Read 1 Chronicles 7:1-8:40
That was a much longer reading than normal, but I’m ready to find out what the Chronicler has to say to us now that the lineage issues are more than cleared up for us.
It seems one of the important elements on the Chronicler’s mind here was the military strength of the tribes. There are other notable differences in this passage as well. Did you notice more females were mentioned? How about the fact Benjamin’s descendants are recorded twice, in chapter 7 and chapter 8. I still marvel at the different stories the chronicler chooses to include–almost like little vignettes.
Were you wondering who Ephraim and Manasseh were because they weren’t one of the twelve brothers blessed by their father, Jacob in Genesis 49? It turns out Ephraim and Manasseh were actually sons of Joseph, and they each received a share of inheritance as if they had been sons of Jacob. The Chronicler was thorough.
Saul, the first king of Israel, is identified as being part of the Benjamin clan. You’ll recall the second king, King David, was from the line of Judah. All the kings following David were from his lineage descending from Judah. The Chronicler covered that family in Chapter 3.
Marvel at what you’ve just read over the last eight chapters. The Chronicler didn’t have the internet as a source of information. The family lines he has recorded were taken from several different sources. There are inconsistencies as you might expect in any record keeping covering hundreds of years. I can’t even begin to imagine.
Being part of God’s family was a big deal. Did the people mentioned on these pages of Scripture realize the history they were part of? God’s story continues with us today even if our names don’t appear in Scripture. How does it make you feel to be part of something so vast?
Take some time today to thank God for family. You can pray about your family of origin, your church family, friends or colleagues at work, etc. Think of all the different communities you belong to. How is God moving in those relationships?
Let’s pray. Lord, I am amazed at the depth of detail the Chronicler recorded for us. And to think you loved every single one of those mentioned, just like you love me. Your capacity to love has no boundaries. Thank you for loving me and giving me life. Help me to use the gifts you have given me to bring glory to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
