The book begins with the most complete genealogical record in the Bible. It then presents many incidents from the life of King David (often similar to those in 2 Samuel).
| Author | Ezra, according to Jewish tradition |
| For whom it was written | For the Jews who returned from exile. |
| Chapter amount | 29 |
| Verse amount | 942 |
| Adam | The first man created by God in His image and likeness. |
| Abraham | From him descends the Jewish people, and through Ishmael, the Arabs. |
| Jacob | Son of Isaac and Rebekah. He bought his brother Esau's birthright and later deceived his father, stealing his brother's blessing. |
| Saul | The first king of Israel. |
| David | The second and most illustrious of the kings of Israel. Known as the man after God's own heart. |
| 1 - 9 | These chapters speak about the genealogy of the people of God, from Adam to the captivity of Israel. |
| 10 - 12 | The death of King Saul and his sons. David takes Saul's place. |
| 13 - 16 | King David defeats the enemies of Israel and brings the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. |
| 17 | God promises that one of David's sons would have an everlasting kingdom. David thanks God for His goodness. |
| 18 - 20 | David and his armies achieve several victories. |
| 21 | David loses confidence in God and orders a census of the army. |
| 22 - 27 | David begins to make preparations for the construction of the temple. |
| 28 - 29 | David gives instructions regarding the construction of the temple. Solomon is appointed king of Israel and then David dies in old age. |