read 2 Chronicles, notice what the writer chooses to highlight. Watch how kings respond to God, how worship shapes the nation, and how mercy appears even after deep failure.