[1][2] The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE.

[6][a] Verses 1–2 are part of the introduction to establish 'Israel's worldwide context' by listing the ancestors from Adam to Israel's twelve sons (1 Chronicles 1:1–2:2).

[11] The remaining verses belong to an arrangement comprising 1 Chronicles 2:3–8:40 with the king-producing tribes of Judah (David; 2:3–4:43) and Benjamin (Saul; 8:1–40) bracketing the series of lists as the priestly tribe of Levi (6:1–81) anchors the center, in the following order:[12] Another concentric arrangement focuses on David's royal tribe of Judah (2:3–4:23), centering on the family of Hezron, Judah's grandson, through his three sons: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Chelubai (Caleb),[13] as follows:[12] The twelve sons of Israel are not listed by birth order (cf.

[16] The subsequent parts mention every tribe with the exception of Zebulun and Dan, without any explanation of the omission.

[17] The family of Judah has the largest genealogy among the tribes of Israel, about 100 verses in 3 chapters, with the house of David as the main focus.

[4] Verses 34–35 display special attitude of the Chronicler towards foreigners: because Sheshan had no sons, his line would continue through his daughters and an Egyptian servant.